Itching can cause restlessness, anxiety, skin sores, and infection. Common causes in people with cancer include dry skin, changes in the blood, allergies, side effects of medicines, and chemo or radiation therapy. Other illnesses and certain kinds of cancer can also cause itching.

What to look for

• Dry, red, rough, flaky skin
• Skin or whites of eyes have a yellow color
• Rash or bumps
• Scratch marks
• Skin sores
• Scratching without thinking about it

What the patient can do

To soothe the skin:

• Apply skin creams with a water-soluble base, such as aloe vera or menthol-based lotion 2 to 3 times a day, especially after a bath when the skin is damp. Or use calamine lotion (Caladryl^®) or witch hazel if they soothe the itching, but note that they can cause dryness.
• Use warm water for bathing instead of hot .
• Add baking soda, oatmeal (in a cloth or mesh bag), or bath oil to bath water.
• Wash skin gently using a mild, unscented soap.
• Use baking soda instead of deodorant.
• Avoid using scented or alcohol-based products on the skin (powders, after shaves, perfumes). Cornstarch-based powders may clump in moist areas and cause irritation.
• Use an electric razor rather than a blade to avoid cuts and irritation.
• Change bed sheets daily.
• Keep room cool (60° to 70° F) and well ventilated to avoid sweating.
• Drink as much water and other fluids as you can.
• Get enough rest.

To reduce the desire to scratch:

• Apply cool wet packs (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. Use again as needed.
• Keep nails clean and short. Wear clean fabric gloves if you scratch without thinking about it.
• Try rubbing, pressure, cool cloths, or vibration instead of scratching. Avoid breaking the skin. Get gentle massages at night.
• Wear loose clothing made of a soft fabric
• Distract yourself with music, reading, and the company of others.
• Take medicines for itching as prescribed by your doctor.

What caregivers can do

• Try using mild, unscented detergents to wash clothes and bedding.
• If the patient scratches in his or her sleep, clean cotton gloves may reduce skin damage.

Call the doctor if the patient:

• has itching does not go away after 2 or more days
• develops a yellowish color of the skin, or urine turns the color of tea
• scratches skin until it is open or bleeding
• has a rash that gets worse after creams or ointments have been applied
• has a foul-smelling drainage or pus from the skin
• becomes very anxious and restless (cannot sleep through the night due to itching)
• develops hives (itchy white or red welts on the skin), shortness of breath, swelling of the throat or face, or other symptoms of severe allergic reaction

Go to a list of symptoms to find other problems in Caring for the Patient with Cancer at Home: A Guide for Patients and Families.

Revised: 04/07/08