Tender pimples (with pus) all over scalp

Coupon

Does anyone having tender pimples (with pus) spreading all over your scalp? Any suggestions?

For mine, these tender pimples appear approximately 1 week after infusion on both rounds. It is so sore and I am having hard time putting my head on the pillow. It really hurts!.

I showed these tender pimples to my MO but he didn't conclude whether this is related to steroids or chemo. On my 1st treatment, these tender pimples faded away around end of the cycle.

For my 1st FEC infusion, I had taken all the medicines prescribed, esp Dexamethasone 12mg on the day of infusion and then 8mg on the subsequent 3 days. I asked my MO if I can cut back the steroids if I am not that nauseated which he didn't recommend. Regardless, on my second infusion, I cut back the Dexamethasone dosage by half on day 2 & 3 and didn't take any on day 4. Still, I am getting these crazy tender pimples these round!

Meow13

I would see a dermatologist, but it probably is some sort of reaction to chemo. Does your mo think benadryl will help?

NancyHB

Coupon, so sorry about this horrible side effect. I developed folliculitis after my first round of TC, all over my head. Painful, itchy, couldn't lay my head down on my pillow, wearing a hat or scarf was so painful (but going without looked terrible!) By the time I'd returned for my second treatment it had started to get better. My MO prescribed Clindamycin gel, which was great - because it returned after my second treatment, but not quite as intense. I used the Clindamycin for a few weeks and by the fourth treatment my head was clear and the folliculitis never came back.

Check with your MO about the Clindamycin gel - it was a lifesaver for me. In the meantime you could try a little triple antibiotic ointment. Also check your shampoo - I used Head and Shoulders and found a little relief with that, too.

I hope you feel better soon.

Coupon

Thanks for your advice NancyHB & Meow13. I will bring this up to my MO about the Clindamycin gel you recommend.

Have a wonderful day.