Forum Discussion

IssyK's avatar
IssyK
Member
2 years ago

Chemo rash/eczema/acne

Hi everyone, I was recently diagnosed with early breast cancer and have undergone my first chemo and hormone therapy treatment a few weeks ago at age 24. I have been struggling with severe chemo eczema since then which is now turning into acne. It not only is uncomfortable but is hideous to look at. It is making me severely depressed and self-conscious as I don't want to see any of my friends in this state. I've been prescribed advantan and doxcycline, and have been taking Zyrtecs which have helped a tiny bit but it's still pretty aggressive and painful on my face, chest and scalp. I've changed my skin routine to dermaveen's ezcema range and cetaphils hydration range. Has anyone dealt with this and found any products that work and does it happen every session or is it something that eventually goes away? 
  • Blossom1961's avatar
    Blossom1961
    Member
    2 years ago
    Hi @IssyK I have chemo eczema. Not nice. I use QV Eczema range.  For the spots that are puss filled, I have to use a cortisone cream twice a day. So far these are keeping it under control. I apply the lotion twice a day, morning and night and if it starts itching during the day I use the QV flare up cream. I have tried 26 different remedies and this is the only one that works for me. Wishing you all the best. On the plus side, my skin is lovely and soft. 
  • IssyK's avatar
    IssyK
    Member
    2 years ago
    Thank you! Yes I’ve seen my oncologist 3 times about the rash and they prescribed the advantan and doxycline. I’m based in Cheltenham VIC. 

    I have also joined that group thank you 
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 years ago
    Welcome (sort of) to our select little group, @IssyK - the one group we NEVER thought we'd join xx .....

    Personally, I didn't do chemo, but hopefully someone else will jump on with suggestions to help with this rash  :( 

    I am SO sorry to hear of this nasty side effect to your chemo treatment - I would definitely make contact with your Onc ASAP & take photos of the rash (everywhere) and send the pics to them, as many medical professionals are about to go on 'Xmas Break' until about the middle of Jan - and I believe you should be seen BEFORE they go 'on leave' to try & rectify the problem. xx  
    Keep taking pics (whether it gets better OR worse) - or a telehealth video call may be helpful, if you are not able to see them in person.

    You might like to join the Young Women's group which is totally private ..... you can raise any issue there.  Click on 'Join' to connect with the group.
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/10-young-women
     
    Whereabouts are you? (General area?). You can add this to your profile - we may have members nearby who may be able to point you to someone in your area that may be able to help.  

    Also check out this post, for lots of general info on the blog - even showing off your fur kids, art & craft, even 'funny bits' that may be able to give you a giggle.
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

    take care & all the best xx