Antihistamines can offer some relief for lymphoma-related itching, especially sedating types at night to help sleep, but they aren't always effective because lymphoma itch often involves complex pathways beyond just histamine. For persistent itching, doctors might prescribe other treatments like topical steroids, antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs), gabapentin, or even light therapy, while the most significant relief often comes from treating the underlying lymphoma itself.
They can help to reduce itching, but don't work for everyone. Your doctor can prescribe antihistamines. There are many different types and they may give you some relief. They tend not to work so well for itching caused by lymphoma or due to jaundice caused by a blocked bile duct.
For example, medicines called antihistamines may help with some causes of itching. They can also recommend lotions and creams, such as menthol creams that help by cooling the skin. Tell the pharmacist where your skin is itchy and if you have any other symptoms.
Mycosis fungoides, which falls into the CTCL category, is a slow-developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma that begins with red, scaly patches—typically found on the lower trunk, thighs, buttocks or breasts. The patches may be itchy and may last for months or years.
Itchy Armpits
You may have itchy skin near a swollen lymph node in your armpit. Itching usually isn't associated with a rash when it isn't caused by lymphoma of the skin. You may notice that itching gets worse when it's hot or at night when you're trying to sleep.
Talking to Your Doctor
Moisturising your skin
There are different types of emollients, including bath oils, soap substitutes, and moisturisers. Check with your lymphoedema specialist that moisturisers you like to use are suitable. Try to avoid perfumed body lotions because they can dry your skin and cause skin irritation.
Studies show that more than half the people who have cutaneous T-cell lymphoma develop itchy skin. Itchy skin tends to be more common if you have a: More advanced stage of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma called Sézary (Sez-zah-ree) syndrome.
Your doctor might recommend using 'emollients' (hydrating and moisturising creams, ointments or lotions). These hydrate your skin and help soothe symptoms such as dryness and itching. They may also improve the appearance of the skin. However, they do not get rid of the lymphoma.
A small-scale study showed that approximately 15% of patients with non-Hodgkin's disease suffered from generalized pruritus(5). According to a retrospective study recently conducted at MD Anderson (6), the incidence of itch is about 19% in patients with Hodgkin's disease who were referred to dermatology.
Some of the strongest over-the-counter antihistamines include cetirizine 10mg, fexofenadine 120mg, or loratadine 10mg. However, if you have more severe symptoms, you may need a stronger prescription-only antihistamine like fexofenadine 180mg or desloratadine.
For temporary relief of itching, try these self-care measures:
Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines:
Mycosis fungoides is the most common T-cell skin lymphoma. It can start out as patches of dry, sometimes scaly, and itchy skin. These rashes may show up most often on the buttocks or between the waist and shoulders. But they can occur anywhere on the body.
Skin Treatments for Lymphoma Rashes
Lymphedema can cause the skin to feel thick or tight, and some people have difficulty moving an arm or leg. It can also cause itching, burning, aching, or pain. Lymphedema may lead to a skin infection, such as cellulitis, in an arm or leg.
avoiding very hot baths and showers – the heat from saunas, steam rooms and sun beds may increase the swelling.
Lymphedema flares up due to factors that overwhelm the compromised lymphatic system, primarily infections (like cellulitis from skin breaks), trauma/injury (sprains, burns, even injections in the affected limb), inflammation, excessive heat (sunburn), constriction (tight clothes, jewelry), overuse/lack of movement, airline travel, and sometimes certain medications, all leading to fluid buildup and increased swelling, heaviness, and discomfort in the affected area.
The histamine causes an allergic reaction with unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watering eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes. Antihistamines help stop this happening if you take them before you come into contact with the substance you're allergic to.
With lymphoma, you can itch anywhere on your body, but it's common on the lower legs, hands, feet, torso (between waist and shoulders), or near affected lymph nodes, often worsening at night and without a typical rash, feeling deep and unrelieved by scratching. This itchiness is caused by immune chemicals (cytokines) irritating nerve endings, and can be a symptom of both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Tests and procedures might include blood tests, skin biopsies and imaging tests. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma may be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are like those of other skin conditions, such as eczema. And early tests may not show cancer cells in the skin. Getting the right diagnosis may take time.
If you have any of the following conditions, you should talk to your healthcare provider first before taking antihistamines: Diabetes. Enlarged prostate or problems passing pee (urinary retention). Epilepsy.
In general, an oral antihistamine tablet will start to work within 30 minutes and reach its maximum effect in about 2 hours. You will know when an antihistamine starts to work when it starts to relieve allergy symptoms, such as congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes or skin rash.
Drinking oatmeal can soothe the itchiness. It is especially recommended for people who have dry and sensitive skin. It is a dairy-free milk suitable for vegans which is also good for your overall skin health.
HYDROCORTISONE 1%
Hydrocortisone is a steroid (corticosteroid) medicine that works to temporarily relieve itch and helps reduce inflammation.