Skin Irritation

[Manninmaid]

A friend of mine is a fellow lung cancer patient who has small cell lung cancer and is currently on carboplatin chemotherapy. She has developed a really irritating itch just on her thigh. She wonders whether this is a side effect of her treatment and what may help with it. She has tried steroids, Eurax cream and hydrocortisone cream but nothing seems to be working so far. Has anyone else experienced this as a side effect of carboplatin and if so what would you recommend to help with this itch please?

[Swimdown]

Hi. I had Carboplatin treatment last year and I developed a red itchy rash on my face and chest after each treatment. I took Piriton which helped a lot but did not get rid of it. The hospital also gavd me Piriton by injection before each treatment. I didn't have the rash continuously during treatment it faded after a couple of weeks between each cycle. I hope she finds some relief soon.

[Manninmaid in reply to Swimdown]

Thank you so much for your prompt and helpful response Swimdown. Will let my friend know. Best wishes Manninmaid

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Manninmaid

Sorry to hear about your friend, an itch can be quite demanding in its own way. As Swimdown has said, it may be good to have an antihistamine prior to the Carboplatin if agreed with by the medical staff.

The lung cancer specialist nurse may be able to advise on what can help.

The following link provides some information on managing itchy skin from cancer research UK:

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

It may be the medical staff may reduce the Carboplatin dose or stop this temporarily to allow the skin to settle down.

The other thing that may help is applying a cold pack to the skin for at least 10 minutes until the itch subsides, or some distraction therapy with the use of approved Complimentary therapies at the unit.

If you or your friend wishes to discuss anything, our Freephone nurse led helpline number is 0800 358 7200

Hope your friend feels well soon and she is lucky to have a friend like you seeking out remedies for her.

All the best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Manninmaid in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you so much for your help on this. I know I have commented to this effect before, but I am really impressed with the prompt, detailed and helpful responses your Team post. I have cut and pasted your advice to my friend and thank you on her behalf too.

Best wishes Manninmaid

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle in reply to Manninmaid]

That is so kind of you and we appreciate the feedback.

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team