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Deodorant

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hello

I have stage 2 Lymphoma and currently having treatment  Abvd but I seem to have a skin irritation mainly around my shoulders and under arms down towards my hips. I have been prescribed cream and antihistamine but could this be a reaction to my deodorant? If so, can you recommend a natural deodorant that I can try?

Thabk you

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi LJ2022,

    Thanks for getting in touch with us and welcome to our online community

    I’m Sarah, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists at Macmillan.

    Unfortunately, skin irritation and rash can be a side effect of ABVD treatment. Bleomycin can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Occasionally, bleomycin causes long, thin streaks that look like scratches on one or more areas of skin.

    It’s unlikely that the deodorant is causing the rash, however making sure you are using an unperfumed, natural deodorant is a good idea.  Brands such as “Simple” can be gentle on the skin.  There are many different brands online too.  There’s not one specifically that we would recommend.

    During treatment and for several months afterwards your skin can be affected, you will be more sensitive to the sun and your skin may burn more easily than usual. You can still go out in the sun but use a sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and cover up with clothing and a hat. Your skin may darken. It will return to its normal colour after you finish treatment.

    If the irritation gets any worse don’t hesitate to speak with your Clinical team for further advice.

    Please get back in touch if you have any other questions.

    Kind regards  

    Sarah H, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

    Our ref SH/AW

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