Sensitive Bald Head
Just before my hair started falling out, I could feel the skin on my head tingle. Not like a neuropathy or oxi tingle... but it was a tingle that then turned sensitive to the touch. My hair all fell out very quickly because of the Irinotecan, but it's the sensitive/burning skin that is now developing into a rash (almost looks like an allergy, but we don't think it is).
I stopped in at my GP today and asked him to look at it. He said it was very "interesting". Oh great, I have an interesting alien starlet head! He says that he's pretty sure that it's not the chemo doing weird things to my skin... so over the weekend he wants to treat it as a dermatology problem... and has prescribed a hydro-cortozone 2.5% cream to see if this will clear it up over the weekend. (side note... when I went to my pharmacy, they didn't have any and I was really starting to fade... so they told me to go home and relax, the pharmacist would mix me up a bottle and then they would deliver it to me this evening between 5-7pm... free service. I thought that was mighty good customer service). Anywho... I've been putting the cream on since I got it and it feels great when I put it on... but within an hour or so, it is burning again.
I'm sure it's some kind of allergy or reaction to a med... but just wondering if anyone else has experienced this?
Cheryl
Comments
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Patience is a virtueunknown said:This comment has been removed by the Moderator
Thanks, Graci... ya, I guess since I just got the cream last night, I should give it at least 24 hours to kick in .
It does feel a bit better this morning... although, visually, it definitely looks like an irritable rash. To me, it looks like a rash you get from an allergy. And now that I'm a bit more awake (I actually slept through the whole night last night! Yippeee!), I just realized that after that first treatment of the Irinotecan, the one where I was sooooo sick.... well, in the 3rd week, I developed a rash that, now that I think of it, looked very similar to this one, but it was on my chin! At the time, I just put it down to a heat rash or a reaction because I was soooo miserable after that treatment... but DUH! Perhaps it is a reaction to either the chemo or one of the anti-side affect meds and was mild that first one... but now here we are with the second (half dose) treatment and sure enough, in the second week it shows up... this time on my head??
Never a dull moment.... and although I'm not a doctor and don't play one on TV, I think this week I'll put on my doctor costume and get to the root of this . What the heck, it's a rainy Saturday... must solve the world's problems today
Cheryl
Alien Rash Starlet0 -
Mags!maglets said:sorry
sorry cheryl I have never been completely bald but I did have that oxy scalp pain....ohhhh hurtie head....
hope the cortisone cream with soothe you....such a nice pharmacy
take best care hon
mags
Now, what's this you've never been bald?!?! We can arrange for that in a blink of an eye!! I could get out a handy dandy razor and fix you up in no time .
Think of the pictures! The photo shoot! We could fly across the country, yelling and shouting at the people, the politicians, the entertainers! People everywhere will want to copy our look!
Don't you think this has some appeal?
Cheryl0 -
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
Wow- you definitely got nice, personalized pharmacy service. I have not been bald before, but when my hair started thinning, I definitely got that sore scalp. So much that I couldn't brush or style the hair I still had- it was way too sore. It lasted a few days, then got better. I'm even wondering if the rash you've been having could be a reaction to a soap or shampoo or body wash or something like that from the shower. That newly revealed skin on your scalp is so sensitive, so anything could irritate it. I don't know, just a thought.
You hang in there- I know things will get better.
Hugs,
Lisa0 -
I got same problem last summer and was a kinda of allergicCherylHutch said:Patience is a virtue
Thanks, Graci... ya, I guess since I just got the cream last night, I should give it at least 24 hours to kick in .
It does feel a bit better this morning... although, visually, it definitely looks like an irritable rash. To me, it looks like a rash you get from an allergy. And now that I'm a bit more awake (I actually slept through the whole night last night! Yippeee!), I just realized that after that first treatment of the Irinotecan, the one where I was sooooo sick.... well, in the 3rd week, I developed a rash that, now that I think of it, looked very similar to this one, but it was on my chin! At the time, I just put it down to a heat rash or a reaction because I was soooo miserable after that treatment... but DUH! Perhaps it is a reaction to either the chemo or one of the anti-side affect meds and was mild that first one... but now here we are with the second (half dose) treatment and sure enough, in the second week it shows up... this time on my head??
