Dermatologist Fileva spoke about the possible causes of skin itching

Itching that occurs or worsens after a hot shower is a fairly common phenomenon. In most cases, this is caused by quite "harmless" factors, such as excessive dryness of the skin or irritation from hygiene products. But in rare situations, itching can indicate serious diseases, including leukemia. Alexandra Fileva, an expert doctor at the Hemotest Laboratory and dermatologist, told Izvestia about this on July 24.

"Most often, itching after a shower is associated with dry skin. Shower gels, shampoos, and soaps often contain sulfates and other components that can irritate the skin. In some people, itching is explained by an allergic reaction to the components of hygiene products: perfumes, dyes and preservatives. In rare cases, this phenomenon is caused by cholinergic urticaria, an autoimmune disease in which body cells release substances that cause irritation in response to fever, nervous tension, or physical activity," explains the doctor.

As Fileva notes, in exceptional cases, itching after a shower can be a symptom of leukemia, a malignant disease of the hematopoietic system. With leukemia, cytokines enter the bloodstream, substances that cause irritation and inflammation of the nerve endings in the skin, which leads to itching. In addition, with some types of leukemia, the concentration of histamine in the body increases — one of the provokers of skin itching.

"According to statistics, itching is most often observed in chronic myeloid leukemia — CML, true polycythemia, and T-cell leukemia. In CML, it is associated with an increase in histamine levels, and in true polycythemia, with an increase in the number of red blood cells. T-cell leukemia, in turn, affects the skin directly, causing intense itching and rashes, although this is not the only or most common symptom," says Fileva.

Coronavirus: a surge of three dangerous infections has been recorded in Russia

The refusal of vaccinations by Russians led to the spread of diseases

In addition, it must be remembered that itching in leukemia has specific features that distinguish it from other causes. It is rarely isolated and is accompanied by nosebleeds and gingival bleeding, anemia, pallor, shortness of breath and dizziness. Also, with leukemia, the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen usually enlarge. Weight decreases for no apparent reason, and body temperature rises to +38 degrees and above.

The doctor clarified that itching with leukemia increases at night, does not decrease after taking antihistamines or corticosteroids. Along with itching, purple or reddish-brown "nodules" form on the skin, which are painless when pressed. Over time, they can ulcerate or become crusted. Petechiae also appear on the body — small flat hemorrhages that look like small red or purple dots. Unlike allergic rashes, such petechiae do not turn pale when pressed.

"A doctor will help you understand the causes of skin itching. He will prescribe all the necessary tests and determine what causes the unpleasant sensations on the skin. At the same time, if itching is accompanied by night sweats, enlarged lymph nodes, gingival or nasal bleeding and bone pain, especially in the sternum and ribs, then you need to contact a specialist as soon as possible, without delay," concluded Fileva.

Stanislav Ionov, Professor of the Department of Therapy at the Medical Faculty of the State University of Education, told Izvestia on July 23 that itching in the ears can signal not only harmless causes, but also serious diseases. According to the expert, itching in children should be of particular concern.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.