What can I do to stop the itch?

TraciInLA said:

Check with your radiation oncologist
First of all -- DON'T feel silly asking questions! We're here to help each other, and there's no reason your recovery needs to be any more difficult than it already is!

After I healed from radiation, I also had frequent, intense bouts of itching, particularly around my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy scars. It gradually got less and less over the first year, but even still (2 1/2 years since radiation ended), I sometimes get a little mild itching around the scars.

Definitely call your radiation oncologist's office, and ask what he/she recommends -- there's no reason to suffer, and they're experts on skin healing from radiation. I had a prescription cream immediately after radiation to help with the itching (I'm sorry, I don't remember what it was called) -- once it lessened, my doctor told me just to use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.

Hope that helps?

Traci

Gabe N Abby Mom said:

I totally agree with
I totally agree with Traci...you always need to ask those questions. Nothing is too small or too big to talk about here.

With skin issues I have good results with lidocane creams, the numbing usually gives me the relief I need.. Of course, it's something to talk with your rads onc about.

Good luck and let us know what works.

Hugs,

Linda

Attygirl said:

Thank you all so much
Thanks, Sue and Noel, for that specific cream you suggest. Sounds like that is what I need and I am calling my rad onc today!
And thanks, Traci and Linda, for so graciously validating me. Linda, who is going through so many difficulties, is such an inspiration. My stupid issues seem so small compared to the tough times you have had. I hope you know how much your words and support mean to me.

Teary hugs...

debsweb18 said:

Don't scratch!
That will make it worse! I started with a rash on my upper chest and started scratching. I didn't realize my radiation treatments were going that high and that's what it was from. Where I scratched was much worse during the rest of treatment. OTC cortisone helped some, but not completely. Aquaphor with lidocaine (the RO mixed it up for me) helped. Then I started adding aloe gel to Aquaphor.

And I agree-it's not stupid! We're all at different stages of treatments and some have more than others. But we've all one difficulty or another and they're all important!

And did I say "Don't Scratch"?

Deb

Attygirl said:

Hello All
And thanks again for the validation. I promise not to characterize a complaint as "silly" again!

My rad onc's assistant had me trying all of these over-the-counter creams but nothing has given me any sustained relief. So we just talked and she is calling in a prescription for Atarex. Said it should stop the itching...and help me sleep too (since I don't do much of that). She said they don't like to prescribe steroid-based creams, like the one recommended by several of you above (triamcinolone acetonide), but I may insist on trying it if this doesn't work for me.

I'll update in a few days...and thanks so much!

Ritzy said:

Really hoping it will work! Why did your onco not want you to use the cream? It worked for me almost immediately.


Good luck to you,

Sue