Hello Patsysmash. I didn't suffer from any itching after my lumpectomy & SNB so wondered if this is due to an allergy to something you are putting on your skin. Is the itching all over? If your surgery is recent then you will find that your skin around the surgery area is likely to be more sensitive than it was prior to surgery and until everything has healed, which takes a while, I swapped my usual products for ones that were gentle and more 'natural' and did not contain things like fragrance or parabens. I've been using brands like aveeno and moogoo without any problems. Also, when wounds are healing they tend to itch a bit too so maybe that is happening if the itching is in the area of the wound? It might be worth speaking to your breast care nurse to see what she advises - she might want to take a look to check the area is healing ok.
Thankyou for taking the time to read my message. The itching isn't caused by a product - I havent put any deodorant on since my op. Just washed with gentle soap and water. Also made sure I didnt put fabric conditioner in the washing re bra. If I put a flannel soaked in icy water on it stems the itching for a while but quickly dries out. The areas near my wounds - areola and near armpit, feel hot. There's no infection or redness so I believe its " the healing process" but will keep an eye on. As you mentioned, I will contact the Breast Care nurse for advice. I will need deodorant soon....I have noticed an unpleasant odour....like stale BO?. I have never had a sweat issue before so want to get this under control. Read some threads and frustratingly this seems fairly normal xx
I also had severe itching following surgery - was told this was normal and part of the healing process! I applied E45 daily to breast area from about 2 weeks after surgery. The itching lasted about 4/6 weeks.
I would recommend Pitrok Crystal Deodorant Stick for armpit odour. This is the only one that worked for me. I had odour from surgery armpit following the ops, and then the other armpit started smelling when I started Chemo.
Hello Patsysmash, if the area is hot to touch that can indicate an infection even if there isn't any redness so definitely let your nurse know about this. My armpit on the lumpectomy/ SNB side also smelt quite strongly for a while after surgery but that went away after a couple of weeks. Ask your nurse about when you can start using deodorant again. I started to use this again following the wound being checked and given the OK at the breast clinic 2/3 weeks after surgery.
I had itchiness after my lumpectomy and still get it occasionally now (operation was 2nd Aug) I was told it was totally normal and was the nerves trying to knit back together- I used to tap the area that itched.
I have found that the hotter I feel the more itchy I am. So trying to keep cool. I have just gone and stood outside, lovely and cold and my itching eased a little
I'm glad it's not just me..... I'm driving myself mad scratching away. I'm not using deodorant, and using fragrance free shower products. Hopefully it will soon pass x
I had a lumpectomy seven weeks ago followed by a partial mastectomy on the 19th of this month both times I found the itching worse at night my solution is to take an antihistamine before bed or during the day if its needed. Itching is part of the healing process it's a sign that the nerves are coming back on line . Not good when it keeps you awake though.
