Eczema

myadventur

Anyone have any break outs of their eczema after chemo? I am having the worst break out that I have ever had on my fingers (the little blister kind) and it's driving me crazy. Seems like the chemo is bringing up any past issues I have had with anything. If you did, what did you do? I've tried hydrocortisone, vinegar, even coconut oil that someone recommended. Thanks

LorettaMarshall

MyAdventur~had similar rash~wishing U can find relief SOON

Dear “MyAdventur”

Your name peeked my curiosity, because I had never quite looked at this cancer from the standpoint of an “adventure.”  Then I looked up the definition of “adventure”.  It said, “Definition of adventure - 1a :  an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks…”  So in that regard, entering the world of cancer can aptly be described as an adventure.  However, I usually associate adventure with something exhilarating and exciting, and something to be enjoyed. 

During one of my chemo sessions, back in February of 2015, a few tiny red bumps first appeared on my back.  The “spread” continued until it covered all my back, chest, hands, and both legs even down to the toes—in fact everywhere except my face and scalp.  It began as “tiny” red bumps, just slightly raised.  Some were like small blisters on the tops of my upper arms.  The rash was not uniform in size, some were large splotchy places, slightly raised, while others were tiny flat red bumps.  First, I went to the Emergency room.  There the attending physician told me that it was an allergic reaction to the Coumadin that I take for blood clots and that I must cease that medication immediately.  That was found to be incorrect.  The rash eventually disappeared, but I still take Coumadin (an anti-coagulant).

Once the small red bumps started on my back, it continued to spread for at least 2 to 3 weeks.  My oncologist referred me to a dermatologist.  The dermatologist did a biopsy on one of the larger places of my upper arm—but never came up with a definitive cure, but he prescribed PREDNISONE.  Other side effects surfaced when I began the Prednisone, so much so that I said, “Don’t give me that stuff again!”  I don’t recall the “dosage” but it was in pill form.  I used a cream as well, but cannot recall the name of it.  Ultimately the rash cleared, but it was at least 3 months in duration.  There was no itch associated with the rash, but it was extremely SEVERE!

Sorry I don’t have a “cure”—can only offer compassion from a fellow sufferer.  There are some things under the “treatment” comments below that should not be used.  Perhaps you will find something here that might help.  Most likely you’ll probably just have to “ride it out” as we do with so many other ill effects from chemo.  Wish I could be more help but all I can say is it happened to me as well.

Loretta

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer Stage IV

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1.       https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/life_with_cancer/managing_symptoms/skin_rashes.aspx

“…Treatments

As with all side-effects, you should tell your cancer care team if you develop a rash during cancer treatment. Early intervention is important for good management. So tell your health care team about any skin changes as soon as possible. Do not diagnose or treat yourself so as to avoid making the rash worse.

For example, although the rash is like acne, common anti-acne treatment, such as topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, should not be used. These drugs dry out the skin and can increase the burning and irritation. Further, they have not been shown to improve the rash.

For mild rashes, topical creams applied to the skin may relieve symptoms. An example of a topical cream is hydrocortisone.  For a rash that is moderate to severe, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic, such as doxycycline. Although the rash is not an infection, the skin can get infected from scratching. Therefore, it is important to take antibiotics if prescribed. Oral or topical antihistamines may also be recommended to relieve itching.

In addition to medication, there are some things you can do to help reduce discomfort with the rash:

• Apply alcohol-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer daily and on feet and hands at bedtime
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least two liters per day) to stay hydrated, and avoid caffeine
• Apply PABA-free sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and wear protective clothing when in sunlight
• Avoid hot showers, walking barefoot, and wearing tight-fitting footwear
• Wear only hypoallergenic makeup
• Use mild detergents and skin cleansers
• Don’t use over-the-counter anti-acne medications.”
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2. http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/allergic-reactions-and-chemotherapy.aspx

 

Allergic Reactions and Chemotherapy

  “…Includes: hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis, drug reaction

Allergic Reactions

What is an allergic reaction and is chemotherapy related?

An allergic reaction also referred to as a hypersensitivity reaction is an overactive or misdirected immune response that results in local tissue injury or changes throughout the body in response to a foreign substance. These reactions can be caused by many factors, including chemo treatments. Our body's immune response to a foreign substance is potentially a "two-edged sword" it can either protect or harm the host. It protects us from foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria, but it can also bring about an exaggerated (hypersensitive) response when previously sensitized individuals are exposed to the same foreign substance…”

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2.        http://www.medicinenet.com/prednisone/article.htm

“prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos) Corticosteroid…”

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lindaovcn2009

MyAdventur

I am currently doing my 3rd chemo and developed a rash for the first time.  It is only "my" opinion but I swear by pure vitamin E cream (cheap, at Walmart), I put it on daily (after shower and before going to bed) and it cleared up my rash.  It has also healed mild burns and cuts.  Might try it, if nothing else great for dry skin.  Hope you find relief.