Itching can be one of the cruelest forms of torture known to man. In many ways, it is one of the most annoying side effects of cancer and many of the medications that are used to treat it. There are two forms of itching the average cancer patient may experience, itching that comes on suddenly is referred to as "acute", and itching that occurs over a longer period of time is referred to as "chronic". The itching might occur by itself or along with various other symptoms. It may also be associated with a number of different types of cancer, including:
• AIDs • Leukemia
• Hodgkin's disease • Lymphoma
• Kaposi's sarcoma • Renal failure
• Liver metastases • And some antibiotics
Acute Itching
When this type of itching …show more content…
By notifying them of these chronic side effects as early as possible in your treatment, it will make it much easier for them to take care of them and reduce the impact chronic itching is going to have on your quality of life.
Once notified, your team of healthcare specialists will go over the onset, severity, duration, and pattern of the itching. It important you give a very detailed location or locations to help them take the right steps towards treating this allergic reaction. If you are currently taking any other kinds of medications, be sure to let your medical team know as they may be part of the cause of your itching.
Good Hygiene Is Vital to Reducing Itching
There is nothing more important in helping to reduce the amount of itching you have to deal with than good personal hygiene. This means far more than simply taking a shower on a regular basis, it also means you need to:
• Take showers instead of baths
• If your skin has not broken open, you can use bath