Rash on Face

WildernessGirl
WildernessGirl Member Posts: 58 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi everyone.  I am currently going through chemo treatments - cytoxan and taxotere.  I have completed 3 treatments with my final one scheduled for June 12th.  After each treatment I seem to get a new side effect (lucky me).  For round 3 I got a rash on my face.  I read my paperwork that said to try corn starch.  That helps a little bit but it still itches and burns some.  Has anyone else experienced this?  If yes, how long does this typically last?  And what did you use for relief?  I was going to give this another day or two then call my medical onc to see what he says.  But thought I would first give the CSN discussion board a try.  You have given me great advice in the past :)

Comments

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #2
    I got a rash with some of my chemo
    When the doctor looked at it, he said it was from the steroids, it seemed to go away after a few days. So I took Claritan to counteract another med and he tild me to tey that and it helped. But when I was on Afinitor, I got a different rash that was painful and turned into open sores, that one was an allergic reaction and they stopped the chemo that day. I would take a selfie of it so when you see the doctor (iif you dont go in now) he might get an idea. But I certainly would call him before doing anything. The infusion nurse may be able to look at it even if your doctor isnt there and know what to give you.
    Best of luck with this, but I would not hesitate to call your doctor!
    Carol
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #3
    I never had any skin issues

    I never had any skin issues with A/C or Taxol.  If I had I would have called my Chemo Dr immediately and if he didn't have a good answer, asked for a referral to a Dermatologist.  So many possibilities.

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #4
    My onc warned me that

    My onc warned me that taxotere could cause a rash, make me lose my fingernails and toenails, lose my hair, etc.  My reply was, "So you are going to make me look like Mother-of-the-Bride of the Year."  We both laughed because what else can you do?  I did lose my hair and a few fingernails, but I did not get the rash.  I did have a terrible time with severe redness of the face and chest - like a really bad sunburn but sunscreen and covering up didn't help.  My onc said that this was the taxotere.  However, sun did make it that much worse, so last summer, no gardening for me.  I would suspect that the sun will make your rash worse too as photosensitivity (not tolerating sun) is a side effect.

    "Rash: Patients on docetaxel may develop a red, blotchy rash. This usually occurs on the feet and hands, but may also appear on the arms, face, or body. If it occurs, the rash generally appears within a week after docetaxel treatment and usually disappears after a week or two." http://www.medicinenet.com/docetaxel/page2.htm

    Here is another link about skincare on taxotere in general: http://www.oncolink.org/coping/article.cfm?c=5&s=75&ss=186&id=991

    Good luck!!!

  • joannstar
    joannstar Member Posts: 403 Member
    #5
    I had the same experience

    with a new side effect each round. I think that the rash was on my 2nd or 3rd round of C/T. I ended up having to get a steroid pack. Nothing touch the itching and I scratched until my skin was raw. It happened on my feet and lower back--I was miserable. I seem to remember that it took about 5 days (the length of the steroid pack) until it stopped. When I had called my onc, he said that he didn't think that it was a side effect, but the ladies on this site had confirmed that some of them suffered with a rash also. This was almost 4 years ago and is finally fading from memory.

    Good luck.

    JoAnn 

  • WildernessGirl
    WildernessGirl Member Posts: 58 Member
    #6
    joannstar said:

    I had the same experience

    with a new side effect each round. I think that the rash was on my 2nd or 3rd round of C/T. I ended up having to get a steroid pack. Nothing touch the itching and I scratched until my skin was raw. It happened on my feet and lower back--I was miserable. I seem to remember that it took about 5 days (the length of the steroid pack) until it stopped. When I had called my onc, he said that he didn't think that it was a side effect, but the ladies on this site had confirmed that some of them suffered with a rash also. This was almost 4 years ago and is finally fading from memory.

    Good luck.

    JoAnn 

    Rash on Face

    Thank you so much ladies for your replies and suggestions.  I called my medical oncologist and he did give me a prescription for steroids to help.  The rash is much better now thank goodness.  The rash is a common side effect from the taxotere which I was not aware would occur.  Yes each round I seem to get another fun side effect.  My last chemo infusion is June 12th and can't wait for it to be over with. 

Discussion Boards