Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Reoccurring Itching On Left Calf In A Lymphoma Patient?
Question: Hello,
I have a very localized (area of about 4 inches on my outer left calf) reoccurring itch with no sign of rash. When I scratch a small red patch does appear but in a short time subsides (it's not residual of the scratching it's clearly a 'patch' which inflames RIGHT where the itch it). I've tried h-cortisone as well as benadryl cream to no avail. Would you say this is an indication of a systemic issue? The internet has be convinced I have lymphoma ;-/. I'm very scared
I have a very localized (area of about 4 inches on my outer left calf) reoccurring itch with no sign of rash. When I scratch a small red patch does appear but in a short time subsides (it's not residual of the scratching it's clearly a 'patch' which inflames RIGHT where the itch it). I've tried h-cortisone as well as benadryl cream to no avail. Would you say this is an indication of a systemic issue? The internet has be convinced I have lymphoma ;-/. I'm very scared
Brief Answer:
Need to look for allergic dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. Based on the history you have shared, the scratching in that area if done for longer time should naturally cause redness or inflammation which subsides after a while however if slight scratching leads to redness then it can be urticaria or allergic or contact dermatitis. However In any case it is not how lymphoma usually presents like. To start with get a blood count to look for increased white cells or eosinophil specifically. It will also rule out your primary suspicion of lymphoma upto very much extent. But rest assured it's not a usual presentation of a lymphoma. For further reassurance look for any glands in neck, arm pit or groins. Also get a review by a dermatologist for a detailed examination of that area. Meanwhile keep using anti histamines like cetrizine or loratidine for itching and steroids like topical hydrocortisone as you already are using. Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Need to look for allergic dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. Based on the history you have shared, the scratching in that area if done for longer time should naturally cause redness or inflammation which subsides after a while however if slight scratching leads to redness then it can be urticaria or allergic or contact dermatitis. However In any case it is not how lymphoma usually presents like. To start with get a blood count to look for increased white cells or eosinophil specifically. It will also rule out your primary suspicion of lymphoma upto very much extent. But rest assured it's not a usual presentation of a lymphoma. For further reassurance look for any glands in neck, arm pit or groins. Also get a review by a dermatologist for a detailed examination of that area. Meanwhile keep using anti histamines like cetrizine or loratidine for itching and steroids like topical hydrocortisone as you already are using. Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I plan on a visit to my general practitioner when they have availability. Would you say that a single ongoing case of puritis such as this isn't typically representative of any sort of cancer issue? Just curious.
Brief Answer:
No its not typically representative of cancers
Detailed Answer:
Hi Thanks for sharing the feedback. Usually such cases are not suggestive of carcinoma and representative mostly of atopy or allergic conditions. Like every headache isn't a brain tumor so same way it won't be a carcinoma.
Rest assured, it will turn out to be something minor and treatable.
Regards.
No its not typically representative of cancers
Detailed Answer:
Hi Thanks for sharing the feedback. Usually such cases are not suggestive of carcinoma and representative mostly of atopy or allergic conditions. Like every headache isn't a brain tumor so same way it won't be a carcinoma.
Rest assured, it will turn out to be something minor and treatable.
Regards.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
