Itchy scalp

[Bishtown]

Hi...I am on first round of Ibrance, end of second week. My scalp is itching terribly. Anyone else with this problem? Is this a precursor to loosing my hair, or just another side effect? Any solutions? Thank you!

[Crazydentist]

Hello

Yes my scalp itches..it was worse when I took 125 mg Ibrance..now on 100 mg and the itching has improved..so far I’ve not noticed any hair loss/thinning..early days for me though

I must admit I try to leave my hair alone ie don’t put bands round it or do tight plaits..occasionally straighten it and wash it less often..I do colour it as well

Good luck with your treatment

Barb xx

[Bluebird77]

I did not having itching of the scalp, but a sore scalp before it started coming out during my second cycle of Ibrance.

[Snowcone16]

Yes....although i started Ibrance on 4/24. Some days, it will feel like someone is lightly tugging on my hair. Some days a sensitive or sore spot like the size of quarter. Although there is nothing there and that sensation can move to a different spot on another week.

However, in March, they did find Mets to my scalp. It was half the size of a dime. It was a pink spot near my part that went bald. Honestly, if it had been the back of my head, it would have easily been overlooked. However, as the dermatologist told me “the good news is it’s BC so you won’t require another medicine “.

And...silver lining, the biopsy scab was on my head 4 months! But, it just fell off last week and I’m convinced it’s a sign that Ibrance is working everywhere! (I initially was diagnosed w Mets to bones on January 30. I was diagnosed stage 2 in April 2016”

[Sandig1948]

Hi, thank you for posting that query. I have had an itchy scalp since round 2 now on round 5. In fact it’s getting worse and I am waking up at night scratching. My hair already very fine from previous chemo has thinned considerably but a small price to pay.

Thank you Tri78 for the antihistamine suggestion.

[Klamato]

My scalp itches a lot as does my face! Crazy! Now my eyes continue to tear and itch. I will be asking about this when I see my oncologist about this side effect.

[Buffwright]

I tend to treat stuff as if I weren’t being treated. So drink water, use a substantial moisturizer ( my fave is Gold Bond healing). I use a gentle dandruff shampoo —Jason, available at Sprouts in CA and similar healthy grocery stores and co-ops. My doctor recommended an olive oil concoction before shampooing. My hair thinned a bit in front , but slowed down after a while. Most people don’t notice. It’s all annoying, eh? Good luck!

[Clair19]

Oh my, ever since I started chemo treatments finished in April my scalp never stopped itching. I’m taking Faslodex now and it drives me crazy. I have tried everything, from certain conditioner to having my stylist do special treatments. I hope you find something, I think it has to do with lack of hormones, just me. I wish you luck. If you find something please share.

[SpongebobMom]

this is happening to me as well. I am on month three of Ibrance. I haven't changed any of my hair products so I am chalking it up to the meds.

Has anyone found something that helps with the itchies? I am going to try some head & shoulders shampoo in the worst spots & see how my scalp feels.

[Contrarielle in reply to SpongebobMom]

I am on 3rd month too and some parts of cycle it is way worse, some nights ok. I think head and shoulders helped a little bit

[Blessedwarrior]

I noticed this when I started Ibrance and Letrozole. I massage organic coconut oil onto my scalp and through my hair it helps relieve the itching and after I wash my hair hair the next morning it feels great and is so soft.

[Hidden]

I’m just finishing my 8th cycle of Ibrance. I have extensive bone mets. I have suffered from itching of my scalp and tingling my face since I started taking Ibrance. My oncologist thinks it’s due to the bone met at the base of my skull shrinking. It was 2 cm. My hair started thinning noticeably around cycle 6. Hope that this slows down.