Hi I’m waiting to be seen for the first time for my breast lymphoedema. I have to wait another month but my breast is feeling so itchy it’s driving me mad. I’m wondering if this is a normal reaction to the swelling. Does anyone else get this?
Dear Celia
Sorry to read your feeling uncomfortable, maybe give your breast cancer team a call just to get some reassurance, maybe they will suggest some cream or medication for you.
Wishing you well going forward.
Hugs Tili 
I got a lot of itching for a long time after radiotherapy and my breast was inflamed and swollen for quite a while. If it had not improved I was going to be referred to the Lymphoedema Nurse but it did. My breast is neither swollen nor inflamed anymore but over 2 years later I do still get intermittent bouts of itching . Things that helped were moisturising , wearing a Proskins sleep bra under my post- surgery one and putting a bamboo sock into my bra under my boob which kept the tissues apart and absorbed perspiration. Also I used to find myself scratching just at the point of waking in the morning - but I would feel that the sock was there and this would remind me not to scratch. You could maybe try aloe Vera gel as well - pop it in the fridge so it’s nice and cool - that also helped a bit . I think it probably is a normal reaction to the swelling but you could contact your BCN and see what she says - she might have more ideas about how to deal with the itching . Xx
Hi,
Thank you for your reply. 
The itching is internal rather on the skin so creams don’t really help. I feel a bit of a nuisance ringing again because it’s not long since I went to be examined and was diagnosed with the lymphoedema. But I think I will ring up my BNC for a bit of reassurance.
Hope you’re doing ok. Thanks again xx
Hi, thank you for replying .
It may well be the swelling that’s causing the itch. I’m about 10 months post op. I use moisturiser twice a day and my skin isn’t dry at all but I do have ridges and stretch marks in my breast which the consultant said was caused by the lymphoedema. I feel a bit awkward contacting my nurse again with the same problem, although the itching has been more intense over the last few days and it’s intermittent.
I’ll try putting the moisturiser in the fridge that’s a good idea. I’ve never heard of a bamboo sock!
Hope you’re doing well now. Thanks again xx
I’m good thank you . No the sock is very DIY but seemed to help I did hear from someone else who was using a bamboo cloth for similar reasons . It’s always worth contacting your BCN I think if you’re concerned . I participated in another thread on here about itching though it was a while ago . Xx
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Hi, ah that makes sense now 
.
I’ve left a message for my nurse so she’ll be ringing me soon. The last time I had this ‘internal itch was when I had a mag seed inserted before my op. Maybe it’s a bit of inflammation. 
.
Thanks 
x
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Yes it’s not the sock so much as the fabric 
. However finding a sock in my bra always woke me up before I started to scratch .:face. If you’re worried there’s a bit of inflammation it’s always good to speak to your BCN so I think that’s the right thing to do Xx
Hi, I’ve spoken to the nurse. She thinks it’s all to do with the lymphoedema and suggested taking an anti histamine to help with the itching, until I can get some treatment with the lymphoedema team.
I’m already taking one, as I have pressure urticaria in my hands. She thought maybe as I have this problem, that the pressure from the breast fluid might be causing a similar reaction, which makes sense. I’m going to double up on the anti histamines and hopefully that will help. 
Thanks xx
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Yes if you already have urticaria you might be more vulnerable to itching and have developed a resistance to the anti - histamines as well perhaps . Make sure to not exceed the prescribed dose though and I hope you get some help from the Lymphoedema service . Xx
Yes it’s probably that I have this problem already. I didn’t associate the two things.
I was prescribed the higher dose of anti histamine when I had my op and I knew I’d have to have a sticky dressing on for a while. I’m allergic to sticking plasters. After a while I went back to the lower dose, so I’ve just increased it again so the dose should be ok. It has helped with the itchiness.
I saw my physio last week who treated the cording issue and she showed me how to do some self massage to help move the fluid. It’s got a bit worse, spread a bit more since I was referred a month ago and I still have just under a month to wait for my lymphoedema appointment.
Thanks for your support xx
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I too have breast lymphoedema which was diagnosed three months after my lumpectomy and axillary node clearance in May. Itchiness and sporadic pain go together and after four months of self massage the swelling has not moved. I now have six appointments for bandaging with Kinesio tape - five days of bandaging then two days free before the next repeat. Don’t worry about the dressing as a test patch is done beforehand. If there is no reaction the taping can go ahead. This is done to help with the pain and also to compress the fluid.
Good luck!