Itchy Skin, Melanoma, and Parkinson’s Disease

For the past few weeks, I started to have severe itching all over my body. However, I did not take or use any new medications or soaps. Nevertheless, I started itching mostly in the late afternoon. Scratching, scratching, and more scratching did not stop my newly developed illness.

Trying home treatments

So, I started to think, WWMD (What Would Mom Do?). I reasoned that my mom always had the right medication and best advice on hand for any situation. In her soothing voice, I could hear her suggesting that first, I take a hot shower.

Secondly, I ran to the medicine chest and took out the home treatments that my mom used to help me as a child in similar situations. Thirdly, out comes the Calamine and Caladryl lotions, cotton balls, itch cream, and witch hazel.

I followed these old, tried and true remedies for a week. Unfortunately, they did not help.  Finally, I listened to my wife and made an appointment to see my dermatologist. I told the doctor of this newly developed condition. The skin doctor did a complete body exam. 

Diagnosis: seborrheic dermatitis.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

According to neurologist Dr. Nicki Niemann, "seborrheic dermatitis is the most common skin disorder not related to treatment, occurring in 20 to 60 percent of people with PD" (Parkinson's disease).¹ 

Seborrheic dermatitis causes scaly patches and red skin on the face, sides of the nose, and ears. Other areas that can be affected are the eyelids, chest, armpits, breasts, and groin area.²

Although doctors do not know the exact cause, seborrheic dermatitis may be connected to a type of fungus called malassezia. Parkinson's disease increases a person's risk of developing this skin condition.²

How is it treated?

My dermatologist made a treatment plan. It consisted of 2 creams, a medicated over-the-counter lotion, as well as an oral antihistamine to reduce the itching. He told me to take cool showers to further reduce the itching.

Melanoma and Parkinson's

Another skin condition to consider as a person with Parkinson's is melanoma. Although people with Parkinson's tend to have a lower risk of developing cancer overall, they are at an increased risk of developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer^3,4

Additional risk factors for developing melanoma in both people with or without Parkinson's disease include: exposure to ultraviolet rays, having numerous moles, having fair skin, skin that freckles, and light hair. Incidentally, aging, having other skin cancers, or a weakened immune system can also increase the risk of developing melanoma.^4,5

Getting an exam

It is my opinion to only try home remedies for a short time to try to lessen your skin irritations. If they do not work, make an appointment immediately to see your dermatologist for a full-body scan and checkup so that they can prescribe a suitable plan of treatment.

The sooner you get a body scan, the quicker your doctor can diagnose your skin condition to rule out melanomas, growths that may be cancerous, and other skin anomalies. It is recommended that you schedule appointments regularly with your dermatologist at least every 6 months or sooner if a problem arises.