What should I know and do about itching?

ACS Answer

Itching can result in restlessness, anxiety, skin sores, and infection. Common causes in people with cancer include dry skin, toxins in the blood, allergy, side effects of medications, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

What to look for

• Dry, red, rough, flaky skin
• Yellow color to skin
• Rash
• Scratch marks
• Skin sores
• Scratching without thinking about it

What to do

• Apply skin creams with a water-soluble base, such as aloe vera lotion, two or three times a day, especially after a bath when the skin is damp.
• Use warm instead of hot water for bathing.
• Add baking soda or bath oil to bath water.
• Wash skin gently using a mild soap.
• Use baking soda instead of deodorant.
• Apply a cool wet pack (crushed ice in a plastic bag which is then wrapped in a towel) to the skin, remove it when it becomes warm, and let skin dry; reapply as needed.
• Keep nails clean and cut short.
• Try rubbing, pressure, or vibration instead of scratching.
• Wear loose clothing made of a soft fabric.
• Change bed sheets daily.
• Keep room cool (60°-70°F) and well ventilated.
• Drink as much water and other fluids as possible
• Get adequate rest.
• Take medications for itching as ordered by your doctor.

Do not

• Use hot water for baths
• Scrub skin—instead, be gentle
• Wear tight clothing
• Use a lot of top bedding
• Use scented and alcohol-based products on skin
• Use harsh detergents

Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms

• Itching that does not go away after two or more days
• Skin that takes on a yellowish color, or if urine turns the color of tea
• If you scratch open your skin
• A rash that becomes worse after creams or ointments have been applied
• Foul-smelling drainage from the skin
• If you become very anxious and restless (e.g., cannot sleep through the night due to itching)
• Hives

Related Resources

Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.

Recommended Consultation

You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.

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