Itchy Dry Skin with Rituximab

[Maudy1]

I am 4 months into Rituximab treatment for GPA and am experiencing very dry itchy skin. I think this can be a side effect, just wondering if anybody else has experienced this and did it settle down?

[PMRpro]

Don't know about rituximab but it is a problem with prednisolone and many of us ask our GP for a prescription for Doublebase or Diprobase cream/gel emollient. You use it after a shower whilst the skin is still damp to seal in the moisture. Some versions can be used instead of soap for bathing/showering. NEVER use anything that forms a foam to cleanse your skin - it just removes the natural oils and dries the skin out and that is sore and itchy. It doesn't matter whether it claims to be "natural", "organic", "hypoallergenic" or whatever other marketing ploy they try - if it foams it isn't kind to delicate skin! I shower with water, no soap except when I was my hair - and that isn't every day by any means either. I don't smell...

[SandieB]

Hi Maudy Ihave had itchy skin from Retuximab and i was told by the rhumy nurse to take antihistamine tablets, i did and it stopped the itching but you must also use a good moisturiser. Hope that helps.

Sandie

[PMRpro in reply to SandieB]

That's interesting - it's never helped me though! Definitely worth a try - though I would check with the pharmacist (not the counter staff) if it is OK alongside your prescription medication.

[Maudy1 in reply to SandieB]

Thanks Sandie, I will check with rhumy, as it seems to have flared up 4 months in which is weird. Can I ask if the Rituximab worked quickly for you as I am over 4 months in and I am still feeling unwell? Thanks Sally

[SandieB]

Hi Sally, it does take a while to kick in, i would say a good 3mths then you should start to feel the benefit from it. But Sally unfortunately our bodies are all different and sometimes these things take longer for some people than others. Chin up hun and think POSITIVE....

Sandie x

[valwood]

I started rituximab in Dec 2013 and suffer from the same problem, I have found loads of body lotion helps. I have also reduced my daily shower to alternate days. Hope this helps.

[Maudy1 in reply to valwood]

Thanks, that's a good idea, sounds like lots of people suffer from the same problem. Can I ask how quickly did the Rituximab work for you?

[valwood in reply to Maudy1]

It took about about 16 weeks for the rituximab to work, but this varies with different people. Keep smiling and enjoy life ,you may have to adapt but it can still be good . I went from being a walker and gardener to a lady who does afternoon tea !!!!

[Maudy1]

Thank you, I am just over 16 weeks so hopefully I will start to feel better soon. Trying to taper my steroids am down to 12mg but struggling. Can I ask how quickly you tapered yours and are you on any other immunosuppressant's? Sorry for all the questions but just so interesting to hear other experiences.

[SABG]

Hi,

I am on steroids down to 2.5mgs & Mycophenalate 1,500mgs/day and I have developed dry itchy red isolated patches on my legs, behind my knees...just suddenly...the itchiness drives me mad so I keep putting cream/anything to stop it. I feel such a compulsion to scratch because these skin lesions itch so much. I thought I must have mites or something more horrible...but I am very clean and wash my bedding weekly and shower daily.... but no the patches look very like sort of exzema...rough skin.

[Kirstysj]

Hi! Iv just started rituximab had my last infusion a couple of months ago and I'm now experiencing the same problem. I have very dry itchy skin patches all over my body which looks like eczema. Was just wondering if yours got better and how long did it take please? Also has it come back after each treatment? Thanks