Rash

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.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

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