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January 3, 2023
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Members with lymphoma opened up about dealing with ongoing itching, sharing that it often comes and goes and can be hard to pinpoint since so... Read more

Members with lymphoma opened up about dealing with ongoing itching, sharing that it often comes and goes and can be hard to pinpoint since so many things can trigger it. Several members shared helpful strategies including switching to fragrance-free soaps like Ivory, using CeraVe lotion, taking low-dose Benadryl, keeping a food journal to spot dietary triggers like dairy, and cooking at home with whole foods. A recurring theme was frustration with doctors dismissing the symptom, with many encouraging others to keep advocating for themselves and always check with their doctor before trying anything new.

A MyLymphomaTeam Member

Michele3,
Hi a nurse once told me to not use body washes with perfume in them. To use Ivory soap. So that's what I use. I also use CeraVe lotion. It does really help. You can get that at any drug store too. Good luck. Kelly

January 4, 2023
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

Mine does....but everybody is different. I still have itchy scalp most of the time - it is not insane level but an indicator that something is still not quite as it should be. The hard part is that itchiness can be caused by so many different things. I know that I have taken over the counter Benadryl a couple of times over the past year or so when it ramps up. The thing is I am not your Dr so PLEASE consult with yours before you take anything new. It can make you very sleepy so please also take that into account. The topical anti-itch products may help but after trying a couple I decided that it is not worth the expense for me (and really aren't practicable for scalp itch...LOL). Lastly - this journey has taught me that I have diet issues - dairy causes my inner ears to itch like crazy (with sinus congestion and upset tummy) - but it is especially hard for me to resist. I know what happens when I have a weak moment. So, it may be a good idea to pay attention to your diet (keep a food journal of what you eat - everything. and how that makes you feel). Unfortunately eating out and processed, convenience foods have been a part of my challenges - you never know what may be in those. Cooking at home with organic, and whole, basic unprocessed foods if feasible has been eye opening and a very positive change. Again - you need to consult with your Dr(s) and keep mentioning it (and make sure that it is in their notes). Itching, like nausea, usually is on their not much to be concerned about list. It is not fatal but can be indicative of who knows what. Good Luck!

January 3, 2023 (edited)
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

I posted about itching a while back and another member mentioned this article. Playing it forward:

https://www.mylymphomateam.com/resources/parane...

January 3, 2023
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

I heard horror stories regarding dermatologist. All of the above from barely looking at you area of inflammation, no skin sample, no questions about meds taken or food allergies etc...its a wonder they're still in business. I am sorry you're added to the list of complaints.
NHL dx almost two years now and yes itching. Had radiation no chemo. Thought I was bugging about itching now I am not. I believe in prayer and will continue. Definitely, been watching my soaps and detergent over years now before dx.
Praying for a remedy but I do take B complex, it helps with nerve repair which seems to be the culprit.

19 hours ago
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

A story to share about itching:

I just went to a new dermatologist for my 6 month skin check. I relayed my history of itching - intense itching, dx of NHFL (oh - you have lymphoma??? Don't you love when they don't even read the new patient info you submit???), significant symptom at the beginning, then totally blown off by 2 oncos - told to see my derm, who told me to talk to the Rheumatologist (he thought it was related to arthritis), My Rheum basically laughed at that assumption, So as my scalp continues to itch (over a year) and have other itching, rashes that come and go. The derm had already given my scalp a 15 sec look. He said that it was likely related to the Lymphoma. When I pressed him, he said that there are symptoms that they can't do anything about so they don't focus on those things. He said it so matter of fact that I had to respond. I said great - then they need to say. A simple acknowledgement that there is a connection and they don't know or can't fix it rather than just ignoring the report if very different than 100% blowing it off. The tech in the room laughed and agreed with me. (I am quite sure that she will get a "talking to" about her comment. But it did make me feel like I was not crazy!) Told I would get a script for special shampoo - The pharmacy never got it. Calling to FU - 'cause that's what I do. LOL

Biopsy results currently Non CA - but long technical name. YEAH!!!

Have you ever been to a new Dr of any type where they don't look at meds you take, review your history or ask for any updates? I don't understand....

The speed that the entire encounter took place - from start to finish was under 20 minutes including waiting in line behind 3 people to check in / pay, wait for appt, undress, 5 minutes with Dr, injection by DTC, (biopsy, two areas frozen - 2 minutes), redress, and FU appt made. My head is still spinning. Maximum factory production line speed - never seen anything like it.

April 15, 2023

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