1. < Breast Cancer

Breast rash

Posted by coleypink @coleypink, May 22, 2022

I have had a breast rash (scaly and itchy) since I had my mastectomy with tissue expander placement 10/01/20. I had my exchange surgery 12/16/21. My plastic surgeon had me referred to dermatology that gave me strong hydrocortisone, it will work a little but never completely clear it. It is never gone. Bright red, scaley and so itchy! Anyone else experienced this?

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | May 22, 2022

Oh my goodness! I cannot imagine living with itching that long. I am sorry this happened. I don’t have an answer for you but there was a conversation where a lot of women who had reconstruction talked about it and some of them might have an answer for you.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mastectomy-1/
Does the steroid cream stop the itch? Have you tried any over the counter lidocaine treatments?

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | May 29, 2022

@coleypink how are you? I have been thinking about you this morning and wondering if you got any answers about that rash?

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1 reply
coleypink | @coleypink | May 29, 2022
In reply to @auntieoakley "@coleypink how are you? I have been thinking about you this morning and wondering if you..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

@coleypink how are you? I have been thinking about you this morning and wondering if you got any answers about that rash?

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I just saw the message above. I’ll go to that thread now. Thank you for reaching out. 🥰

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tapgirl | @tapgirl | Mar 5, 2023

I am new to this group and just saw this posting. I used a breast sling from beginning to end of lumpectomy radiation. The skin protection was phenomena. I had no rash, no broken skin. After radiation I continued wearing the sling and have never had any kind of irritation beneath my breasts again, even in the hot summer months. The slings make so much sense - the protection is awesome.

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Mar 5, 2023
In reply to @tapgirl "I am new to this group and just saw this posting. I used a breast sling..." + (show)
@tapgirl

I am new to this group and just saw this posting. I used a breast sling from beginning to end of lumpectomy radiation. The skin protection was phenomena. I had no rash, no broken skin. After radiation I continued wearing the sling and have never had any kind of irritation beneath my breasts again, even in the hot summer months. The slings make so much sense - the protection is awesome.

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Can you elaborate on what is a breast sling? When I searched for it, there were several types some of which would be wholly impractical for living. How did it help you?

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1 reply
tapgirl | @tapgirl | Mar 6, 2023
In reply to @auntieoakley "Can you elaborate on what is a breast sling? When I searched for it, there were..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

Can you elaborate on what is a breast sling? When I searched for it, there were several types some of which would be wholly impractical for living. How did it help you?

Jump to this post

The brand name is Comfort Sling. It is a soft cushion attached to an adjustable strap. The real culprit is accumulated perspiration beneath the breast which is further irritated by skin rubbing against skin. I wear a double sling at night while I sleep and I haven’t had even a hint of a rash for years. Nor have I had any further need for topical medication.

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deanatwins | @deanatwins | Mar 7, 2023

Wow I'm so glad I found this chat! I had a double mastectomy 5 years ago with radiation. On and off for the 5 years since I've had itchy skin where I was radiated. It's not red, and there is no rash. I use cream in the area thinking it's just very dry from the radiation. Anyone else experience this itchiness still so many years after radiation?

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