Can lymphoma cause rashes under the arms?
Yes, lymphoma can cause rashes in your armpits. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, which are types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affect the skin, can develop rashes in areas not exposed to the sun, including your armpits.
The most common type is mycosis fungoides, which tends to appear in Show Full Answer
Can lymphoma cause rashes under the arms?
Yes, lymphoma can cause rashes in your armpits. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, which are types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affect the skin, can develop rashes in areas not exposed to the sun, including your armpits.
The most common type is mycosis fungoides, which tends to appear in covered areas like the armpits, upper thighs, groin, and breasts. This rash can look scaly and red, with small raised bumps, hardened skin that may differ in color, or even skin ulcers.
Another condition called Sézary syndrome can cause an itchy, peeling rash all over your body, including under your arms. The affected skin may feel hot, sore, and very itchy.
These lymphoma rashes are often mistaken for other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, which can delay diagnosis. A MyLymphomaTeam member shared frustration about this: "I'm so irritated; I have new spots and went to a dermatologist and they tried to tell me that it's eczema."
If you have an armpit rash, see your doctor or a dermatologist to determine the cause. If it's lymphoma-related, the rash should improve once you start cancer treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe topical corticosteroids (creams or ointments) to help relieve inflammation and discoloration while you're being treated.
April 5
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