[Barneasada]

Acne and rash as stem cell transplant side effects?

by Barneasada on Sat Mar 15, 2014 7:24 pm

I had my autologous stem cell transplant (SCT) about a month ago. My face has never been prone to acne or break outs. Now, however, it seems to be breaking out and is quite itchy.

I know it could be hives but is there a specific soap you were recommended to use post transplant? I've been using Dove but are there any other ideas?

Thanks

[Joy]

Re: Acne and rash as stem cell transplant side effects?

by Joy on Sat Mar 15, 2014 7:58 pm

Hi,

I had a rash post transplant. They never figured out why. It was scaly and itchy and lasted a couple of months, although it wasn't horrible the whole time. Nothing really helped but I found that liquid baby soap at least didn't aggravate it. I also used Aveeno Baby Eczema lotion which maybe helped the scaly part. However, I'm not sure if this would be good if you have some acne with this.

[rumnting]

Re: Acne and rash as stem cell transplant side effects?

by rumnting on Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:31 pm

My husband had / has this. It started about 4 weeks post transplant, first on his back, then his face. It was very noticeable. It is now almost 2.5 years later, and he still has minor bumps on his face. He has been seen by our local dermatologist, and by 2 different dermatologists at Mayo. They can't explain it. The best they can come up with is some type of mild graft vs host reaction (his transplant was an auto). They have tried many different medications without any real help. He is now hyper vigilant about using hypo-allergenic products (shampoo, soaps, moisturizer). He also showers before bedtime to wash off any deodorant, etc. We sleep on cotton sheets that I wash in laundry deterg. than contains no dyes or perfumes.

Hopefully yours will not persist as his has, but if so ... the bumps are now nothing more than a little concealer who hide. The most important thing is that his transplant was 2.5 years ago and he's doing well and feeling well.

[LilyMay]

Re: Acne and rash as stem cell transplant side effects?

by LilyMay on Tue Mar 18, 2014 12:49 pm

Hello Joy,

I was just reading your post about your autologous stem cell transplant. In August 2013, after I just turned 50, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I've had 23 radiation treatments for a tumor that destroyed my back bone. And now I'm having chemo in preparation for an autologous stem cell transplant, which will happen in late May into June of this year.

If there is anything that you can tell me about it that would be great. The doctors tell me a lot, but it's actually never happened to them, so I'd like to hear it first hand from someone who has experienced it. If you don't mind ... Thank You

[Joy]

Re: Acne and rash as stem cell transplant side effects?

by Joy on Wed Mar 19, 2014 10:57 am

Hi Lily May!

Here is a link to a thread where many people discuss their transplant experiences.

https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/stem-cell-transplant-what-to-expect-t2292.html

I will add mine to it later today. I had just turned 52 when I was diagnosed, so we are close in age. I will be thinking good thoughts for you.

[GregC]

Re: Acne and rash as stem cell transplant side effects?

by GregC on Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:33 pm

Barneasada wrote:

I had my autologous stem cell transplant (SCT) about a month ago. My face has never been prone to acne or break outs. Now, however, it seems to be breaking out and is quite itchy.

Hi Barneasada.

I have the same thing. Did your rash and itching ever clear up?

[z-man]

Re: Acne and rash as stem cell transplant side effects?

by z-man on Tue Apr 10, 2018 11:47 am

My severe acne is triggered by declining blood levels of dexa­metha­sone. The treatment cycle withdrawal or break from this cortico­steroid causes massive head and neck breakouts for me. Best treatment regimen I have found short of Accutane (isotretinoin) is 5-10% benzoyl peroxide facial wash and cream. A simple fix I also use is during a cyclic break in dexa­metha­sone (week or more) I continue a very small oral dose 2 mg every 3rd day until my normal myeloma treatment infusion starts back up again.

Hope this helps for you. Everyone responds differently, but it has been a life saver for me.