Hi Jen. I am on the same meds and during last winter, I had a rash across chest, upper back and shoulders/upper arms. The dermatologist at my cancer center prescribed Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% ointment which I applied only to the rash areas. He also directed me to use only Dove sensitive skin soap, use only a gentle detergent like seventh generation free and clear. I saw improvement right away and rash was gone in about 2 weeks. I noticed since then if I wear something that was laundered before I changed detergents I see a spot or two. So I immediately dab it with the ointment and wash in the gentle detergent. All is fine! --Trish
I too have developed a rash over the past few weeks. Have been on letrazole and Ibrance 1year. Mentioned to oncology nurse one week ago who emailed my oncologist. She said the best thing would be to bring my CT scan forward just to be sure so I am scheduled for Thursday (lucky as there had been a cancellation) and have a face to face booked with my consultant for 11 days later x
Hi Jen, I have been on ibrance with letrozole for 2 1/2 years now. I can get a rash on my chest arms and neck. I have linked it to when those areas are exposed to the sun as my skin seems to be a little more sensitive now. My doctor and oncologist agreed as it seemed to clear with antihistamines, I was allowed up to 4 a day. I also use Piz Buin Allery lotion and it seems to help stop it coming up so bad, I also try and cover up when the sun is strong and stay in the shade. I also use sensitive skin soap and washing powder. I hope you can get it sorted and find what it is that is causing your reaction x
Hi Jen. I have just seen this post and hope you have not been in discomfort all weekend . I thought I would let you know of my personal experience and how I tackled it , but as always , do discuss it with your GP, and oncology team. They may prescribe an antihistamine or other.
I am in the U.K. and have been on the same combination as you ( Ibrance/ Letrozole) for coming up to five years . I did have an itchy rash across my middle and side just over two and a half years ago , which lasted a good few weeks . But I haven’t had it since and I am still on the same combination a couple of years later.
My GP prescribed me a few tubes of cream :- Dermacool , menthol 2 % in aqueous cream (tho it is easily available to purchase online ) , and it did help soothe the itchy rash . But not to use it on broken skin !
Other things that I found helped were placing an ice pack wrapped in a thin cotton tea towel on the area , especially at night time , wearing loose cotton tops ( I wore my cotton vest ,seams inside out, to reduce the itching ), and showering the area only in cool water . I purchased some large dressings for extra protection too when out , as I tended to scratch (and I kept my nails very short !).
And as the other ladies have mentioned above only use products for sensitive skin / detergents etc and keep the area out of the sun . I also take vit D (Adcal) as prescribed by my oncologist. And also , a must for anyone on Ibrance , to drink lots of water !( even have a bottle by your bed) .
I had a rash, mostly not itchy, across my torso on Ibrance. I was also on Fulvestrant. I had progression, and I went off both. I was surprised that my oncologist gave the rash (little bumps, hard to see, easy to feel) as the reason for taking me off Ibrance.
I have had skin reactions to just about everything during the years of my treatment. The worst was with Xgeva, eczema, really bad, but alas she didn't take me off that. I don't understand taking the rash so seriously after two years.
I keep being referred by oncology to a dermatologist. They do nothing, give me ointments (cortisone) that I use only when it is itchy, and tell me to moisturize like crazy. Two years later, on Verzenio and Arimidex, I have the rash again. It is occasionally itchy (like now, since you brought it up!).
I will try the other things -- detergent and I use Ivory soap, because I have always had skin reactions to sun and everything else and in my previous life, was told Ivory is the mildest. See a new dermatologist today. I think this is a permanent condition. I was briefly on Letrozole and went out in sun in early spring and got a severe burn. Switched to Arimidex and that no longer happens.
Update: dermatologist said it is not a rash, something else. I moisturize heavily but not on my torso, where I have the bumps. She said to start, that these cancer meds dry out the skin fiercely. She recommends also soaking in a warm bath with a cup of white vinegar, then pat dry and moisturize, 3 x/week. It is her own invention. We shall see. I have heard this before, that itching is due to dry skin. I never believed it, but they are consistent and this one offered a solution.
No rash, just itching on head, eyes and nose. Starting second dose of ibrance tonight. I do put cerave' cream on my body for itching. Helps at present.
Yes, I am on Ibrance and do get occasional rashes on my shins. My onc suggested I take Zyrtec (an antihistamine) during the outbreak which does seem to help. I also put a cold pack on the area to calm it down when it gets really annoying, make sure to get 64 ozs. of water down and use mild soaps.
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