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Skin rash on face! ?paclataxil? So stressed!

Kiwi79
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Hi all,

I have TNBC and have had 8 weeks of chemo (paclataxil, carboplatin) and pembro and yesterday developed a rash on my face around my nose and mouth. It has got worse today.

My partner is just getting over norovirus so I’ve been manically disinfecting and washing my hands and my hands did get a rash in so I thought it may be this that I’ve transferred?!

I rand the hotline yesterday and they just said to monitor it and ring if it gets worse. Today it looks to be angrier and spreading a little and is more itchy so I called them back and they just said it will be a reaction to the chemo?! And to try antihistamines.i They didn’t even ask to see the rash?! I just don’t feel it is and I had to miss chemo this week too.

Now I’m so worried it will get worse and I will have to miss this week too!

Has anyone else had this?! Feeling shitty about myself at the minute! 

  • Hello kiwi79,  Oh it looks itchy and sore.  Skin issues are hard to diagnose and I am not a doctor but it looks like perioral dermatitis.  You can look it up and see if you think you have this issue.  Be gentle with it.  Hugs to you and hope you feel better soon. Heart️

    Barbara 

  • I think this is much more likely to be a reaction from pembro rather than to the Paclitaxel. Skin reactions are common on pembro and can become serious. The treatment is usually steroid cream, antihistamines and an emollient, but steroid cream is difficult on the face. If it doesn’t settle, remind them you are on a PD-1 blocker (pembro) and it could be an adverse reaction. 

  • in reply to Hopeful Barb

    Thankyou. It does look like that!

    Ive taken one antihistamine so far and no difference!

    Will call the team again tomorrow.

    Thanks for the reply! X

  • in reply to Coddfish

    Thank you. 

    I am due my next pembro Wednesday. 

    I’ve taken an antihistamine and it’s made no difference. Rather than call the 24/7 number again and get fobbed off again I think I will call the team I usually see tomorrow and see what they say?

    I already had to miss last week due to GI issues, I’m so scared I will have to miss this week too! 

    Keely x

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