Considering trying Beta Alanine to stop my PV itch, but every time I Google what makes it STOP itch (i.e., how does it work?), all I come up with are articles that say it STARTS itch!
Did anyone w/ PV, AP, etc. have their itch actually intensify by taking BA?
Also curious if anyone happens to know what makes it "work" (I know why I itch with PV, just looking for what's combatted by the BA specifically).
TIA!
I been using beta alaine for the last 6 months and it helps reduce the intensity of the itch, although it not full proof. The side effects is a tingling sensation on the face, it lasts about a minute. I've found it works better for showering if I use it am, for some reason if I take it latter in the day I still itch. Your other query about how it works I don't know. Hope you get help.
hi , I have MPN & ET I take daily Aspirin & weekly injections of Interferon and had terrible itching until I started taking 1/2 teaspoon of Beta Alanine and I works , I does make you tingle slightly for about a 1 minute face and legs then it stops it’s definitely a tingle ( that’s not unpleasant) rather than an itch . I had exactly the same fear before I took it but I’m so glad I read on here about it . I take it in the morning. Hope this helps .
Hi,It depends on the dose. For me, if it is bigger than 1.5 g, there is a chance to trigger an itch. I usually take 1 g 30 min before shower, with good response. It does create a tingling on the face, however not unpleasant.
The mechanism of attenuating the pruritus is unknown, however there is an ipothesis that beta-alanine sends the signal to the same nerve receptors used by citokines involved in the MPN pruritus, therefore having both competing for the same signal pathway. Unfortunately, I don't have the link to that article anymore.
Hi Dane12. I have ET and started having aquagenic purity's (stinging after showering or swimming). I use Beta Alanine now (1/2 tsp to a glass of water) at least 1/2 an hour before getting into water and it has been a life changer for me. No stinging. I do get a slight tingling sensation after drinking the BA but is it not unpleasant. So, try it. You really have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I do hope it helps you.
Works great🙂. I read that histidine and beta alanine are connected. When histamine is high in the body beta alanine knocks it down.
I use about 1/2 teaspoon in a water bottle and drink it all day and fill it again in the afternoon or evening and sip on it again.
MPN specialist is happy I am doing great. I tried it while on holidays for 3 weeks, worked great. Felt fabulous.
Buy straight beta alanine, no sugar, no added flavours etc. - it has no flavour, dissolves easy. I bought mine from a local bodybuilding/ vitamin store.
🌺🌸🌼
PS if you start talking lots, feeling a bit hyper take less. I try and use just enough to keep the itch away. 🤞😊
Jak2+, PV, dose 90 pegasys/week, 54F
It made me very tingly, so maybe wise start low dose to see and build up, mind you I would take tingle before Olympic itching post shower
I don't know what stops or starts itching biologically regarding BA, but my MPN specialist prescribed Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride to relieve the symptoms of my occasional ET itch.
Hi TwinMom88,
Under the influence of [I believe] Hunter and EPguy- or one or the other, I started taking it about 4-5 months ago- and it has helped somewhat sometimes.
I take 1/2 the recommended dosage mixed in a soft drink, usually 1st thing in the morning, but occasionally 2x's a day, if I'm having a lot of break -through itch.
It doesn't really cause me to experience any itching, but my face, which [at least since my Hct and Hgb started going up >10 years ago] has always been kind of ruddy, gets hot and feels flushed, and SWMBO sometimes says I'm redder than usual.
Otherwise it's quite tolerable because I kinda of know to expect it.
Talk to your MD, and then try it if they think it's OK.
Best,
PA
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