Never a dull moment.... and although I'm not a doctor and don't play one on TV, I think this week I'll put on my doctor costume and get to the root of this . What the heck, it's a rainy Saturday... must solve the world's problems today
Cheryl
Alien Rash Starlet
reaction with pillows , caps and everything, easily solved with TALQUISTINA,a kind of Talcum powder with some antihistaminic ,
I'm sure you got there as well maybe with different brand, look at the Internet ! 24 h and rush gone!
Hugs!0 -
Cheryl
I am sorry you have this to deal with. I have not been completely bald, but lost most of my hair a little over a year ago. My daughter cut what was left of my hair very short, + by then some of my hair was actually growing back in. Could your problem be due to razor burn? I hope you get some relief soon.0 -
The mysterylisa42 said:Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
Wow- you definitely got nice, personalized pharmacy service. I have not been bald before, but when my hair started thinning, I definitely got that sore scalp. So much that I couldn't brush or style the hair I still had- it was way too sore. It lasted a few days, then got better. I'm even wondering if the rash you've been having could be a reaction to a soap or shampoo or body wash or something like that from the shower. That newly revealed skin on your scalp is so sensitive, so anything could irritate it. I don't know, just a thought.
You hang in there- I know things will get better.
Hugs,
Lisa
I hear you, Lisa... and I was thinking along the same lines. Not so much the shampoo/conditioner, since it is the same that I've always used and not had a problem with.... but was thinking more along the lines of it possibly being one of the anti-side affects meds (Emend? Zofran? Lomotil? Desamethasone?) These are all pretty strong meds and I only take them when I'm on chemo. But why the head?? .
That's when I remember the first chemo treatment that was so bad... I did get the same kind of rash on my chin but didn't really think anything of it. Now I'm thinking there must be a connection... but I'm not longer getting it on my chin... just all over my head! It's an enigma!!
But, I've got my GP working on it... and when I next see my onc, I'll let her know too Meanwhile, it seems this hydro-cortizone 2.5% cream is kicking in. Rash is still there, but not burning like it was pre-cream.
And yes, I was surprised... and very impressed with the pharmacy service. I had never really thought about it before. I mean... you drop prescriptions off and either wait while they fill them, or come back and pick them up. I always found it convenient that I could drop them off and while they were getting them ready, I'd do my grocery shopping. It never dawned on me that maybe one day I just wouldn't have the energy to wait, or maybe was too ill to actually go in to pick them up. Now, it wasn't that I was ill... I was just really, really tired and had overdone my running around yesterday... so I could feel the fatigue starting to set in and I really needed to get home because I had my car with me and knew if I got too tired, I shouldn't be driving
No big deal... I mean, I could have just gone home and either come back today... or my neighbour would have walked over (about 8 blocks) and picked it up for me. But, I was tired, getting cranky and my head felt like it was on fire . I really like the pharmacy staff because they go out of their way to get to know you, your meds and how you are feeling. He could see I was tired and it was so nice to have him say, "Go home Cheryl and rest. We'll get this made up for you and deliver it this evening." Hey, I would have paid for that service... very convenient to have! But no, they offer this free for their customers. When you think of it, it's excellent customer service because, who in their right mind would ever change pharmacies after that kind of service??? Great way of keeping their regular customers
Cheryl0 -
Oops, missed your reply, AnneAnneCan said:Cheryl
I am sorry you have this to deal with. I have not been completely bald, but lost most of my hair a little over a year ago. My daughter cut what was left of my hair very short, + by then some of my hair was actually growing back in. Could your problem be due to razor burn? I hope you get some relief soon.
Sorry about that... I missed this one
No, we had the hair, what was remaining of it, shaved off 2 weeks ago, so I think if there was going to be any kind of razor burn, it would have happened within a couple of days of being shaved. This is a definite "bumpy" kind of rash. I think I'll call it a "Mystery Rash"
Cheryl
Bumpy Alien Starlet 0 -
CHERYL , I deeply suggest to pay me attention , this summerCherylHutch said:The mystery
I hear you, Lisa... and I was thinking along the same lines. Not so much the shampoo/conditioner, since it is the same that I've always used and not had a problem with.... but was thinking more along the lines of it possibly being one of the anti-side affects meds (Emend? Zofran? Lomotil? Desamethasone?) These are all pretty strong meds and I only take them when I'm on chemo. But why the head?? .
