Is itching a precursor to cancer?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 10, 2024
00:00
00:00

Most cases of skin itching are not directly related to cancer. Itchy skin is mainly associated with allergies or dry skin, and a reduction in the secretion of sebaceous glands. Some patients experience itching due to long-term diabetes, and it is most commonly seen in the elderly. Some elderly people also develop chronic itching due to frequently bathing in hot water. Once itchy skin occurs, treatment at the dermatology department of a formal hospital with anti-allergy medication is generally sufficient. Avoid bathing in overly hot water, spicy and irritant foods, and staying up late. After bathing, it is advisable to use a moisturizer extensively. While this condition generally has no correlation with cancer, some patients diagnosed with cancer may also experience itching, though it is not related to the simple presence of itchy skin.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
58sec home-news-image

Is itching a precursor to cancer?

Most cases of skin itching are not directly related to cancer. Itchy skin is mainly associated with allergies or dry skin, and a reduction in the secretion of sebaceous glands. Some patients experience itching due to long-term diabetes, and it is most commonly seen in the elderly. Some elderly people also develop chronic itching due to frequently bathing in hot water. Once itchy skin occurs, treatment at the dermatology department of a formal hospital with anti-allergy medication is generally sufficient. Avoid bathing in overly hot water, spicy and irritant foods, and staying up late. After bathing, it is advisable to use a moisturizer extensively. While this condition generally has no correlation with cancer, some patients diagnosed with cancer may also experience itching, though it is not related to the simple presence of itchy skin.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 8sec home-news-image

What should I do if my skin is itchy and oozing yellow fluid?

For skin itchiness accompanied by symptoms like oozing yellow fluid, which align with changes seen in eczema, it is necessary to enhance skin cleanliness and provide symptomatic treatment with anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory measures. Avoid spicy, stimulating foods and seafood products, and reinforce local cleanliness to prevent secondary infections. Apply a 3% boric acid solution externally, and after the surface liquid has dried, further apply Clobetasol Propionate Econazole Cream. Take orally Mycostatin sustained-release tablets, Total Glucosides of Paeony Capsules, and Tripterygium Wilfordii Polyglycosides Tablets, among other medications. If the condition is severe, an intramuscular injection of Compound Betamethasone can be administered to control the situation until the skin lesions stabilize, after which non-steroidal categories should be used. (Note: Use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 5sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have itchy skin?

If you experience itchy skin, it is advisable to visit a hospital to determine the cause. Some cases of skin itchiness are caused by internal diseases such as thyroid disorders, renal insufficiency, diabetes, and cholestasis. Other cases may be due to conditions like eczema, urticaria, or papular urticaria. If the skin itchiness is not accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it may be considered pruritus. Treatment should be under the guidance of a doctor, using antiallergic medications such as loratadine tablets, chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, and mizolastine tablets. For conditions like eczema and papular urticaria, as well as drug-related dermatitis, topical antipruritic medications like mometasone furoate gel and Lushengshi wash can be applied. These should be used in conjunction with oral antiallergic drugs. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gan Jun
Endocrinology
1min 3sec home-news-image

How to treat high blood sugar and itchy skin?

Skin itching caused by high blood sugar requires a clear understanding of the cause of the itching. On one hand, it is mainly associated with elevated blood sugar levels, and on the other hand, it may be related to peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. A third consideration is secondary fungal or bacterial skin infections caused by high blood sugar. For these conditions, the first step is to test blood sugar levels. If a significant increase in blood sugar is found, it is important to adjust the existing sugar-lowering plan promptly to bring blood sugar levels within an ideal range. At the same time, medications that nourish the nerves, including cobamamide and vitamin B2, can be taken. For patients with secondary skin infections, appropriate antibacterial or antifungal ointments may be given. It is also important to maintain skin cleanliness and avoid eating spicy and irritating foods. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
1min 2sec home-news-image

Causes of itchy skin on the lower legs in summer

In summer, if you experience itching on the lower legs, it's important to consider summer dermatitis. Summer dermatitis is a seasonal skin disorder caused by hot weather, commonly affecting adults' limbs, especially the lower legs. The outer side of the lower legs, or the front part, typically shows symptoms. The characteristics of the lesion include localized bright red erythema with dense, medium-sized papules. Scratching can lead to scratch marks, scabs, and significant discoloration, but generally, there is no erosion or exudation. The condition is clearly related to temperature and climate, so it typically improves when the temperature drops, and can be cured by autumn or winter. It is important to maintain a living environment with good ventilation and cooling, wear loose clothing, and keep the skin clean and dry. Treatment mainly involves topical remedies, including applying calamine lotion and washing with decoctions of traditional Chinese medicine.