Radiotherapy side effects

Hi DollyP and a very warm welcome to the forum. Sorry you’re having this horrible post rads issue, I had nipple problems too but pain rather than itching. It was ridiculously painful for weeks, during and after. Finally a huge scab fell off (I thought it was the actual nipple! Sorry if tmi!!) and it actually felt a bit better as I think the scab had been pulling. My nipple has been left inverted and a paler colour to the other, it really didn’t appreciate radiotherapy. During my 3 weeks rads I used to ‘air’ my boob when I got home, just lying on the bed with no top on. A bit chilly in January but the coolness and air felt soothing. Maybe that might help your itchy nipple? And if you haven’t already tried this, putting the moisturiser in the fridge can also help. I kept on moisturising twice a day too, for ages, as I felt the skin (and nipple) needed it. Sorry I have no magic solutions up my sleeve, but the pain in my case did resolve slowly so hopefully so will your itching. Have you tried taking antihistamine? Don’t know if that would help but might be worth a try. Obviously check it’s ok with any medication you’re on. I’m on Anastrozole and know that it’s ok for me to take loratodine if I get insect bites. 
Sending love and a gentle virtual hug your way, HFxx 

Hello! Thank you for replying so swiftly. I've been doing all of the above, but it's still so itchy - aarrrghhhh! :-)

It's good to know that this is seemingly normal in some cases - not that I would wish it on anyone. I think the radiographers suspected I might have issues when I mentioned I have lots of allergies and sensitive skin.

If it carries on being so annoying, I'll give my local breast nurses a shout.

I'm glad I've found this forum. There are just so many ridiculous questions I have :-)

Ask away there are no ridiculous or silly questions here! And it’s also fine to rant and rave as sometimes that’s just what we need! Do go back to the  breast clinic if you feel it would be helpful. I got referred back after my oncology follow up, 10 weeks after rads finished. The nurse called in my original doctor from my first scans and biopsy investigations - she looked at my scaly boob and peculiar nipple and just said ‘Yes it really didn’t like the radiotherapy, did it?!’ She also said that they just don’t know who will have issues and who will sail through; I have no known allergies and I’m not sensitive to anything! But it was very reassuring to see her and to have it checked. And it did slowly resolve. Love and hugs, HFxx 

Hi

Try an antihistamine and a hydrocortisone cream ( but only if the skin is unbroken) 

If you are finding your nipple is getting irritated by you bra try and find a piece of silk to stuff down your bra to reduce friction. It has to be sold though…. An old hanky or scarf. It really helps.

Your reaction will get worse for another week and then start to resolve.

if your skin breaks down go back to your team for advice x