Rash months after radiotherapy

crestie
crestie Member Posts: 14
edited May 2015 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hope someone can help?

I finished radiotherapy several months ago, everything okay, only minor skin irritation which quickly disappeared. I also had some flaking of skin on the nipple, which is slowly improving.

Just after Xmas I noticed itchy red patch on my chest wall just under my breast and directly under area of surgery scar. The rash hasn't gone away since and is still itchy, it may be slightly bigger but not by much.

Has anyone had anything similar, I am thinking it might be skin damage from the radiotherapy? I tried steroid cream which didn't help.

I have an appointment soon with my GP, but any advice welcome.


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Comments

  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited April 2015

    Crestie, My radiologist told me to expect skin changes for several months after stopping rads....so you will see changes as the skin and tissue goes thru damage, and healing process. I am glad you are going to be seen soon, of course show this to your doc (knew you would) and let us know what you learn. Try to relax and just heal up in the meantime...you have been thru a lot!

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited April 2015

    You know, I think I'd check with your RO (or her/his nurse) - that's probably the best person to determine whether it's likely to be radiation related or something that should be looked at more carefully. My experience may not be typical but I've had too many GPs that were dismissive of symptoms that shouldn't have been brushed aside.

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  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2015

    I developed what I thought was a rash on the lower portion of my RADs fields. It seemed to itch at first. It continued to progress & became apparent that it was spider veins.

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  • crestie
    crestie Member Posts: 14
    edited April 2015

    thanks for your replies and support. I will be glad when I have my appointment and hopefully find out what it is. I think the rash is just outside the radiotherapy treated area but it is hard to be sure. I am also due to have a further routine mammogram in June which I could ask to be brought forward.

    Fingers crossed it disappears of its own accord :)

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  • linzer
    linzer Member Posts: 164
    edited April 2015

    My RO told me the same thing, but I agree you should get it checked. Peace of mind is so important after going through what we have had to endure. Please keep us updated! Linda

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  • BLinthedesert
    BLinthedesert Member Posts: 678
    edited May 2015

    I developed a rash nearly 8 months post radiation -- it covered my whole breast. I got some cortisone cream (over the counter) and it went away in about 3 weeks. Wasn't nearly as bad as the weeping rash I had during radiation. All is good now.


    Best of luck.

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  • Janetanned
    Janetanned Member Posts: 532
    edited May 2015


    I had a rash a few months after rads too.  It came and went a few times.  My RO said it was common and he gave my cortisone cream to put on it.  It eventuall went away for good.

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