Phantom itching

It’s the oddest thing, isn’t it? The breast feels itchy, but when I scratch there is no sensation that I’m scratching. Frustrating, too.
I didn't have this problem after the first surgery, lumpectomy with mastoplexy, August 2022. But it happened with second surgery to adjust size of the breast, November 2024. It became more noticeable a year after surgery, my guess is that all other issues I had been concerned with resolved leaving this.
I was told by survivorship staff that it’s normal and will probably go away over time. It’s usually from the cut nerves and rearrangement of tissue.

I try to ignore it. I plan to try a cold compress if/when i just can’t ignore it.
I wonder if a topical lidocaine would penetrate deep enough to help? I haven't used any topical meds before now because I was concerned about interrupting any healing process after the surgery and radiation.

I had a DMX in 2013 and I remember having frequent itching along my right side below my arm pit maybe from lymph nodes being removed? It drove me nuts too because the whole was and is totally numb so no relief when scratching. It would slowly resolve on its own each time. Too long ago to remember when it stopped but it hasn’t been an issue for years. Both sides in that area are still extremely tender to touch but I have a rare hereditary neuropathy where nerves are easily damaged so that may be why. Good luck.

I had BMX a year ago and just now occasionally feel the phantom itching. I thought of recurrence but couldn’t detect any lump! So annoying! Thank you for posting about that. I had no remedy except trying to message that area. Sometimes it helps, but lots of time I just have to wait it out.

I am almost a year out of DMX and started noticing occasional phantom itching about 6 months out. I had all of my lymph nodes out, and no reconstruction. The itching is only on the cancer side. I will get it primarily in my tricep area, sometimes closer to the arm pit. It is rare for me to get it though, and I hope it stays that way. What seems to trigger it for me (and a flare may keep returning for a few days) is if I rub the area too hard (I do manual lymphatic drainage) or I swell more than usual due to heat, etc. What helps me is being more diligent with wearing compression for a day or so - like a medical grade compression sleeve or bra, depending on the area. I typically wear a sleeve anyway but I don't wear it all day. If the itch flares up, I will be sure to wear the sleeve longer, and it goes away. I do NOT attempt to scratch it, for me, that makes it worse. I leave it alone and it will go away in a few minutes. If you can't get relief, I recommend trying out the compression.