Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Rash
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Rash
by Rosa, Jul 18, 2001 12:00AM
I had a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection for stage 2 breast cancer June 27, 2000. I finished my chemo in Feb. 2001 and my radiation in April. Recently I have noticed alot of itching on the upper outer aspect of the operative arm, also the axillary area. It causes me to scratch until the area is very red and sore. I still experience numbness in that area also.
My question is could this itching/rash be from the healing process. I try not to use deodorant on that side, in case that may be the cause. Thank you.
My question is could this itching/rash be from the healing process. I try not to use deodorant on that side, in case that may be the cause. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Jul 19, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Rosa, The itching may be from a variety of causes. It could be from the healing process, however that would be expected closer to the time of your treatments. Have you been in the sun recently? This area may be more sensitive to the sun since radiation, so you would want to avoid the sun or wear protective clothing. I could think of many other reasons, however, without seeing the area, and asking other questions it’s difficult to try to pinpoint the cause. You might want to ask your surgeon or radiation oncologist to take a look at the area, they can make recommendations for something to relieve the itching.
