Skin reaction to Tamoxifen

Thanks everyone, 

It seems this may have been a one-off, and things have settled down. Still getting the odd pimple on the chin but nothing quite like the outburst.

Many thanks for all your information.

Cheers

Hi Sally

I’m Eliisa from BCNA’s Policy team and I’ve done some investigating on skin issues when taking Tamoxifen. 

A listed side effect of Tamoxifen's is ‘skin changes’ but there is nothing specific about pimples, acne or spots. Patients are advised to seek medical attention if they are experiencing a rash or blistering of the skin. Another side effect could be dryness which is causing acne like irritation.

I’ve also been on some of the other breast cancer forums around the world and you aren’t alone in experiencing this problem with your skin. Many other women have commented on experiencing jaw and hairline acne since taking Tamoxifen. Some of these women’s oncologists have advised it’s due to hormonal changes from taking Tamoxifen. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any clear solutions except over the counter acne regimens.

If you are concerned about it, we would recommend you speak with your oncologist.

Hope this helps

Eliisa

Hi Sally,

Have a chat to your medical team I will also have a chat with our Policy team at BCNA next week.

 

Well, it might be due to something else... or not. 

I had pimples for the first time in about 20+ years after starting tamoxifen, 2 years later they've stopped, so they might calm down. If you think they are pimply in nature, you might want to follow an acne regime. My 12 year old daughters :) is , twice a day,

Wet skin without touching your skin. Very important to be super gentle with your skin.

Then use plenty of cetaphil gentle cleanser. More is more. Use a very gently action, barely touching the skin, to spread the cleanser. Then wash with water using your hands, not cloth, and barely touch your face. Only take about 10 secs. to rinse.

Wait about 15mins for your skin to dry.

Then she puts tea tree oil gel on all the affected areas. Let that absorb a little and then very gently put lots of cetaphil moisturiser on. Again, try not to touch your skin. Just sort of glide your fingers over the moisturiser.

If that doesn't help, you can get a prescription topical antibiotic. I'm starting to develop then opinion that anything you suspect is tamoxifen related should be acted upon quickly, because if it is caused by the tamoxifen, its not likely to get better.