That's when I remember the first chemo treatment that was so bad... I did get the same kind of rash on my chin but didn't really think anything of it. Now I'm thinking there must be a connection... but I'm not longer getting it on my chin... just all over my head! It's an enigma!!
But, I've got my GP working on it... and when I next see my onc, I'll let her know too Meanwhile, it seems this hydro-cortizone 2.5% cream is kicking in. Rash is still there, but not burning like it was pre-cream.
And yes, I was surprised... and very impressed with the pharmacy service. I had never really thought about it before. I mean... you drop prescriptions off and either wait while they fill them, or come back and pick them up. I always found it convenient that I could drop them off and while they were getting them ready, I'd do my grocery shopping. It never dawned on me that maybe one day I just wouldn't have the energy to wait, or maybe was too ill to actually go in to pick them up. Now, it wasn't that I was ill... I was just really, really tired and had overdone my running around yesterday... so I could feel the fatigue starting to set in and I really needed to get home because I had my car with me and knew if I got too tired, I shouldn't be driving
No big deal... I mean, I could have just gone home and either come back today... or my neighbour would have walked over (about 8 blocks) and picked it up for me. But, I was tired, getting cranky and my head felt like it was on fire . I really like the pharmacy staff because they go out of their way to get to know you, your meds and how you are feeling. He could see I was tired and it was so nice to have him say, "Go home Cheryl and rest. We'll get this made up for you and deliver it this evening." Hey, I would have paid for that service... very convenient to have! But no, they offer this free for their customers. When you think of it, it's excellent customer service because, who in their right mind would ever change pharmacies after that kind of service??? Great way of keeping their regular customers
Cheryl
got the same problem , it was really terrible and unconfortable! tried cortisone , creams and everything , but the best was this kind of TALCUM!
Hugs!0 -
TALQUISTINA : Composition:tootsie1 said:Aloe gel?
Hey, Cheryl.
You know I didn't do chemo, so I have no experience witht his, but just wondering if aloe gel would help. It is so good on cuts and burns and such.
Hope you're feeling much clearer soon!
*hugs*
Gail
Talco, Calamina, Lanolina, Parafina, Perfume. ( in Spanish sorry) it works!0 -
What about
Awhile back, Buzz told me to get som Aquaphor. He actually rcommended it for a sore "behind area', so when wiping, it won't get irritated. People also use it for other parts of their bodies too. I just picked it up last night, and for my test run, I put some on my hands right before bed last night. I must say, that my hands look better than I have seen them in years. I got the Aquaphor extra healing. Goodluck
Sandy0 -
oxymoronCherylHutch said:Mags!
Now, what's this you've never been bald?!?! We can arrange for that in a blink of an eye!! I could get out a handy dandy razor and fix you up in no time .
Think of the pictures! The photo shoot! We could fly across the country, yelling and shouting at the people, the politicians, the entertainers! People everywhere will want to copy our look!
Don't you think this has some appeal?
Cheryl
canuck bald chicks flaunting their stuff....kinda of an oxymoron don't you think???/
I mean really angel it is so darned cold we should have hair down to our knees just trying to keep warm but if you insist i shall be happy to join you on the cross country tour.
it couldn't just be stubble rub?? could it? just teeny tiny hairs being irritated....???0 -
Cheryl
I don't know anything on the subject matter with the exception that I remember in chemo 101 class they said to use a silk pillow for your head at night. Pepecn's Talcum sounds likes a good idea too.
Love at ya.
Winter Marie0 -
agreeherdizziness said:Cheryl
I don't know anything on the subject matter with the exception that I remember in chemo 101 class they said to use a silk pillow for your head at night. Pepecn's Talcum sounds likes a good idea too.
Love at ya.
Winter Marie
I agree winter marie....I think if even a little stubble is there it will be irritated by rubbing.....satin all the way.....
cheryl sending you my entire satin lingerie collection.....
oh wait I forgot ....i don't have one....no satin just flannelette for those canuck nights....
mags0 -
hair loss
I read about the hair loss. I already have a receded hair line, and it dropped another inch for me. I also got grey hairs in ky beard which I had a couple and now I have patches. My friend Suzzi lost her hair and now off Chemo for 4 months her hair is coming back.
I am photo sensitive since starting Chemo. I get red when in the sun for more then an hour. I was careful and never got sunburned.
