[trainier2020]

Skin Sensitivities

by trainier2020 on Wed Dec 22, 2010 8:10 am

I am sure there is someone out there who has experienced sensitivities with the skin during your chemotherapy. I have an itchy rash that seems to appear of all places on my face, neck and chest. Has anyone found a good product line for facial care to help soothe the irritation? Did you seek out a dermatologist?

[Terry]

Re: Skin Sensitivities

by Terry on Wed Dec 22, 2010 10:03 am

Hi Tricia,

Are you taking Revlimid? It is apparently common for people taking Revlimid in combination with dexamethasone to develop a rash or patches of dry skin. It's even something mentioned at the Revlimid website,

http://www.Revlimid.com/multiple-myeloma/multiple-myeloma-side-effects-other.aspx

Good luck!

Terry

[trainier2020]

Re: Skin Sensitivities

by trainier2020 on Wed Dec 22, 2010 1:54 pm

Yes, on 25 mg of Rev and 40 of Dex.

I haven't found anything topical that is soothing. My skin is so sensitive. I have eliminated all perfumes, dyes, harsh soaps,etc. which has helped.

I just hate the rash on my face. I have suffered from quite a few of the Rev/Dex side effects.

[Ricardo]

Re: Skin Sensitivities

by Ricardo on Wed Dec 22, 2010 2:53 pm

I am definitely not an expert on these sorts of things, but I read something once that applying evening primrose oil to the skin can help with itches and rashes.

Here's a link with some additional information:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/evening-primrose-000242.htm

Amazon sells bottles of the oil, and I think it's also available at a lot of health food stores (and perhaps even supermarkets like Whole Foods).

Good luck!

[Ted]

Re: Skin Sensitivities

by Ted on Wed Dec 22, 2010 8:17 pm

Hello Tricia, I had the skin rashes too. Mostly on my legs. It seemed to me that a dip in the ocean and a dip in a chlorinated pool helped the rash more than anything else I did. Of course, I am no expert either but I suggest a week on the beach or by the pool as soon as you are able and the weather is right! (Watch out for too much sun! You'll burn 3(?) times as quick!) All our best to you! Ted (UAMS/MIRT 2003 multiple myeloma)

[Kansas]

Re: Skin Sensitivities

by Kansas on Wed Dec 22, 2010 11:31 pm

You might want to check with a dermatologist. Rex had terrible itchy rash from Velcade/Dex and got a perscription for Triamicinolone - there is also another product Desoximetasone which is also perscription - both were topical ointments -- also a pill Mirtazapine. The dermatologist did a biopsy to determine it was from the Velcade/Dex (not sure which one was causing it). Kay

[mayungfer]

Re: Skin Sensitivities

by mayungfer on Thu Dec 23, 2010 12:33 am

My husband had a rash all over but it was especially bothersome on his back, chest and arms. His oncologist sent him to a dermatologist. He was given an RX for Triamcin 0.1% to be applied 3 times a day. That helped calm it down and took the itch and redness away. He doesn't seem too bothered by rashes now. He is still on 10mg. Revlimid.

[trainier2020]

Re: Skin Sensitivities

by trainier2020 on Thu Dec 23, 2010 9:51 am

Thank you for your responses. It is as I suspected, a Dermatologist will be my best bet. It is very uncomfortable, itchy and when it's on your face, well I need to see a Derm. before I scar my face or do damage. I will be at MD Anderson starting December 29th and will not be leaving the area until April. My Related Donor ALLO SCT is scheduled on January 12th. I hope to stick to this schedule, I have so much planned around this date, caretakers, etc., everyone is aware of the possible complications but I hope to hold to the time line. I really breezed through two autos, with the exception of getting very dehydrated, no infections, etc. I realize it may be different this time. One, allos are harder and two, my system has never really recovered from the first two and all the chemotherapy, we've tried so many until I was able to get on the REV/DEX combo. BUT I am still stronger than most I am sure.

Thank you again for your responses. This is such a great place to voice concerns, ask questions and get solid answers. I hope this Beacon Forum grows and finds many more suffering from this disease. Over the past almost two years I have learned to really hate the word cancer, I rarely even say the word. I am only 53 years old, it's like come on!!! Be done already. I remain optimistic with a tough case of multiple myeloma.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and on Christmas morning can see the day through the eyes of an innocent child's enthusiasm.

There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. ~ Erma Bombeck