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Whole body itching

Skeates
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I had chemotherapy that came to end in December 2023.  Since then I have had pretty severe perpheral neuropathy that is being treated with Pregabalin and Amitriptyline.

The side effects of these are insomnia which is no fun at all.  Alongside this I have develped overall body itching which is driving me to distraction especially at night when I am desperately trying to sleep

Can you advise is this likely to be a result of the drugs? 

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to hear about your difficult symptom of itching. Sometimes having a degree of peripheral neuropathy can result in a 'neuropathic itch' sensation.

    Taking a daily oral antihistamine may help. it might be worth trying anti pruritic (itch) creams and body wash from your local pharmacy to see if it helps. There are many on the market and a pharmacist can advise. Any drug can cause itching as a side effect, if there is a slight allergy response to the drug. So do discuss your current medication. Sometimes, oddly, swapping Brands of the same medicine can help, if there is one ingredient causing an issue.

    I am sorry that I cannot be of more specific help on this occasion.

    Kind regards,

    Vanda

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    Hi, I feel your pain! I had a full hysterectomy after being diagnosed with endometrial  cancer in Feb followed by chemo, radiotherapy and brachytherapy. It’s been a roller coaster and I reacted badly to the radiotherapy. After all this about 3 months ago I developed whole body itching which is the worst thing ever. I am so exhausted and sleep deprived and seriously feel I’m slowly going round the bend. Oncologist has offered no support other than take antihistamine which doesn’t do anything. I read that this could be linked to menopause and if this is life from now on it’s just not devastating. I am seriously depressed. 

  • in reply to Poline

    Hi There and thanks for the post

    The original forum member who started this post may not get back to you as it was some time ago so we thought we would reply to you.

    I am very sorry to hear about your situation and the persistent itch you have. Do let your doctor know that this is ongoing and how it is affecting you so they can help you manage this. Alternatively speak to a pharmacist at your local pharmacy as they can also give medical advice. There may be a different anti histamine they can prescribe for you to try. You may also find it useful to use a non perfumed moisturiser such as E45 or Eucerin on your skin before bed and see if this helps you at night.

    It sounds like you are struggling and it is important to get the support you need with all of this. If you have concerns that this may also be related to the menopause mention this to your doctor when you speak with them. You may also wish to reach out to the menopause and cancer charity so that you don't feel alone in this and find others to journey alongside you through this time. There are many different things to help with different symptoms that women may experience as hormone levels change in the body.

    I hope this helps in some way and that your itch settles for you and you start feeling better in yourself very soon.

    Do get back in touch if you need to and feel free to call us on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer to talk over the phone. We're here weekdays 9-5.

    Take care

    Naomi

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