I finished 6 cycles of TC chemotherapy 5 weeks ago and still have shocking chemo acne. I developed this after my 5th cycle. My consultant initially blamed the filgrastim injections and gave me Emovate cream to use twice a day and stopped the injections for the final cycle. This calmed it but it comes back every time I reduced using the cream to once a day. They then said it was chemo, then the profhylactic antibiotics all of which I have not had for 5 weeks and the acne is just as bad. I have been using this strong steroid on my face for 8 weeks now and am worried. He is arranged for me to see a dermatologist but not until the end of June. What do you suggest. I am using a Cetaphil face wash and moisteriser. It is really getting me down.
Hi @notagain,
Thank you for posting.
It’s understandable that having to manage ongoing skin problems from your chemotherapy and other treatments is getting you down. Although you mention having finished your treatments 5 weeks ago, it’s not uncommon for side effects to take several weeks to begin to get better. You may find the acne begins to improve over the coming weeks.
We are unable to suggest what might help. It’s not clear who prescribed the steroid cream. Topical steroids are generally only recommended in the short term.
Do talk to your treatment team or breast care nurse about this again, they may be able to recommend alternative ways to manage it while you wait to see the dermatologist. Alternatively, your GP may be able to help
You may find it helpful to post in your question in this section of the forum as well, to see if others have had a similar experience.
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