I suffer from Essential Thrombocythemia for which I take Hydroxycarbamide. I generally feel O.K. except that I have a skin itch which detracts from my quality of life. Although it does occur during the day, it is at its worst at night (when I've no other distractions) and is often triggered by a reduction in temperature (when I get up to go to the toilet etc.). I've tried a variety of antihistamines which have no effect. A few years ago, before I was diagnosed with ET, I attended the Dermatology Dept of my local hospital and had a course of UV which helped a little. After the course, the itch came back almost immediately and my GP referred me again but that was more than three years ago and I'm told that I still have, at least, another six months to wait. I now am fairly sure that the itch is a result of the ET (which hadn't been diagnosed before) and find myself wondering if there is any point attending Dermatology when I eventually get an appointment. From my research on the Web I've learned that skin itch affects about 40% of ET sufferers but have found no answer to the itch. Is it just something I have to live with or should I wait to see if the dermatologists can provide some relief (and a good night's sleep!)?
