Neck rash looks dark?

[anxious98]

Hi guys,

Slightly concerned about the neck rash I have. Except it’s no longer a rash since I haven’t itched it for like a month. It’s now a dark patch… It’s been there after my first chemo treatment (BEP) almost 2 months ago.

Doc prescribed steroid cream which I put on one time and caused my whole face to swell- wasn’t able to recognise myself after. Been scared to try the steroid cream since. And I don’t think it’s doing any favours to the rash. It’s no longer itchy. But I’ve got a really dark patch there now- not due to the cream though. It was there before I applied cream. My oncology doc hasn’t seen anything like it.

Is there anyone who’s experienced symptoms like this? And how can I get lighten/rid of this?

UPDATE: Resolved. My doctor who's never seen this before consulted with a dermatologist who saw a POC patient with the exact same reaction (starting off as rash, then skin darkening -> hyperpigmentation) to a chemo drug called Bleomycin. I still have the hyperpigmentation but it's not as dark as shown in pictures. It's fading away slowly and I'm applying sunscreen religiously. I'm hoping it won't be recognisable in 5 years time. Hope my update is useful for those searching in forums about chemo rashes.

[delia2]

Hi. I have no idea about the rash but if your oncologist doesn’t know what it is perhaps you should see a dermatologist? That was also a weird reaction to the steroid cream. Are you okay with oral steroids? It may have been an allergy to the cream base used in the hydrocortisone? Xx

[anxious98 in reply to delia2]

Oh I wasn’t clear, sorry. The skin darkening was before I was prescribed steroid cream. The rash was a reaction to the chemo and started off red but went darker after a few days. I did not use anything then and was given steroid cream to help it. Steroid cream just got rid of the itch but is not getting rid of the dark patch which is why I thought I was better without it since it’s no longer a rash. I’ll be sure to ask my GP once my chemo is done! Just worried that it won’t fade away.

[Jayniiee]

hiya

I had a darkening like that at the front of my elbow where they had used a particular plaster after taking blood. Ive had it since my last chemo in April but it is fading and almost non existent now so I'm guessing it will go with time. I would ask your GP to refer to a dermatologist though to see what they can do and for them to check it. Good luck with it xx

[Dana1970]

Hi, I did got a rash like yours but much worse.

All neck was red,both sizes , even behind my ears .Is been 7 months now and is looks like is going away but still can see the patch. Eventually will disappear but need a long time. Just need to have patience

[SopSinger]

Please go back to your doctor now and ask for it to be looked at. It may be nothing to do with cancer (remember, cancer doesn't make us immune to other non-cancer stuff) but if it's progressing, it needs to be seen by a medical professional. Tell your GP about the steroid reaction also, then s/he will be aware and won't prescribe the same steroid (I can take most low potency steroids, but eumovate is a problem for me). This should NOT be left until you have completed chemo.