Rash from chemo TH (paclitaxel and trastuzumab): What helps?

Posted by bremel @bremel, Jul 9 10:15am

Hello, I have had two rounds of Herceptin/Taxol and have developed a rash that almost looks like acne on my face, scalp, back and chest. Has anyone else had this happen? They gave me Clindamycin gel but now want me to add Kenalog once a day and I have always thought Kenalog is not safe for use on the face? They told me it is from the Herceptin but sounds like it might actually be from the Taxol.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 9 3:12pm

@bremel, I'm tagging a few others like @hockeymom25 @cjs123172 @raebaby @bbhere who have experience with Taxol and Herceptin (paclitaxel and trastuzumab).

Bremel, I'm wondering if the rash is an allergic reation or a side effect. Some people can experience an allergic reaction during or shortly after treatment in the form of a rash, itching or a red face. But your acne-like rash sounds more like a side effect of Herceptin.

Have Clindamycin gel with the addition of Kenalog helped?

cjs123172 | @cjs123172 | Jul 9 4:18pm

Hello @bremel

During my first few rounds of Taxol, I had some reactions, including a rash that was on my neck and upper chest area. The nurses suggested I take Zyrtec, which I did. It subsided in a day or so as the Taxol moved out of my system. As my treatments went on, I had the rash less - to the point that near the end of the treatment, I don't think I had it at all.

I knew mine was from the Taxol because I had it every week - and I only had the Herceptin once every three weeks.