by David Wallace For many people living with polycythemia vera (PV) and other myeloproliferative neoplasms, stepping into a warm shower can trigger an unbearable sensation that has nothing to do with the water temperature. Aquagenic pruritus (intense itching that occurs after contact with water) remains one of the most frustrating symptoms patients face, affecting nearly […]
Observational Study Reveals Differences between Aquagenic and Non-aquagenic Itching in MPNs
Abstract Background Pruritus is a frequent symptom experienced by patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Aquagenic pruritus (AP) is the most common type. The Myeloproliferative Neoplasm-Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS) self-report questionnaires were distributed to MPN patients before consultations. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess clinical incidence (phenotypical evolution and […]
Zantac Recall Expands, New Options help PV patients calm Itching
MPN Patients have multiple Over The Counter options to relieve Itching! by Jennifer Acker For many PV patients the combination of Zantac (an H2 blocker) and Zyrtec (an H1 blocker) have been effective in providing relief from pruritus, a severe itching condition that is a common MPN symptom. PV Reporter first uncovered this impressive treatment […]
A Bad day Living with Polycythemia Vera
Publishers Note: This note was sent to me on the comments/share a story part of this website and grabbed my attention. It was written by Mike Norris. After exchanging several emails, he said “I am not always Mr Gloom and Doom, I just waxed poetic one night and wrote out what was going on inside […]
Mast Cells and Histamine in MPN-Related Itching Explained
Updated Feb. 21, 2025 Publisher’s Note: PV Reporter is very pleased to welcome Kate Newberry as contributing writer. She is collaborating with me on the Mast Cell Mania series providing the “medical commentary.” Kate Newberry is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center collaborating […]
