Help - Itching Rash

lyn1117

I have finished my first two treatments and now have my third on Tuesday, but the last 2 days I have started itching ... all over my body..legs, back, chest.  When I scratch, my skin breaks easily and bleeds, so I am trying not to, but it is unbearable and I cannot sleep.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I am taking benedryl and using the cream, but it doesn't do anything to help.  Any suggestions or advice is so greatly appreciated.  Thank you all in advance.  Lyn

PattifromEncinitas

What chemo drug are you on right now? I had 4 AC treatments and 1 Taxol so far. I had a horrible week of aches and pains and now during the second week I also have a rash. For a couple of days it was just on my hands and shoulders then this morning I woke up and it was on the front of my body and one cheek. By the end of the day it was/is literally everywhere. And, yes, it does itch. I also am not sure what to do. The doc emailed me yesterday and said I could put steroid cream on my hands. Well, now that it is everywhere, steroid cream does not seem like the answer. I have my second Taxol on Tues and she is talking about switching me to Taxotere. I am wondering if that will be any better. I sure hope my cancer hates the Taxol as much as the rest of my body. I am due for mastectomy after treatment. Anyhow, good luck. It looks like we are in misery together. If you figure out anything, please let me know. I will do the same for you. Patti

ninel

Hi Patti,

I responded to one of your other rash posts. I also had my first Taxol treatment about one week ago. I also have a rash.

Did you contact your oncologist? What did they say? Is this a normal reaction to Taxol?

Ninel

spar2

Please contact your dr. as soon as possible, there is no need for you to be this miserable.  I have a hard time with my foob itching but it is numb but I bought some aloveragel with solarcaine in it and it does help.  gentle hugs. sherry

PattifromEncinitas

Hi Ninel

I just went for chemo today and the doctor FINALLY got to see my rash. It was head to toe on Saturday but has gradually gotten better. It is still there though, especially my lower legs and hands. They are actually stumped by it because they don't understand why I got it a week and a half after chemo.  I guess a rash usually happens right away if you are going to get one. I did have some itching the first week and the rash on my hands started the first weekend after chemo and it hit full blown a week later but I guess it is a fluke to have a rash this far out. ANyhow, I started Taxotere today. They say there is more of a chance to get a rash with the Taxol because the solvent it is dissolved in also can cause a rash and that is why you need so much Benedryl the day of treatment. I didn't need any Benedryl this time. They do give more steroids though because there is more of a chance of bloating - or something like that. I am losing track. Anyhow, because my rash actually started getting better over the weekend, I didn't bother rushing in yesterday to get more meds. I did talk to the doc over the phone yesterday, though - finally! He was on vacation last week and didn't get back to me until yesterday. That was aggrivating. I will let you know how things go with Taxotere. How long did it take for your rash to start and when is your next treatment? Hope things get better for you. Just a sidenote, the Taxotere treatment was a breeze. It only took an hour and I feel fine so far. Good luck, Patti

lyn1117

Well I just went for number 3 yesterday and got to see the doctor.  He was also stumped that my rash appeared 2 weeks after chemo, but he said it looks like reaction to the drugs.  I am on FEC now and dont start Taxotere till the 4th is over... He did give me Zytec and asked me to take prior to treatment and after treatment.   Also some hydrocortisone cream..   Then I developed conjectivits in both eyes!  so I itch alllll over.  

 Thank so much for the responses and support,

 red with rash 

XCountryMom

Posted in another discussion-sorry for repeat. New addition from my doc today. Taxol.Taxotere have some known allergic reactions and the likely culprits in these rashes. I am on 4 TC. Feels like poison ivy with a sunburn. My doc says she is going to taper my dex next time to try and minimize. Do you take dex day before and after? I am trying topical cortisone-Luxiq Foam, 0.12%, it's a medium strength topical. My doc did order a Medrol 5-day pack, she said normally rash should go by next T, but if bad take steroids. After what you've already been through, you need something. We aren't very happy are we? You don't need to be, but you deserve to be comfortable. Hugs-

LadyB

Started Taxotere yesterday.  Had IV Decadron and Benadryl as pre-meds. By late morning today, I had a red rash - like sunburn with an itch.  Sounds like allergy - took my decadron pills and benadryl by mouth.  I'll be calling the nurse to discuss tomorrow if it continues.  Sounds like it isn't too uncommon.  I'll let you know if they offer any other advice.  Side effects are scary to me.  Can't tell which drugs other than the literature they gave me and what I've found on line.  I hope you start to feel better soon.  Sometimes oatmeal (aveeno) baths are soothing, or maybe aloe?  This has to be worth it!  I'm pulling for you.

jdg1

I also had a rash while going through chemo and my Oncologist said it had nothing to do with the chemo.  Hmmmm, really.  I used calming creams and hydrocortisone as well.  It really didn't go away completely.  Thursday, I am going to a Dermatologist who is going to speak about skin problems with chemo and radiation and give me some pointers.  I am almost 11 months post chemo and he said that it would still benefit me to go to this class.  Actually, he is saying that now these areas that did not go away are broken blood vessels.  We will see what he has to say.