Folliculitis on my scalp

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LNMay
LNMay Member Posts: 4
edited September 2015 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hi everyone,

I had my second infusion last Thursday. Over the weekend, I started noticing bumps on my head (my hair is gone). By Monday, my head was covered with red, swollen, painful and itchy pumps. I saw the APN at my oncologist's office, and she said it's folliculitis. Has anyone else had a problem with this? She prescribed an antibiotic creme, but so far, no relief.

I can barely stand to have it covered because it hurts/itches, but it's so awful, that I can't go in public without a covering. Luckily I work from home, and my family doesn't even it notice by now. If anyone has any experience with this or advice, I'd love to hear it.

Wishing you all a restorative and happy weekend!

--Ellen

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited October 2014

    oh gosh you poor darling  

    This sucks for your second infusion

    I rarely come here anymore 

    Yes I had it last fall

    My oncologist had me shampoo with 

    Head and shoulders 

    When bumps are gone brush head with soft brush

    There is nothing more that can be done

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  • Libby1223
    Libby1223 Member Posts: 19
    edited October 2014

    I had the same problem.  I did weekly taxol first so my hair fell out steadily for 6 weeks until I was practically bald.  The bumps started within a week of my hair starting to fall out.  They were soooo itchy, I thought I was going to claw my head off.  My doctor recommended hydrocortisone cream for no longer than 3 days.  It helped a lot.  He also prescribed me hydroxizine, but I never needed to fill it.  My bumos lasted a few weeks.  I wish I had started to use the hydrocortisone sooner because that seems to be what really accelerated healing.

    Good luck and let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.

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  • HighTops5280
    HighTops5280 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2015

    I have the same problem. My scalp erupted in angry red spots a couple of days ago. Looks a bit like acne or folliculitis, with some pustules in the mix for good measure. Saw the doctor yesterday and was given prescription for minocycline, an oral antibiotic. Also told to switch to baby shampoo, apply warm compresses, and leave head uncovered as much as possible. It's really too soon to judge progress, but the spots are maybe a bit smaller and less inflamed looking today. Last night I dabbed a little Clearasil on the few pustules I could see and I think they are better today. Hope this clears up fast. It looks awful and I really need another shave or razor job. (Never occurred to me a buzz cut could get so shaggy so fast!)

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  • jumbledbamboo
    jumbledbamboo Member Posts: 158
    edited August 2015

    I have it too. I use Burt bees baby shampoo. I also dab the spots with clean and clear toner toner for acne. They are so gross. Definitely agree with the antibiotics

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  • Sharazhad707
    Sharazhad707 Member Posts: 37
    edited September 2015

    Hi,
    I have the same problem, and found that using Calamine lotion combined with a topical antibiotic provided relief. Baby Shampoo definitely helps!

    :)

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