Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone had experienced a rash following treatment. I finished chemo in August 2014 and radiotherapy October 2014 and have been taking Tamoxifen since September.
Recently, for the second time since treatment, I developed an itchy rash on the affected breast (other breast is fine). Over the next day or so I then developed itchy patches on both knees, on the back of both arms right by my armpits and now on both hips.
Anyone experienced anything similar? The rash is quite bumpy and appears to be tiny blisters.
Hi Sarah1975
Welcome to the BCC Forum. I’m sure other members will soon be along with some replies to your post.
This might also be something our Helpline could help with. The opening times are 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi Sarah,
I really feel for you because I also have been bothered by a rash all over ( but worse on my radiated boob) since I started tamoxifen last August. I have just had a dermatology consult and they have recommended strong steroid ointment, antihistamines and using double base gel twice daily. They are also going to take a biopsy to check for drug allergy. They won’t be able to say that it’s definitely being caused by the tamoxifen, but if the biopsy shows changes in the skin cells in line with drug allergy, then they reckon that it would be more than likely that tamoxifen is the culprit. If this is the case, I can discuss coming off tamoxifen if they can’t get the rash under control. Have you been to your GP to let them know of your discomfort? Mine was really helpful and understanding. I have been using double base gel for around a week now, and the difference is quite amazing, especially on my legs and arms. Unfortunately, my boob and stomach are not so receptive, so I’ll use the ointment on them as soon as I get it. Hope you find this info of some help, and once I get my ointment and antihistamines, I’ll let you know the brand names. Take care. Ann x x x x
Hi Ann,
Thanks for that - mine seems to come and go. Is that the same as yours? I think I will definitely ask my GP though - she’s been really helpful with everything else so far. Best of luck getting yours sorted out x x x
Hi Sarah,
Yip, rash comes and goes, but when it’s there, it’s awful. Skin goes bright red and the itch drives me mad! Can’t sleep for scratching when it appears. Have been prescribed Elcon ointment and atrax, which are strong antihistamines. When they mentioned the biopsy word, I started to worry that something else was afoot, but been reassured that it’s an allergic reaction of some sort. The best thing about the atrax is that it makes me drowsy, so I sleep much better taking them. Not sure if you suffer from the dreaded night sweats brought on by tamoxifen, but if you do, then the atrax stops me itching and I don’t waken up with the sweats so much and so get a better nights sleep. Also, my skin is so much better using the double base gel. Had previously been on diprobase, but my skin was still really dry. Been using my ointment, antihistamines and the double base for 4 days now and the change is amazing. Even if you can get the double base gel from you’re GP, I’m sure you’d notice a difference. Hope you get some relief soon. Take care. Ann x x x