Polycythemia vera is a form of chronic leukemia that causes the bone marrow to produce excessive red blood cells (RBCs). Too many RBCs can make the blood thick and sluggish and increase one’s risk of blood clots. This may also lead to symptoms such as itchy skin, shortness of breath, and excessive sweating. The disorder progresses slowly, making it difficult to diagnose. That said, once diagnosed, various treatments can help manage the condition.

Early stage treatment
Treatment for polycythemia vera (or PV) in the early stages involves conservative options. The most common management option is frequent blood withdrawals through phlebotomy. This is the same procedure used to donate blood but may vary depending on one’s health condition. Phlebotomy may reduce the overall blood volume and the number of excess blood cells. If symptoms persist or worsen, the expert might recommend additional treatment options.

Treatments to reduce itching
For itching caused by advanced PV, a healthcare professional may recommend a range of management options, including phototherapy. This method involves using a combination of ultraviolet A (UVA) light and an organic compound to make the skin more receptive to the therapy.

Treatments to reduce RBC count
Various prescription-based options can help one manage red blood cell count. One of the most common options is Jakafi (Ruxolitinib). The treatment helps stop proteins in cells from growing. The prescription is available in tablet form, which one can take orally with a glass of water as directed.

Bone marrow transplant
Bone marrow (stem cell) transplants can help manage certain cases of polycythemia vera when other lines of treatment may have not worked or had limited effects. Additionally, a healthcare professional considers multiple factors before recommending the procedure, including the severity of one’s condition and the body’s healing capacity. The procedure involves the use of peripheral blood stem cells, which are immature in the bloodstream. In certain cases, an expert may use bone marrow or umbilical cord blood stem cells.

Other options
When affected by polycythemia vera, one must follow up regularly with the healthcare provider so the expert can track the condition’s progress. One must inform the professional about how they are responding to treatments and if there are any unusual effects. Additionally, the expert may suggest general lifestyle changes to prevent complications of PV, such as blood clots.

– Regular exercise may help one manage the condition. Regular movement could address complications like sluggish blood circulation. Walking and leg and ankle stretches are some ways to improve blood circulation.

– One may have to avoid low-oxygen environments, such as high altitudes. This could reduce oxygen in the body, which could make things worse for people with a higher number of RBCs.

– Keeping blood pressure levels in check will also help one manage polycythemia vera better.

– To tackle symptoms like itching, one must bathe in cool water and use a gentle cleanser. Pat drying the skin instead of rubbing it will help ease the symptoms. Additionally, introducing cornstarch to the bath could also help address itchy skin.