Auto-immune - rash and itching over entire body post radiation

I completed radiation after my lumpectomy for DCIS last February. A month later my entire body -- not just the radiated breast, developed welts, hives and incredible itching. I have been treated with Prednisone just to control it, plus various anti-histamines and topical steroids/lotions. I've been on the Prednisone too long but every time they try to wean me off, my symptoms come roaring back. Now they have started me on Methotrexate and I am overlapping the two drugs and am tapering off the Prednisone. This has been miserable--much worse than surgery/radiation! I had problems with hives in my 20's and 30's (I am 60), and took anti-histamines and then it went away on its own. The radiation must have stirred things up. Anyone out there ever go through this and if so, how did it resolve? Also...these drugs are immuno-suppresants at a time when I want to be building my immune system. Comments on that? Thanks.

Hi Picklesmom, I just ran across your post, and wanted to let you know you're not alone. I began having episodes of hives rashes on my arms, hands and feet shortly after starting radiation. I don't believe mine was as bad as yours, and rads docs put it off as being allergic reaction to lanolin I was putting on my skin for the radiation burns. But the hives continued after discontinuing the lanolin, and for the last few months. It has gotten quite a bit better now that i'm over 3 months out from the end of radiation. I still have flare ups of hives on my hands, but not quite daily anymore. I just take Benadryl when it gets really bad. Anyway, just wanted to tell you you're not alone. I wish had more answers for you. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

🤗 Hugs