Not a skin disease, but a cancer warning? Abnormal skin is a warning sign of cancer
Mr. Zhang, 45, recently encountered an annoyance, he always felt that his skin was itchy, and that feeling was like countless small insects crawling around his body.
In order to stop the itching, he listened to his wife's advice and applied moisturizer every day, but the situation did not improve.
Gradually, Mr. Zhang found that his chest, thighs, and back were itchy everywhere, and his skin began to turn yellow, which had seriously affected his life and work.
In the end, Mr. Zhang couldn't take it anymore and decided to go to the hospital to see what was going on.
The results of the examination shocked his heart - pancreatic head cancer, he never imagined that this itching all over his body would be related to cancer.
In fact, some cancers can make people itch all over the body, so what is the difference between this itch and ordinary itching?
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How is ordinary itchy skin different from itchy skin from tumors?
Itchy skin, although a common symptom, is the cause behind it is varied.
In general, environmental factors, such as a dry climate, skin contact with irritants, or skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause itchy skin.
As we age, the skin naturally ages and sebum production decreases, which also makes the skin more prone to dryness and itching.
However, when itchy skin is not caused by these common factors, we should be alert to possible internal diseases.
There are three main differences between skin itching caused by cancer and ordinary itching:
1. Symptoms are different: Itching caused by cancer may be accompanied by yellowing of the skin, weight loss, and loss of appetite, and there is no obvious skin damage.
2. Different reactions after medication: Conventional antipruritic drugs have no obvious effect on itching caused by cancer.
3. Different influences by objective factors: ordinary itching can be improved by environmental factors, while itching caused by cancer is usually unrelated to the environment and difficult to relieve.
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Itchy skin, alert to the signs of 5 types of cancer
1. Skin malignant tumors
For example, cutaneous lymphoma and melanoma should be highly suspicious if the skin itching is widespread, long-lasting, and recurrent, accompanied by weight loss, fever, or swollen lymph nodes.
Itching in melanoma is often associated with changes in the mole, such as an enlargement, darkening of the mole, or an irregular shape.
2. Cervical cancer
Common symptoms may include itching in the lower body, especially with abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding.
These symptoms are often associated with HPV infection and can be detected early by regular check-ups.
3. Rectal and anal canal cancer
Perianal itching may be an early sign of rectal cancer, and if accompanied by a change in bowel habits or pain around the anus, you should seek immediate medical attention for an anorectal examination.
4. Malignant tumors of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors
Itching caused by this type of cancer is often accompanied by jaundice and digestive symptoms, and abnormal liver function affects bilirubin metabolism, which can lead to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
5. Malignant tumors of the brain
Brain tumors may cause central nervous system dysfunction that affects the body's sensory system, causing itching or paresthesias in specific areas.
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Doing these 5 things well may help relieve itchy skin
1. Symptomatic use of drugs
If itching recurs, you should first consult your doctor for a thorough examination to determine the cause, and the doctor may recommend appropriate medications depending on the specific condition.
For cancer-related itching, specific treatments for the underlying condition may be needed.
2. Take good care of your skin
Keeping your skin clean and moisturized is an essential way to relieve itching, and it is recommended to use gentle, soap-free cleansers and moisturizers, especially during the dry season.
Avoid using any cosmetics or personal care products that may irritate the skin.
3. Avoid contact with allergens
Allergies are one of the common causes of itching, and identifying and staying away from potential allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc., can effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of itching.
4. Reasonable meal matching
A balanced diet can help enhance the body's overall health and immunity, and eating more foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and flaxseeds, can help improve skin conditions.
At the same time, reduce your intake of spicy and greasy foods, which may exacerbate the itching sensation of your skin.
5. Regularity of life/emotional stability
Maintaining regular lifestyle habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating a regular diet and exercising, can help improve your physical health and reduce your risk of disease.
In addition, it is also very important to maintain a good state of mind, stress and anxiety can not only exacerbate itchy skin, but may also affect the recovery process from cancer.
Sometimes skin abnormalities are not just superficial issues, they can be hidden in a deeper health problem.
We should learn to listen to the voice of the body, detect problems in time and seek professional help, health is priceless, and cherishing life starts from paying attention to every little detail.