Face rash

[Rusty821]

Hi I’m on afatinib 50mg have been ok but Iv got a rash on my face nose is blocked and eyebrows all dried up I look like Iv be burned any ideas how to relieve would be appreciated

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Rsuty821

Welcome to the forum and sorry you are having side effects from your treatment.

Cancer Research UK have provided some information on how to manage skin reactions: cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

I take it you have discussed this with either your lung cancer nurse specialist or oncologist who can advise what creams are best to use or if you need any medication to ease your symptoms.

You could ask your local pharmacist if there is anything that could ease that blockage feeling in the nose. There are a number of things that may help. eg. steam inhalation or a menthol inhaler stick; although it is worth checking these with the oncologist in case this would irritate the delicate tissue of your nostrils.

NHS have some information on easing nasal blockage, but again with any over the counter medication do check with your oncologist:

nhs.uk/conditions/decongest...

Hope you hear from others in the forum who have experience in this and can offer what has worked for them.

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Hope you feel better soon

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Cockailschemocancer]

Hi Rusty - I have similar from a different treatment and I started to use Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser and Makeup Remover for Dry, Sensitive Skin which I could only find on Amazon, this helps with the soreness but doesn’t get rid of it. I also use; eucerin anti redness day cream and the same brand dermatoCLEAN 3 in 1 micellar cleaning fluids.

I hope that these help and relieve some of it x

[Rusty821 in reply to Cockailschemocancer]

Thankyou Iv been using aveeno baby emollient for moisture but il try the foam too Thankyou x

[Kimidge]

Hi Rusty I’ve been on Afatanib for over 3 years I use Aveeno on my skin and only use a simple soap. I use Naseptin for my nose when it is sore inside - this needs to be prescribed Did you know there is a EGFR Facebook and website? I think you’d find it very supportive as there are many of us with the same side effects

Hope this helps 🤗

[Rusty821 in reply to Kimidge]

Thankyou stay safe xx

[Dapple]

Hi Rusty I was on afitinab for 14 months and had the rash, nail beds lifted and paper cuts. To manage it I used Aveeno oat based moisturizer twice a day and a natural oil on my eyebrows and behind my ears .

My nose was blocked and. dry internally and McMillan gave me a smelling stick to unblock and I used Vaseline.

I got on prescription dermal 500 an antimicrobial emollient which can be used to wash with as my body was covered in acne like sores. I also put natural oil drops in my bath.

I managed the side effects really well like this and used to get through tons of aveeno!!

Hope you can manage your side effects I’m now on tagrisso as my cancer has mutated.

Be brave lots of love xxxx

[Rusty821 in reply to Dapple]

Thankyou for tips stay safe xxxx

[Rusty821 in reply to Dapple]

Hi can I ask what oil you used x