Is itching a precursor to cancer?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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.

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What causes postpartum breastfeeding skin itching?

During the postpartum breastfeeding period, some mothers may experience skin itching, which mainly depends on the cause. It is generally due to changes in physical constitution and other factors, such as sweat rash, prickly heat, and unexplained papules and hives. During breastfeeding, the most common cause of skin itching is sweat rash. Sweat rash occurs when the body sweats after childbirth, and patches appear in the skin folds, sometimes merging into a large area. At this time, it is important to keep the skin dry and topical antibiotics can be used for local application. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Causes of itching on the lower legs in summer

The causes of itchy skin on the lower legs during summer are usually related to various factors such as sun exposure and sweating. Diagnosed as summer dermatitis, it is necessary to apply sunscreen and provide symptomatic treatment with anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itch measures. Avoid irritating factors such as scalding washes and scratching, as well as excessive use of soaps. Furthermore, after bathing, it is timely to use medical skincare products, such as soft moisturizing cream or anti-itch moisturizing lotion, to maintain hydrated skin. Oral administration of drugs like levocetirizine tablets, moisturizing and anti-itch capsules, and vitamins is recommended. Topical applications in the itchy areas of the skin can include moisture-removing anti-itch cream or compound heparin sodium cream. Avoid the use of hormone-based medications as much as possible to prevent side effects such as hairiness and skin atrophy.

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How to treat itching caused by dry skin?

Itchy symptoms caused by dry skin often have no primary lesion, but scratching can lead to marks, blood scabs, and hyperpigmentation. This type of itch is common during the winter season. Another group affected is the elderly, who may experience itchiness related to skin aging, insufficient nourishment, and dry skin. Another condition is atopic dermatitis, which is more common in children and related to congenital immunity. It often presents as dry skin, erythema, scales, and itching on the flexor sides of the limbs. Whatever the cause of dry skin and resulting itchiness, the following points should be noted in daily care: First, the water temperature for bathing should not be too high, recommended to be below 37℃. Second, during bathing, it’s advisable not to use alkaline substances such as shower gel, soap, scented soap, sulfur soap, or even laundry detergent, as they can exacerbate skin dryness. Opt for mildly acidic or amino acid-based shower gels instead. Third, after bathing, it is recommended to apply body lotion, like baby cream and other special-function moisturizers such as barrier repair creams, to help alleviate itching due to dry skin.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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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.)

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What department should I go to for itchy skin?

There are many causes of itchy skin, which may be symptoms caused by some skin diseases, such as dermatitis and allergies. If these are the causes, it is recommended to see a dermatologist. It is also possible that the itchiness is caused by some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, in which case it is advised to see an endocrinologist. Additionally, it could be due to some gastrointestinal diseases, such as cirrhosis, and in such cases, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist.