Itching query

Hi  and a warm welcome to this corner of the Community although I am sorry to see you joining us.I am Mike and I help out around our various Lymphoma groups. 

For some context I was diagnosed way back in 1999 at 43 with a rare (8 in a million) incurable but treatable type of Cutaneous T-Cell NHL (a type of slow growing Low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma) ……. eventually reaching Stage 4a in late 2013 when a second, also rare (4 in a million) type of aggressive Peripheral T-Cell - Not Otherwise Specified NHL (a type of fast growing High-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma) was then presenting so I appreciate the challenges of this journey rather well.

Itching is most certainly one of the Symptoms of both Hodgkins and Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.

My CTCL is actually one of the very rare skin Non Hodgkins Lymohomas and back in 1999 it started as a small itch on my back but quickly developed into a developing rash….. my great GP tried all the tools in his tool box but after 9 months was sent to Dermatology….. but even with my Derm being 99% sure as to what types of Lymphoma I had it took a further year and 6 biopsies to get the truth.

Over all my 25 years my bloods never showed anything that pointed to Lymphoma…. but from talking with others who have navigated the diagnosis a prolonged itch would often be accompanied by some of the other symptoms….

You need to keep working with your GP to rule out all possibilities and try and pinpoint what this could be.

Thanks for the response. Yeah I've been back once and said this just isn't working. The Dr has asked me to go for another blood test in a couple of weeks time to see whether it's picks up anything else. If it persists I will be referred to Dermatology. 

So tthinking will see out the few weeks until the blood tests and then ask to be referred. I went swimming with the kids today and water seems to bring on the itching worse. Same after a shower.

Having had years sitting chatting with folks in Dermatology waiting rooms and with clinical staff……. it is apparent that our skin is most likely the most delicate and reactive parts of our body and can react for multiple reasons…… often the source is not found….. but one woman’s skin completely changed just because she changed her washing powder….. and another was due to her developing a gluten intolerance…..

About 5 years ago my wife had bad itching skin and then developed patches and she was actually sent to my Dermatologist.

It turned out she had Lichen Planus….. the cause was not clear although possible causes include: Hepatitis C, a virus that attacks your liver. Certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria…… even reactions to metal fillings in your teeth…….. but she had none of these….. but the Derm did say that as her mother had died at around the same time that this started and my wife’s immune system had been overworked due to a few infections this could have opened the door for this condition to develop…… but she used steroid creams on and off and it was gone after a year.

I hope you get answers soon.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah we went through numerous things like washing powder, cat, change in eating but it eventually looks like it came down to heat/water.

Thanks and we shall see what happens in the next few weeks.

So sorry to hear this. I have a transplanted immune system and, if not suppressed, it attacks my body. This manifests via intense itching on my upper body. It required several years and 7 varying regimens to control it.

There is a fair 'possibility' that this is immune system related, as in an auto-immune disorder of some type. There are about 75-80 known auto-immune conditions and perhaps hundreds more which have not been scientifically described. There is a blood test panel which may be done to detect if any of the known types are present., and this may well be worth enquiring about.

In my case, I have found that the only sure cure is hot water. I cannot recommend this for others, but it has been effective in my case. When exposed to hot water, the itch builds to an almost intolerable crescendo. At its worst, it nearly takes the breath away. However, within a few moments, the nerves begin to fatigue from the excessive response and the itching wanes. 

Afterward, I experienced several hours of relief. I used water as hot as I could possibly stand without burning, as this offered the most immediate and long-lasting result.

Even with a biological immune suppressant drug, the itch never completely subsides. However, it is reduced to such a degree that I seldom take notice of it. "If" you try such a measure, start with a small section of skin, such as one hand. It takes some experimentation, but it is drug free and may offer relief.