Wallace writes about the Zyrtec+Zantac (ZZ) treatment for his polycythemia vera itching, and I thought that I'd give this a try for a week for my own itching. My experience was mixed.
Here's more:
I had allergies well before my ET was diagnosed. They began as mild seasonal allergies when I was a child. In middle age, they got worse. I developed a sensitivity to pet dander, perfumes, some spices, MSG. Then I developed mild lactose intolerance and some bronchial irritation that requires an inhaler occasionally. One year I ended up in urgent care when my lower lip swelled to three times its normal size. The doc gave me some Benadryl and told me to get an artificial Christmas tree.
As a result of my allergenic past, I was already taking loratadine (Claratin) every day, year round. It does not make me sleepy, and keeps the worst of the itching, sneezing, and angioedema (swelling, especially in the eyes, lips, nose) at bay. Recently, I've had some heartburn/acid reflux, though not severe or frequent. This seems to be a problem that often accompanies itching in MPN patients.
I wondered if I would do better with ZZ instead of the loratadine. I bought the generics because they are cheaper. The whole outlay was about $14.
After a week, I decided this wasn't a good choice for me because the Zyrtec, while it worked faster than the Claratin and was effective at reducing allergic symptoms, made me sleepy. The 75 mg of the Zantac, morning and evening, caused some mild bowel upsets, though the acid reflux went away.
After a couple of days, I began taking the Zyrtec at night instead of the morning, and that change reduced daytime sleepiness. However, the ZZ didn't reduce allergic reactions any better than the loratadine, and I decided the Zantac was a wash.
What works for me
So I'm back to the loratadine, and I take those chalky heartburn tablets (think Tums) for the occasional acid reflux. I also avoid some spices and processed foods. I check labels to avoid MSG, which is in ingredients lists on food packages in the U.S.
I learned to avoid perfumes in cleaning and laundry products some years ago. I also use unscented lotions, soaps, and deodorants. I also opt for hypoallergenic make-up, which I only wear to work. I buy clothes based on comfort; anything that's scratchy gets nixed, and that includes most wool and some linen (though you can soften that up in a vinegar rinse). And God bless whoever thought up tagless underwear!
If I get the all-over itchies, I find that Benadryl gel works well. It is unscented and works almost immediately. An old home remedy that also works for me is baking soda. Dissolve a tablespoon in a cup of warm water, and apply it with a soft cloth.
ALSO: Finally, for sinus problems, I started using a neti pot. You can get these at any drug store for cheap. They allow you to gently sluice out your sinuses. I have not had any sinus infections since I started using this once or twice a day. I also use a humidifier in winter when the furnace is on. (Thanks to a FB reader for reminding me to add this bit.)
These are pretty easy changes to make and may help your itching if it tends to be sporadic and relatively mild like mine.
Be well!
I am 65 year old male, diagnosed with PV 4 years ago. Only reliable "cure" for itchies for me was Zyrtec twice a day with my Hydroxyurea. I used to use a gel cooling pad or just lay flat naked on the hardwood floor and change spots until I was good. I do take 45 minute naps 2 or 3 times a day. When I work my part time job I drink energy drinks to get by. Doing ok right now. Friends my age with sleep apnea are jealous that I get so much sleep. So I got that goin' for me.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! I get red hot flushing in my feet and the cold floor trick does work. Lots of people get relief from Zyrtec because it works really fast. One lady at the MPan conference said it was really helpful for her, too. I will stick with Claratin because it doesn't make me zzzzzzzz.
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