itchy 🤯

[JustKBO]

Hi everybody. I have an itchy scalp that is driving me mad. My skin itches too and I’m 100% certain it’s a side effect of the Rucaparib I am taking. Can anyone recommend a shampoo that will ease this ? I also suspect my hair is thinning so I don’t want to exacerbate that. I’m also worried about using something that will interfere with the parp. I’m not in the UK at the moment so can’t consult my GP. Thank you.

[Lizzieanne]

I was on rucarapib for a very short while as it didn't work for me but itching skin was a problem for, especially one arm. It would drive me mad in middle of night, I tried anti histamine, cold ice packs. E45 itch cream did seem to help but then I was taken off it and all calmed down. My scalp was ok. But you could try E45 Itch cream. I fully sympathise.

[JustKBO in reply to Lizzieanne]

Hi Lizzieanne. Thank you for your reply. I was beginning to think I was the only one who experienced this. I have an itchy arm too and when I scratch it bleeds. Yeuk. I’ve tried all the itch creams and they do give some relief but my scalp is another league and I can’t rub cream into my hair! I’ve poured white vinegar on it now and I smell like a chip 🤣. Good job we can still laugh. Take care. X

[Skyeplus]

My scalp itches, but not on the same parp.. I find Jennifer Young scalp balm helpful. Bit pricy but good. Specialist cancer care range. And the spritzer. Good luck and take care

[Flute_7]

Hello, I’m not on Rucaparib, however I have had slight itching on my scalp and use Johnson’s baby shampoo and conditioner. I don’t know if it’s the answer to itching but I’m guessing if it’s gentle enough for a baby then it’s got to be ok for my hair and scalp. Would love to know if it helps you. Hope you manage to find something xx

[JustKBO in reply to Flute_7]

Thank you for replying. I will certainly give it a try but I think this is going to require something more medicinal. Scratch, scratch, scratch 😬.

[Teazles]

Hi I’m on rucaparib and I’m the same I have an itchy scalp and itchy skin, my skin gets very itchy on a night time when I go to bed. I use Aveda scalp balance shampoo but I’m not sure if it’s any help. I have an appointment with my consultant tomorrow and I’m going to ask if I can stop taking rucaparib as I’ve had lots of problems with them the main one being tiredness and I don’t feel that I’m having a good quality of life. I hope you get your itchiness sorted xx

[JustKBO in reply to Teazles]

thank you so much please let me know what they say you can use for itchy scalp because I’m not back until my next check up in September. Unlike you I want to stay on Rucaparib. It’s working and I’m worried they’ll take me off it if I complain of side effects. Fatigue is an issue I could fall asleep on a line. Good luck with your decisions.

[Teazles in reply to JustKBO]

I’ll let you know, I’m scared to come off Rucaparib as last year was my second recurrence after 4 years of NED but I’m prepared to take the chance as id like to feel more like myself again xx

[Le-gra143]

hi justko

I did too after first chemo cycle

I got elaze shampoo so mild and soothing on skin

I also got bioderm shower gel too

I also heard coconut oil is good for scalp and skin I did buy it but I prefer the shampoo

I get so many side effects

Hope your itch free soon

[JustKBO in reply to Le-gra143]

Dear Le-grad thank you for the tips. Maybe a coconut oil treatment would be good to try it is also good for hair growth. I will try it X.

[JustKBO]

I’ve tried to update my profile but I’ve given up. I don’t understand the questions on timescales and treatment and there isn’t the scope to answer what my treatment has been. I’m either very stupid or the questions are not well structured ☹️

[BadgerBright]

Hello JustKBO I have been on rucaparib and experienced itchy skin but not in my scalp so much. I have experienced the same itching whilst on IV chemo and it is really debilitating. I am not currently on Rucaparib and the itching did stop when I stopped taking it so I think it is a side effect in some women. I was given a really good cream by my cancer centre called Pliazon plus. It is just a moisturiser but I found it really helpful. My GP also prescribed Cetraben when I was on IV chemo ( which I am on again now) which was also good. I think you can get equivalents over the counter of the latter if you are not able to get to your GP. Sadly, I do not know anything for the scalp but specialist cancer spritz as others have suggested sounds worth a try. Do hope you had this under some kind of control soon as it really does drive you to distraction. Hoping all goes well. BB.

[JustKBO in reply to BadgerBright]

Thank you that’s all very useful and I will try anything and everything to be itchless. 🙂. Good luck with the chemo.

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there JustKBO

Thank you for your post. I’m so sorry to hear about the itchiness that you’re experiencing. I can see you’ve had lots of responses from the forum community which I hope have been helpful.

Your clinical nurse specialist or GP should be able to provide you with personalised guidance to address this issue, perhaps prescribing a cream or medicine that doesn't interfere with the rucaparib. I appreciate this is tricky as you’re not in the U.K at the moment but wondered whether you may still be able to speak with the 24/7 oncology helpline for advice whilst you are overseas - or speak to your CNS via email? The Ovacome support team are also here to help you plan for any future appointments or conversations with your clinical team if you think that could be useful.

A known side effect of rucaparib is skin changes, including a rash that can be itchy. Macmillan have some more information about this side effect here on their website: macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf... . This information also highlights that it’s important to cover up or use suncream if you go out in the sun.

I hope you’re able to access some individualised medical advice soon that helps to alleviate the itching. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything we can help with. You can send us a message here on the forum, email us via [e-mail] or call our support line on 0800 008 7054. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm (U.K time).

Best wishes

Annie – Ovacome Support

[JustKBO in reply to OvacomeSupport]

Thanks Annie. I’m regrettIng my last post it makes me sound totally neurotic and I don’t want to worry anyone else.

[JustKBO in reply to JustKBO]

I’ve deleted it 🙂

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team in reply to JustKBO]

Hi there Just KBO

I'm really sorry you're feeling this way but please know that this forum is a safe space to share your concerns. It sounds like a conversation with a member of your clinical team could be really helpful regarding the itching, as well as understanding your recent blood results and providing some clarity and reassurance. We are also here if you would like to chat through anything that's on your mind right now. I realise you're not in the U.K at present and that talking on the phone may be difficult - but we can connect via Zoom, Skype or WhatsApp if that works better for you? We're here to support you.

Best wishes

Annie - Ovacome Support

[Teazles in reply to JustKBO]

Please don’t regret anything you put on here it’s a support network and we all worry that’s why we need the support from all these fab ladies on this forum xxx

[JustKBO in reply to Teazles]

Ah th hats kind of you. Annie from Overcome support said the same but I didn’t want to spook people unnecessarily about a few misgivings I have so I deleted it.

[Leniko]

Could be. Chemo causes skin changes, dryness, rash. You can try Head and Shoulders moisturizing for scalp. Or an olive oil treatment. Anti-itch cream for skim. Good luck!