Eczema around wound site

[Happyrache2]

Hi everyone, I had a single mastectomy and simultaneous reconstruction in September last year. My reconstruction was carried out using muscle and skin from my back, which was brought round to the front. The breast skin was cut into an ellipse shape and the back muscle and skin put underneath and skin and muscle on the chest. Inside the elipse shape, where the original skin from my back is, is covered in eczema. I also have a big patch on my back under the scar, where they removed the muscle. I have just been prescribed some steroid cream and other bits. I hadn't had eczema since I was a child, and have been very frustrated about this. Has anyone else been through this or going through this at the moment? x

[Jennymary]

Not sure if this helps, I had lumpectomies in 2013, couple of yrs later developed dry flaky skin on right breast, 3 visits to GP resulted in a visit to breast clinic for a biopsy, consultant took one look at the breast and said 'you've got lymphodema' I was subsequently referred and diagnosed with Lymphodema in both breasts, may be worth asking if it is Lymphodema or can you be referred to get a specialist to check it out, good luck

[Happyrache2 in reply to Jennymary]

No I've already been told I am clear of lymphodema. I have seen a skin specialist and been told it is eczema. Thank you though.

[Loulou669]

I had excema years ago due to stress. Try 'Aveeno' cream for it.

[Nixh]

Hi Jen,

I’ve always had dry skin, my dad had eczema and now has psoriasis so think I'm prone to it unfortunately. I had mastectomies and implants so different op, but my skin changed as soon as i was diagnosed tbh. Initially i would say stress made me develop eczema but in the usual places including my scalp.

But then the ops themselves caused it too. I now cant have surgical glue and most dressings as my skin around my scars becomes red and itchy and blistered.

I think its definitely stress related but could be exasperated due to the washes and dressings they use like mine... My consultant and the nurses were sympathetic but there’s not a lot they can do about it and after subsequent ops i still had to have dressings so knew that the skin issues would show up after...and they did

So no solutions Jen, but do know how irritating it is as I get really itchy but due to nerve damage I can never get the right blooming area!

Hope it calms down for you soon x

[Nixh in reply to Nixh]

Sorry meant to reply to HappyRach not you Jen! Xx

[Happyrache2 in reply to Nixh]

Thanks Nixh! My Dad had psoriasis too, and I used to get a tiny bit on my elbows too, as well as eczema behind my knees. But never anything like this. I have just got my creams and a special wash to use, so hopefully it will start to fade. I was getting worried it would spread all over my body! My new boob is numb, and so is the area on my back, so can't feel that either, so that's one advantage, I suppose! Wishing you well. x

[Haven2255]

I have same problem but with psoriasis , using steroid creams