Going slowly mad

[4seasons]

I’m in the middle of 6 rounds of chemo. I seem to be working my way through the list of side effects ! The current one is absolutely awful. I have no hair ( thanks chemo ) and have developed an itchy rash over my scalp . The doctor at the hospital prescribed cortisone cream which was vile … greasy itchy head is not pleasant . Itching / lumps got worse … he thinks I’m allergic to the cream. I have now resorted to an antihistamine each day and calamine lotion all over my head at night so it is calm enough to allow me to sleep.Apparently it “ may “ disappear on it’s own but meanwhile I am slowly being driven mad by the itching. I just want to scream. The only time I get any relief … and it is short lived is when I am in a cool shower with water pouring on my head. Anyone else had this ?? Any suggestions as to what I can do ??

Oh goodness you poor thing.. have you a contact at the hospital ?
Can you phone them and explain as strongly ( I know it's hard when you feel dreadful) how badly this is affecting you ?
Can they refer you to a dermatologist? Maybe a cream with a higher steroid content is needed ?
In the meantime I'd suggest increasing the anti histamine and trying different sorts.

I lost my hair and had a v sore, itchy scalp. Didn’t have a rash. Washed my scalp each day with v gentle shampoo and not too hot water (Moo goo)and applied moisturiser. Settled on Eucerin scalp oil in the end. Found oncology nurses & oncologists relatively unhelpful; lack of knowledge rather than obstructive. Scalp remained sensitive throughout chemotherapy, couldn’t tolerate a wig, but the moisturiser was key. I think it’s probably trial and error.

Could you wet a towel and wrap it on your head for a bit for some cooling relief?

I used to put 6 wet flannels folded in individual bags in the freezer plus a large bottle of water. I wore a thin pull on chemo hat and put the spread out frozen flannel on top of the hat. The spare flannels were wrapped around the frozen bottle which kept them frozen for hours.
I looked ridiculous like a an old seaside postcard I honestly didn’t care because it helped I also took antihistamines.
I hope you find something that works for you.

While I'm not undergoing chemo (good luck and best wishes with it, by the way) I have various auto immune things going on.

One of them is periodic outbreaks of hives all over my body. The itching is verging on the unbearable, I really understand your pain.

What works for me is prescription Fexofenidine (it's stronger than over the counter stuff), cool short showers using only E45 bath oil and Sudocreme As soon as I feel an area of discomfort I slap on the Sudocreme and keep my fingers crossed.

But it's taken five years for me to get here, trying different things. And, of course, what works for one, doesn't always work for another.

I've undergone three rounds with cancer, but never felt as absolutely devastated as when the bloody itching kicks in. If it's constant, there is no rest. I really feel for you.

Sorry to hi jack but @user1471453601 can I ask how you deploy the Sudocrem?
My partner has eczema and flare ups which seem uncontrollable .He has cool baths and lots of splashing .
I tell him not to use Sudocreme (and instead to use one of his many prescription cream/lotions.ointments )because I think it might dry the skin .
But what do I know ,I guess it's quite thick and must seal moisture in .
Do you apply it liberally to large areas ?

@user1471453601 my s-i-l had urticaria for some years and was prescribed ever increasing doses of anti histamine.
She found most relief from Chinese medicine and drinking (a sadly rather unpalatable ) brew .

@allamberedover I try to catch the hive before it spreads, and before I start scratching, as putting sudocreme all over your body would be very difficult. I put it on, I don't attempt to rub it I just let it sit there, as you say it's quite thick and gooey.

As I said, what works for me won't necessarily work for others.

I have an itchy rash from immunotherapy. I have been prescribed fexofenadine and a cream called Dermol which I also use as a shower gel.

Thanks @user1471453601 .

@saveforthat Dermol is what partner with eczema is prescribed.
Alongside creams containing steroids.
As far as I'm aware it's a moisturiser with anti bacterial properties and soothes the dry scaly skin that's typical of excema.
And is a good substitute for soap etc that might further irritate inflamed skin.
But it won't help with the itching , though I guess the anti histamine wil
Much sympathy for all with itchy skin in this weather.

Dermol helps with my itching. I don't have eczema though.