How Do You Relieve Itching During Cancer Treatment?
Itching interferes with quality of life and it can increase the risk of skin infection from scratching. Itching in cancer patients stems from a variety of causes. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and biological therapy can cause changes to the skin that cause itching. Infections or the healing process of wounds can cause itching. The cancerous tumor can also release inflammatory substances into the body that cause itching. Take lukewarm baths lasting no more than 30 minutes. Hot or long baths counteract the relieving effects of hydration by drawing moisture away from the skin. Trap moisture in the skin with a thin layer of lotion after bathing. Ask the doctor about using topical steroid creams, as they reduce skin thickness. Use cornstarch with caution. Cornstarch can relieve the itching caused by radiation therapy, but it promotes fungal growth on moist skin. Reduce the detergent residue in your clothing. Use detergents free of perfumes and dyes. Add ½ cup of v
