This symptom has occasionally been associated with certain blood disorders involving abnormal blood cell production.

However, hot water also commonly worsens:

9. Chronic Generalized Itching

Itching affecting large areas of the body for long periods may sometimes reflect:

Doctors usually investigate persistent widespread itching more carefully than isolated temporary itching.

Why Some Cancers Cause Itching

Researchers believe some cancers may trigger itching because of:

Blood-related cancers are among the conditions most commonly discussed in connection with chronic unexplained itching.

However, itching is still far more commonly caused by noncancerous conditions.

This is the most important point doctors emphasize.

Common causes of itching include:

The vast majority of people with itching do not have cancer.