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.
Scalp pruritus is a common and distressing symptom. It is most commonly associated with seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis but appears often without any noticeable skin lesion or obvious diagnosis.
Itchy skin could be a sign of skin cancer if it is accompanied by: A new skin growth or lesion. A change in a mole, such as a spread of pigment beyond the border. A sore that continually crusts over but doesn't heal.
The good news is that itchy skin is typically not a sign of cancer. This symptom may occur because of complications of the disease, and itchy, flaky skin and rashes are common side effects of some cancer drugs.
Some cancers cause itching. We don't fully understand why. Doctors think it may be due to substances released by the tumour or by the body reacting to the tumour. The itching tends to be all over the body but worse on the legs and chest.
Itching without a rash can also occur in those with Hodgkin lymphoma or cancer of the blood cells. Other symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include: swelling of the lymph nodes, such as those in the neck, groin, or armpits.
Itching caused by lymphoma can affect: areas of skin near lymph nodes that are affected by lymphoma. patches of skin lymphoma. your lower legs.
When should you seek medical help? If the itchiness doesn't go away in a few days and is accompanied by hair loss, pain, sores, or intense itching, see your doctor. An itchy scalp due to a fungal infection, lice, and some other conditions won't go away without medical treatment.
If you're constantly scratching your head because of an itchy scalp, it could be more than just dandruff. Many conditions can cause an itchy scalp ― from dandruff to ringworm or something more serious like a bacterial infection or autoimmune condition.
1 Several underlying brain disorders present with dysesthesia, most commonly as neuropathic itch. This type of itch has been described in several neurologic conditions, including stroke, tumors, vascular malformations, demyelinating disease, and radicular compression.
Not many studies have been done on itching as a symptom for skin cancers, but a 2014 study found that itching was a prevalent symptom in 36.9% of all non-melanoma skin cancers. The prevalence of itch was highest for patients with squamous cell carcinoma, at 46.6%.
Some types of skin cancer spread along the nerves. If this happens, it can cause itching, pain, numbness, tingling, or a feeling like there are ants crawling under the skin. Other signs may include a lump or bump under the skin in areas such as the neck, armpit, or groin.
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.
If your scalp is dry, itchy, and flakey, then you may have dandruff. The causes of this condition vary: a chronic scalp disorder that replaces skin cells too quickly, poor hygiene, or even a weak immune system. The simplest treatment is a dandruff shampoo or scalp treatment.
Autoimmune diseases that have been linked with scalp itch are dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and Sjögren syndrome. Itch may or may not be associated with skin lesions.
There's a wide range of causes. Dandruff and an inflammatory skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis are the most common causes of itchy scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis can be the result of stress, seasonal changes, fluctuating hormones, or an overgrowth of yeast on the skin.
When anxiety kicks in, your body's stress response can go into overdrive. This can affect your nervous system and cause sensory symptoms like burning or itching of the skin, with or without visible signs. You can experience this sensation anywhere on your skin, including your arms, legs, face, and scalp.
So how can stress cause an itchy scalp? "Stress raises levels of androgens (male hormones) in our body,” Dr Chan explains. “This causes our scalp to become oilier, which dandruff-causing yeast love to feed on (hence the itching)."
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).
Cytokines can irritate nerve endings in the skin, which can in turn cause persistent itching. Many individuals experience this itchiness in their hands, lower legs or feet, while others feel it throughout their entire body. Patients often report that the itching tends to worsen while they are lying in bed at night.
The most common causes of a chronically itchy scalp at night are psoriasis and atopic dermatitis . Psoriasis can flare up due to changes in diet, environment, or stress. When scalp itchiness disrupts sleep, it can increase stress, which in turn can exacerbate a psoriasis flare.
Symptoms of itching with liver disease
Itching associated with liver disease tends to be worse in the late evening and during the night. Some people may itch in one area, such as a limb, the soles of their feet, or the palms of their hands, while others experience an all-over itch.