post radiation skin suddenly red & itchy

ldb2164

Hi I finished radiation on Jan 14, 2013, & within the last month my breast has become very red, itchy, slightly painful & small discharge from the nipple. The itch is at times a little maddening.

A little history, I had DCIS, lumpectomy & 8 weeks of radiation. I was hormone postive. My skin really didn't like the radiation, ending getting very red with moist desquamation (I think that is the right term) & was put on Silver Sulfadiazine Cream.

Any ideas ?

Denise-G

I'm no expert, but I would certainly check with your MO or RO about this.  It is quite some time post rads to have this reaction or so it seems to me.

ldb2164

ok, thanks for the reply, I'll call my RO today

ldb2164

My RO is away until 4/18 the redness is still sprending & I can't stop the itch. Anybody have any idea what I can do. I have tried hydrocortisone and oatmeal anti-itch creams.

fifthyear

Maybe see a dermatologist asap? When I had mammosite, the scar was itchy and red. The itch went away, the red stays. I sprayed alcohol and it helped with the itch. Hang in there.

ldb2164

Thank You, Sorry what is mammosite? I'm red/itchy from my underarm to my whole left breast (including under the breast)

fredntan

Dont they have anyone on call. Where i am its impossible to see dermatologist. See your primary if nothing else works or your mo

april485

I agree with Denise. I would not put this off. It could be something wrong or it could be nothing and they will treat it with some type of ointment or a pill. But, since it is so long post rads and is spreading, I would definitely want to be seen. There is always the small chance that it could be IBC which is another type of fast spreading cancer so I would not take chances by waiting. It is most likely a post rad reaction, but always make sure! Hugs and will keep you in my thoughts.

ldb2164

Hi Again, Well after seeing both my BS & RO and having a mammogram,ultrasound fluid testing, they detrimined that I have fluid where the lumpectomy was & it is inflected. So I'm on antibotics & prescription cream for the redness/itchness. The RO say that inflection is causing a radiation recall. I'm so happy/relived that it is not cancer (was really scared while waiting for the testing to get done....why does my mind go there). Thanks for all the members who posted here.

Liz

Denise-G

Liz - SO GLAD they got this figured out!!  So glad you went and had it checked and that

no cancer!!  Denise