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Sudden Severe Body Rash, Small Tumor, Nodules In Breasts, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Surgical Removal Of Tumor. Treatment For Dermatomayositis ?
Question: I'm a 34 female, I had a sudden Body rash with a small tumor in my right breast which became breast cancer n the surgent removed the tumor and three nods from my under arms! And the doctors told me I had an attack of dermatomayositis with a tumor and a long journey of chemo for 6 months followed by 6 weeks of radiotherapy!
After chemotherapy and radiotherapy in three months this body rash has been developed severely but with no muscle pain, which is a main result for dermatomyositis• The rash r on my face\arms\my tummy\my back almost everywhere all my tests are normal and my ck is normal too! As u can see my skin looks so damaged I need answers please help.
After chemotherapy and radiotherapy in three months this body rash has been developed severely but with no muscle pain, which is a main result for dermatomyositis• The rash r on my face\arms\my tummy\my back almost everywhere all my tests are normal and my ck is normal too! As u can see my skin looks so damaged I need answers please help.
Hello.
Thank you for posting the query,
You have provided with good information regarding your health concern and it is a very good description. I appreciate it.
I shall address your concern based on your current given information.
Skin manifestations in such cases could be due to following basic reasons:
1) The breast cancer itself.
2) Following radiotherapy.
3) Following chemotherapy.
Since you developed these rashes after you had started chemotherapy & radiotherapy, the most probable reason becomes more obvious.
Dermatomyositis itself can also lead to skin rashes along with proximal muscle weakness. We usually get violaceous lesions over exposed areas of the body (scalp, periocular area and extensor surface of the body). Knuckles show lichenified lesion called Gottron's papules.
Even tumor invasions can occur to skin from the breast lesion. Such invasion are usually away the site of primary tumor.
But in your case, the most probable reasons seems to be either chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Other features which we come across following chemotherapy are alopecia, hyper pigmentation, photo-sensitivity, acral erythema, painful or non painful papular or macular lesions and nail dystrophy. Certain lesions even disappear after discontinuation of the therapy. At times, we get to see extravasation and irritant reaction at the site of chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy can also lead to skin ulceration, necrosis, alopecia, nail changes, erythema of skin to desquamation (peeling of skin) and itching.
There are no specific treatment for any of these, but one can follow a basic skin care regimen, which are as follows :
1) Regular use of moisturizers is a must as it improves dryness.
2) Gentle washing with warm water & mild soap. Soap should be unscented, pH balanced and should not contain lanolin.
3) Scalp care should include a gentle shampoo and XXXXXXX dry without a hair dryer.
4) Avoid gels, mousses and hair sprays.
5) A Hydrocortisone 1% cream may be helpful in reducing the itching.
6) Fungal infection can occur in folds and needs to be treated accordingly.
7) Avoid deodorants, perfumed powder and excessive heat and cold.
8) Friction & chlorinated water can also add to skin irritation.
9) Tight undergarments can also be a source of friction and are to be avoided especially in areas receiving radiation.
10) Vit E oils can also be used on body.
If these rashes are itchy, then you can take oral antihistaminics too.
Hope I have answered your query. Should you have additional concerns regarding this issue, I would be happy to address them.
Regards,
Dr.Bharat chawda
Thank you for posting the query,
You have provided with good information regarding your health concern and it is a very good description. I appreciate it.
I shall address your concern based on your current given information.
Skin manifestations in such cases could be due to following basic reasons:
1) The breast cancer itself.
2) Following radiotherapy.
3) Following chemotherapy.
Since you developed these rashes after you had started chemotherapy & radiotherapy, the most probable reason becomes more obvious.
Dermatomyositis itself can also lead to skin rashes along with proximal muscle weakness. We usually get violaceous lesions over exposed areas of the body (scalp, periocular area and extensor surface of the body). Knuckles show lichenified lesion called Gottron's papules.
Even tumor invasions can occur to skin from the breast lesion. Such invasion are usually away the site of primary tumor.
But in your case, the most probable reasons seems to be either chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Other features which we come across following chemotherapy are alopecia, hyper pigmentation, photo-sensitivity, acral erythema, painful or non painful papular or macular lesions and nail dystrophy. Certain lesions even disappear after discontinuation of the therapy. At times, we get to see extravasation and irritant reaction at the site of chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy can also lead to skin ulceration, necrosis, alopecia, nail changes, erythema of skin to desquamation (peeling of skin) and itching.
There are no specific treatment for any of these, but one can follow a basic skin care regimen, which are as follows :
1) Regular use of moisturizers is a must as it improves dryness.
2) Gentle washing with warm water & mild soap. Soap should be unscented, pH balanced and should not contain lanolin.
3) Scalp care should include a gentle shampoo and XXXXXXX dry without a hair dryer.
4) Avoid gels, mousses and hair sprays.
5) A Hydrocortisone 1% cream may be helpful in reducing the itching.
6) Fungal infection can occur in folds and needs to be treated accordingly.
7) Avoid deodorants, perfumed powder and excessive heat and cold.
8) Friction & chlorinated water can also add to skin irritation.
9) Tight undergarments can also be a source of friction and are to be avoided especially in areas receiving radiation.
10) Vit E oils can also be used on body.
If these rashes are itchy, then you can take oral antihistaminics too.
Hope I have answered your query. Should you have additional concerns regarding this issue, I would be happy to address them.
Regards,
Dr.Bharat chawda
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Jyoti Patil
Answered by
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