Any recommendations for ITCHING? (2 months post treatment)

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dl1129
dl1129 Member Posts: 19
edited June 2019 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I didn't have major skin problems during treatment, just some darkening which has faded except some remaining where I had my boost.

Two months after the end of treatment, my skin and nipple are incredibly itchy. Driving me nuts! I'd rather not use steroids (I tried a little of the prescription cream I used during treatment but it wasn't very helpful). Wondering if those who have experienced this can recommend a product or something they tried that helped?

Thanks all.

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited June 2019

    My MO recommended something called Sarna, because she uses it herself. I can't remember exactly but think it helped? (You've tried the regular Benadryl/aloe/. . . ?) I also think keeping up with whatever moisturizing you were doing through rads might help.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited June 2019

    Is the skin dry, or do you have a rash? Or is it just itchy?

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  • dl1129
    dl1129 Member Posts: 19
    edited June 2019

    Ingerp - I got something similar to Sarna (Cerave anti-itch with the same active ingredient). Thanks for the recommendation. It takes a little bit of the edge off. Later I'm also going to pick up an antihistamine I can take during the day... unsure why I didn't think of this yesterday.

    gb2115 - There is no redness, rash, or dryness (beyond a mild irritiation if I've been scratching) - just extreme itchiness. I went through a phase of this to a lesser extent about 2 weeks post-radiation. But this is worse.



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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited June 2019

    Another thing is if you have an OTC pain med that works well for you (I love my ibuprofen), it should help with the itching.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited June 2019

    Aw... itching is the worst! I had awful allergies through radiation so I can sympathize.

    Have you tried cool compresses? During the worst of it I used to soak a washcloth in cold water, wring it out and put it on my skin. You don't want ice, just cold.

    My derm also recommended Sarna lotion, but in the end she gave me a steroid shot (it was that bad)

    Hope you feel better soon!!

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