The neuropathy was the worst for me. I have numbness and tingling in the balls of my feet to my toes, and my fingers tingle. I also am sensitive to cold. (I never was cold before, now I wear a sweater everywhere.) I have read these symptoms are temporary with maybe a little nerve damage permanently. I taste things differently also. I do not like sour or bitter things like I did before chemo.
I had my final chemo treatment last Tuesday! Woo Hoo! Now it is time for me to get stronger.
Best Always, mike0 -
Powder Pepe, my talcum spaniard!pepebcn said:CHERYL , I deeply suggest to pay me attention , this summer
got the same problem , it was really terrible and unconfortable! tried cortisone , creams and everything , but the best was this kind of TALCUM!
Hugs!
I'm so sorry it appears I have ignored you... I haven't!! I am paying deep attention to you and believe you 100%. I am going to look for this talcum powder you have spoken of but it appears to be a Spanish product. I may have to send Maglets on a flight to Spain so she can personally pick it up from you and then fly back to Canada, cross country to Vancouver and deliver it to me No, really... I will look to see if we have something similar here because Diva Cheryl insists on comfort at all times.... and you are right, this rash is horribly irritable and uncomfortable! It looks like the main ingredient in it is the calomine lotion which definitely would be a big help... so if I can't find a similar talcum powder with it in, I will pick up a bottle of calomine lotion... to go with this prescription cream that seems to be starting to work.
@Mags hahahaha... ok, my silk lingerie is lacking as well... and have a full set of flanel and cotton. Must be a Canukian thing We are going to have to go shopping... and now on the lookout for a silk pillow?? I stop at the satin sheets.... I'll slide out of bed with them and land on my nekked noggin!!
@Sandy Aquaphor? Ok... just googled it and it seems like a fairly common product... I should be able to get that up here.
Thanks, gang!! Pretty soon I'm going to have a basket full of products for my noggin It'll be he smoothest noggin on the West Coast... soft as a baby's bum!!
@Mike Way to go!!! You get a nice long break from the dratted poison!! Enjoy the recovery time.... every day you will feel that much stronger just knowing the poison is leaving your body!! YAYAYAYA!! You did it!!
Cheryl
Alien Noggin Consultant0 -
Pepe... your idea got me goingpepebcn said:TALQUISTINA : Composition:
Talco, Calamina, Lanolina, Parafina, Perfume. ( in Spanish sorry) it works!
Hey Pepe, my Spanish Advisor!! I just wanted to let you know that although I have searched for Talquistina here in Canada (I think it's only a Spanish product and we can't get it here), I have continued the search for something similar. My search actually led me to a product here called Gold Bond Medicated Powder Triple Strength:
Gold Bond Medicated Powder
I realized I don't actually have the powder on hand, but I had it in lotion form... so I have tried it and it really does seem to help with the "itch" of the rash. At least it is soothing... not sure if it will work to get rid of the rash, but it helps with the comfort level.
Tootsie... the suggestion of aloe vera is a good one, although I have found in the past it really depends on the brand of aloe vera you get... some work really well, others I find irritate what you are trying to soothe. But I notice in this Gold Bond lotion, there is aloe vera as one of the ingredients, so I think I have my bases covered
Cheryl
Alien Starlet Still Playing With Hats 0 -
CherylCherylHutch said:Pepe... your idea got me going
Hey Pepe, my Spanish Advisor!! I just wanted to let you know that although I have searched for Talquistina here in Canada (I think it's only a Spanish product and we can't get it here), I have continued the search for something similar. My search actually led me to a product here called Gold Bond Medicated Powder Triple Strength:
Gold Bond Medicated Powder
I realized I don't actually have the powder on hand, but I had it in lotion form... so I have tried it and it really does seem to help with the "itch" of the rash. At least it is soothing... not sure if it will work to get rid of the rash, but it helps with the comfort level.
Tootsie... the suggestion of aloe vera is a good one, although I have found in the past it really depends on the brand of aloe vera you get... some work really well, others I find irritate what you are trying to soothe. But I notice in this Gold Bond lotion, there is aloe vera as one of the ingredients, so I think I have my bases covered
Cheryl
Alien Starlet Still Playing With Hats
Here we grow our own aloe vera, I think everyone in Santa Cruz, has their own plants, I have indoor and outdoor ones for use on burns, etc...
Winter Marie0
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