Skin irritations and problems such as dry, sore and itchy skin can be a symptom of lymphoma. Skin problems often start to go away once treatment for lymphoma starts. However, they can be a side effect of treatment and can develop during, or even after, treatment.
Researchers believe the itchiness is caused by cytokines, which are chemicals released by the body's immune system in response to lymphoma. Cytokines can irritate nerve endings in the skin, which can in turn cause persistent itching.
It can be severe and might also cause a burning sensation. It's uncommon to have a rash with it, unless you have skin lymphoma. Contact your GP if you have itching that affects your whole body or lasts for more than 2 weeks.
When dealing with lymphoma, these symptoms may come and go and are sometimes referred to as 'B symptoms. ' These symptoms can include a persistent, chronic fever; unintended weight loss, and excessive sweating, especially at night (night sweats).
Rash and itching
These rashes often occur in skin folds and can be easily confused with other conditions like eczema. They can spread as the lymphoma progresses. Lymphoma can also form lumps or nodules within the skin.
Itching as a symptom of lymphoma
Itching (pruritus) can be a symptom of some types of lymphoma: It is quite common with Hodgkin lymphoma. It is less common with most types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (other than cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a type of skin lymphoma).
The lesions are often itchy, scaly, and red to purple. The lymphoma might show up as more than one type of lesion and on different parts of the skin (often in areas not exposed to the sun). Some skin lymphomas appear as a rash over some or most of the body (known as erythroderma).
Many types of CTCL start as flat red patches on the skin, which can sometimes be itchy. With darker skin, the patches may appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. In the early stages, the skin patches can look like other common conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Swollen lymph nodes, a fever and night sweats may also be symptoms of the cold and flu. However, unlike the cold and flu, non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms typically do not go away. If you have symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, or symptoms are recurring and becoming more intense, you should see your doctor.
They can help to reduce itching, but don't work for everyone. Your doctor can prescribe antihistamines. There are many different types and they may give you some relief. They tend not to work so well for itching caused by lymphoma or due to jaundice caused by a blocked bile duct.
Lymphoma can cause a person to feel exceedingly itchy. This itchiness tends to be worse at night, when the person is lying in bed, and in some cases it can lead to an unpleasant burning sensation. In some instances, the itchiness may be accompanied by a rash, while at other times there will be no rash present at all.
See your doctor or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching: Lasts more than two weeks and doesn't improve with self-care measures. Is severe and distracts you from your daily routines or prevents you from sleeping. Comes on suddenly and can't be easily explained.
Itching is a common symptom of skin lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Itching is less common in most types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The itching might be caused by chemicals released by the immune system in reaction to the lymphoma cells.
Blood tests measure the amounts of certain types of cells and chemicals in the blood. They are not used to diagnose lymphoma, but they can sometimes help determine how advanced the lymphoma is.
When lymphoma affects the skin, it may cause a rash that appears as one or more scaly, reddish-to-purple patches, plaques, or nodules. A lymphoma rash, such as mycosis fungoides (MF), can be easy to confuse with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, which can cause similar symptoms.
The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches. The swelling is caused by an excess of affected lymphocytes (white blood cells) collecting in a lymph node (also called lymph glands).
Swollen lymph nodes, fever, and night sweats are common symptoms of lymphoma. Symptoms of lymphoma often depend on the type you have, what organs are involved, and how advanced your disease is. Some people with lymphoma will experience obvious signs of the disease, while others won't notice any changes.
Common symptoms of having lymphoma include swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, in your armpits or your groin. This is often but not always painless and often could be associated with fevers, or unexplained weight loss, or drenching night sweats, sometimes chills, persistent fatigue.
Severe intractable itch has been reported in lymphoma patients. Some of the most severe pruritic cases in our practice suffer from lymphoma.
While LyP is classified as pre-cutaneous T cell lymphoma, it is a chronic skin condition that may come and go spontaneously, even without treatment.
Common causes of itching
allergies or skin reactions. parasitic infestations – such as scabies. insect bites and stings. fungal infections – such as athlete's foot or vaginal thrush.
The causes of skin itching, or pruritis, are usually harmless. They are often temporary issues such as dry skin or a bug bite. Less commonly, nerves, kidneys, thyroid, or liver issues can cause itching sensations without necessarily causing a rash.
Both vitamin B12 and vitamin A deficiencies may also cause itchy skin, so if you are experiencing chronically itchy skin, getting your level of these vitamins tested can be helpful. This testing will help determine whether these deficiencies are at the root of your skin sensitivities and itchiness.