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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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can I eat grapes if I have itchy skin?

Eating grapes is generally acceptable for skin itchiness. Grapes have a neutral nature and a sweet-sour taste. They are rich in glucose and fruit acids, and contain potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and other trace elements as well as an abundance of vitamins. Traditional Chinese Medicine states that grapes have effects such as replenishing qi and blood, strengthening muscles and bones, generating seminal fluid, enhancing spleen and appetite, and promoting diuresis and reducing swelling. Clinically, there are very few cases of grape consumption causing allergic skin itchiness.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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How to treat dry and itchy skin?

For dry skin accompanied by itching, which is diagnosed as dry eczema, it is necessary to enhance skin moisturizing care, drink more water, and timely use medical skin care products such as soft moisturizing cream after bathing with warm water. It is encouraged to drink Ophiopogon japonicus, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and a moderate amount of nuts, avoid spicy, stimulating, and fried foods, and take oral medications such as cetirizine tablets, moisturizing and anti-itch capsules, vitamin B1 tablets, and vitamin E. For itchy areas of the skin, topical application of dampness-removing and itch-relieving cream, heparin sodium cream, and other medications can be used. The key is to strengthen the daily repair of the skin barrier and reduce the use of alkaline substances. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Ji Qing
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should I do if I have itching all over my body during pregnancy?

Itchy skin during pregnancy is a relatively common phenomenon, but when dealing with itchy skin, it is important to identify the cause of the itchiness. The causes can include various rashes that appear during pregnancy, pruritic urticarial papules, and skin conditions caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. To treat itchy skin, it is necessary to address the underlying causes and use medications to relieve itchiness in daily life. It is advisable to wear loose, breathable, cotton clothes. If sweating occurs, try to dry the skin thoroughly and minimize the use of disinfectants or soaps that could irritate the skin. If itchy, one should avoid scratching to prevent skin infections, eat a light diet, and ensure adequate sleep to help alleviate the symptoms.