Lotion for intense itching due to Erbitux

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Lipscova44
Lipscova44 Member Posts: 4
edited June 2017 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

My Dad is going into his fourth week of immunotherapy (Erbitux) & 3rd week of radiation and has broken out in a TERRIBLE acne like rash.(likely due to the Erbitux). We were informed this rash would likely happen.  But what they failed to mention is that it itches like crazy! He said he feels like he has about 60 mosquito bites, especially on the top of his head. Chest and neck are broken out too.

He is basically bald (and was before treatment), so you can clearly see the extent of the rash. We were told to use lotion to keep skin hydrated, but NO alcohol. I never realized that the majority of lotions you can buy at a store ALL have at least one type of alcohol. 

What did you all use to calm the itch?  He is not using shampoo, just an Aveeno moisture soap bar. We also have been using aloe, but I don't think that's helped with the itching much either. Any advice, suggestions, or input is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! Hope you all are doing well. ♡

 EDIT: I'd love suggestions about products that helped with radiation burn also since I expect the burning issues to begin next week sometime. 

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  • soonermom
    soonermom Member Posts: 155
    #2
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    Radiation Burn

    I can't help you with the rash but hands down the best thing we got for the rad burn were Mepilex patches.  Oddly the speech path is the one who gave them to us.  She gave us some samples and then we bought more on Amazon.  The ones she gave us looked like a think piece of foam.  They were not a bandage with Mepilex in them.  He could remove them for rad treatments but did not have to take them off.  You have to look carefully at what you buy and be sure it is the entire foam piece.  It protected his shirt from rubbing on the burn.  My husband said somehow it gave him wound pain relief. Good luck.  You have to work a ittle to get them in place but it is worth it.  Your dad is lucky to have you.  

     

  • caregiver wife
    caregiver wife Member Posts: 234
    #3
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    Erbitux rash

    Husband took oral antibiotic and prescription Clindamycin Phosphate lotion all the time he was on Erbitux.  Really helped to reduce rash and soothe itch.  His doc did tell him he was really glad to see the rash as it was an indicatioon the Erbitux was working.

     

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #4
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    you gotta love the erbitux

    L44,

    I  also had Erbitux treatment and broke out with the acne over my torso and face, but my itchiness never was to great, just occasionally annoying.  There are other on here who went to great lengths with lotions and gloves.

    My one odd habit was to use liquid Band-Aid to fill the cracks on my fingers (which had its own level of discomfort).

    When all was said and done, I finished off the Erbitux side effects with the departure of one big toe nail.

    Matt

  • dw195
    dw195 Member Posts: 43 Member
    #5
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    Lotion for Erbitux

    Aquafor worked really well for me, I had a really bad reaction to Erbitux. My face turned beat red as well as my chest and I also had the bumps/acne on my head. It also itched like crazy and the past few days it's started itching again, so I need to start using lotion or Aquafor again. I'm 5 months post treatment, talk to your Oncologist they can recommend several lotions/creams that can help. Be sure to also stay out of the Sun and use sunscreen any time he goes outside, I think this will be a permanent thing. I can't go outside at all without sunscreen and a hat now.

    Don

  • rcaulder
    rcaulder Member Posts: 70
    #6
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    Scalpicin

    Scalpicin may work for his head.

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