Radiation Rash

liza23

Hi Everyone,

I just finished 6 weeks of radiation treatment today, and thought the worst was over. I had done fine till four days ago, when I became very red and sore and broke out in a bad rash--little, itchy red bumps on and under my breast and under my arm. The nurse gave me some gel strips and recommended benadryl cream, which seemed to help. This evening, to my chagrin, I have broken out in an itchy rash over MY ENTIRE BODY! Has anyone experienced this or heard of such a thing? I am not normally allergic to anything, and my skin tans easily in the sun.

It is too late to call the doctor's office now so I guess I'll take some oral benadryl and see what happens by morning. I cannot imagine that this rash is due to anything other than the radiation; but I definitely wasn't warned of this possibility.

Thanks so much for anyone else's experiences or suggestions.

Sunny_Girl

Hi Liza123 -

I did have a radiation rash on my sides and back, that took awhile to heal from my radiation treatments (35 days). In my experience, I seemed to go down hill after radiation was finished for 5+ days. They had me using a lotion, Domeboro soaks, I don't remember taking Benadryl but probably did & patiently waited for my body to start the healing process.

I think I drank water - no reason in particular, just always thinks it helps to clear things up.

I wish you the best and hope for speedy healing of your tender skin.

Patty

Moderators

Hi Liza.

Sometimes your skin can get worse after you finish radiation therapy. You can read more about Skin Reactions to Radiation in the main Breastcancer.org site. Anyway, I hope Benadryl worked and you feel better in the morning.

Best,

The Mods