Characteristics of skin itching caused by tumors

Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
Updated on September 06, 2024
00:00
00:00

Skin itching caused by tumors is generally stubborn and persistent, but there are no visible symptoms on the surface of the skin. This is because the biological factors released by tumor cells stimulate the surrounding nerves, leading to itching. For example, malignant lymphomas, cancers of the external genitalia, and cancers in female patients all exhibit itching during their progression.

Beyond skin itching, some patients may experience varying degrees of skin damage, including the appearance of erythema, blisters, or erosion. If these areas become infected, they can lead to skin breakdown and exudation. In addition to these symptoms, some patients may also experience skin thickening and scaling, as well as itching of the nose, anus, and genitals. There are many types of tumors that can cause itching, such as tumors on the forehead, rectum, colon, vagina, cervix, prostate, etc. Therefore, if a patient experiences symptoms of skin itching, it is crucial to maintain proper skin cleanliness promptly.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
52sec home-news-image

Can alcohol intoxication cause skin itching?

Alcohol intoxication does not cause itching. However, patients who are allergic to alcohol may experience itching, rashes, and other symptoms. Alcohol intoxication usually occurs when drinking excessively, surpassing the body's metabolic capacity and leading to intoxication. Symptoms include restlessness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and severe cases may lead to consciousness disorders. In cases of alcohol intoxication, inducing vomiting can be a method to alleviate the condition. This can be done by using a finger or a tongue depressor to stimulate the pharynx, causing vomiting to expel stomach contents and reduce alcohol absorption. It is advisable not to drink excessively, drink plenty of water, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, and it is best to abstain from alcohol for the benefit of your health.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
35sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
1min 16sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have itchy skin due to a seafood allergy?

Seafood allergies can cause symptoms such as itchy skin and rash. You can take oral antihistamines, such as cetirizine or loratadine, to alleviate the symptoms. If the itching is severe, you can have intravenous treatments with dexamethasone, a large amount of vitamin C, and calcium gluconate, among other antiallergic treatments, to ease the symptoms. It is also advisable to drink plenty of water and eat fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins, which can be beneficial for recovery. Avoid spicy, stimulating foods and yeast-containing products, and be cautious with your diet to avoid allergenic foods. If necessary, go to the hospital to identify the specific allergens to clearly understand what you are allergic to, which will help in avoiding allergic reactions in the future. If the itching is severe and accompanied by obvious rashes, topical calamine lotion can be applied to the affected area for its anti-inflammatory, itch-relief, and astringent properties, promoting recovery. If the condition is severe, further medical examinations and treatments in a hospital are essential to prevent a serious condition from developing. (Use of medication should be under the guidance of a physician)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
48sec home-news-image

Can I eat kelp if I have itchy skin?

Patients with itchy skin can generally consume kelp. Kelp is a type of seaweed that is low in fat and rich in trace elements like iodine, calcium, and copper. It is highly alkaline and helps maintain the body's acid-base balance. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, kelp has the effects of resolving phlegm, softening hard lumps, clearing heat, and promoting urination. Clinically, it is very rare to see patients allergic to kelp. Therefore, patients with itchy skin can generally eat kelp, unless they are absolutely allergic to it. However, since kelp is cold in nature, it is generally not suitable for people with a cold stomach, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women to consume in large quantities.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Ji Qing
Traditional Chinese Medicine
44sec home-news-image

How to deal with dry, itchy skin during menopause?

Menopause-related issues such as dry heat and itchy skin should be actively treated, for instance, by taking antihistamine or other anti-itch medications. Clinically, some may also opt for supplemental hormonal treatments. As menopausal skin itching varies in reason and severity, for some women, combining traditional Chinese medicine with good living habits may be beneficial. It is crucial to maintain a healthy life attitude and ensure overall physical and mental well-being to alleviate menopausal itchy skin symptoms. Menopause is a natural stage everyone goes through. Thus, it is important for menopausal women to foster good daily habits to better navigate their later years.