Tamoxifen and dry patches on skin
Hi,
Since starting Tamoxifen I have developed several small dry patches on my skin. The skin is red but not broken, though sometimes it cracks. I have tried just about everything I can think of, but the skin never heals fully once this dryness sets in and I am getting more of them as time goes by.
My dermatologist wants to burn them but three of them are on my arm on the lumpectomy side so I am very reluctant to do anything on that side that might trigger lymphodema.
Have any of you ladies had this problem, and have you found a solution?
Kath
Comments
Hi LindyLu,
Many thanks for your suggestions. I already use a detergent that supposedly is suitable even for babies and am very restricted in what my skin will tolerate in terms of soap and creams. I usually do an extra rinse before taking the clothes out of the washing machine too.
So that leaves E45. I have family coming over in a few weeks and I'll ask for some E45 to be brought over to me. I'll let you know how I get on. Let's hope it clears up the red flaky patches.
Thanks again
Kath
Hi there,
On skin related stuff; the Tamoxifen and me saga has now resulted in me getting dermatitis. On my face. I was no Grace Kelly, but this is crap, as was the initial misdiagnosis by GP who prescribed a steroid cream which worsens my particular type of dermatitis. Now on antibiotics which seems to be working, though it will be a two month course. I am told by onc it is all part of the menopausal symptoms brought on by Tamoxifen, and may reoccur.
Anyway, I am using non perfumed, non paraben, non soap products only, as advised by doctor; luckily my local pharmacy stocks this....(I think E45 can irritate dermatitis but I am nit sure).
Any other skin stories?
Xxxx
Kathleen,
Am not on tamoxifen, rather an AI called Aromastin plus a monthly injection to shut down my ovaries (the joys!). I have dry patches too, mostly on my arm (non cancer side funnily enough) they come and go. They can be a bit ichy but I have found E45 to be best remedy.
Overall I have found my skin to be way more sensitive post chemo. I would have had fairly normal skin before diagnosis. I changed washing liquid at Christmas (from *airy non bio liquid to the gel version as it looked to be better value!) but I found it made my dry patches worse. My 6 year olds eczema went bananas too
So I might suggest you look at your wash powder or other creams you use on yourself to see if changing reduces the dry skin issues.
Finally I would also add that mine gets worse when seasons change and heating goes on or off!
Good luck
Lindylu