Itchy!

Marcia53

This is the first time I have looked for help online. I just completed my 13th radiation today and I  experiencing a rash that itches tonight like crazy.  It also stung today during treatment for the first time.  I still have three weeks to go.  I put some Aquaphor on it tonight. Just wondering if this is "normal" and if there is anything else I can do. 

Jmfrankel

Marcia,

Don't know if I will be of much help but I had heard hydrocortisone cream can help with the itching.  Someone else on the winter rads forum also mentioned taking oral benedryl.  I too just got a rash last Friday after my 10th treatment!  Not too itchy yet but I now have 17 to go.  I put aquaphor on at night to keep the skin hydrated.  Also use miaderm 2-3 times per day and emu oil once per day.  Nt sure if any of it is helping but I have to try.    May need to break out the hydrocortisone in the next day or so though:(. Good luck with your treatments.  For lots of good tips...check out the winter rads forum.

-Joan

wyo

I had the itchy rash also tx 13 (lucky 13) Aquaphor actually seemed to make it worse- I did take oral benadryl and it calmed it down some but it was still itchy.  Lasted about 3 weeks, the less I fussed with it the better it felt. I think the key to radiation is be careful with anything you put on or near to your skin- some of the lotions, potions etc might be too much.  Several swear by pure aloe but again letting your skin get air and "breathe" seems to be what helped me the most