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Real members of myMPNteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone else suffer with extreme back itching

A myMPNteam Member asked a question 💭
September 7
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Reactions
A myMPNteam Member

. Itches come and go with me. Cortizone-10 "Intensive Healing Itch Relief Cream" is another product that helped. Directions on it say "not more than 3 to 4 times daily.". The strongest I found was Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion, but I dislike that product's odor. Label says it provides "Fast-acting, Soothing Itch Relief" for problems like poison ivy, chicken pox, and allergic reactions. Good luck!

September 10
A myMPNteam Member

I itch all over not just back, every place I itch comes up in urticaria.

September 8
A myMPNteam Member

I have been helped by over-the-counter anti-itch creams, such as Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion. Good Luck!

September 7
myMPNteam

Absolutely — itchy skin is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms reported by people with MPNs, and the back is definitely not off-limits! One myMPNteam member shared, "My right hip area drives me nuts," and another said, "The itching is unbearable sometimes."

Itching in MPNs is thought to be caused by abnormal Show Full Answer

Absolutely — itchy skin is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms reported by people with MPNs, and the back is definitely not off-limits! One myMPNteam member shared, "My right hip area drives me nuts," and another said, "The itching is unbearable sometimes."

Itching in MPNs is thought to be caused by abnormal cells releasing too much histamine and cytokines — molecules that trigger inflammation and that "I need to scratch everything" feeling. Some common triggers to be aware of include:

- Hot baths or showers
- Alcohol consumption
- Sudden temperature changes
- Sweating
- Wearing overly warm clothes to bed
- Cold, dry weather

There are several ways to help manage the itch:

- Use a chilled moisturizer or emollient regularly
- Try cold water instead of hot when bathing
- Over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra may help
- Stay hydrated and exercise when possible

If the itching becomes severe or unmanageable, it's really worth bringing up with a doctor. Medications like Hydroxyurea or Jakafi (Ruxolitinib) have helped many people with MPN-related itching — though a doctor will determine what's right for each individual.

September 7
A myMPNteam Member

Itching on my back--actually in just the quadrant right of the spine. That's been my problem for a long time. It comes and goes, and it is awful when you try to scratch it. That's why I have a trusty long-handled back scratcher that comes to the rescue. Also, someone here had suggested an anti-itch lotion that I have tried and found it to be helpful when none of the other umpteen products have helped. It is called SARNA, an anti-itch lotion for sensitive people. It contains Pramoxine hydrochloride 1% and contains aloe.

October 21

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