Sore and Itchy radiotherapy burn site

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Hi everyone, I had chemo and radiotherapy treatment for tonsil, throat and lymph which thankfully ended 9 months ago and nothing has shown up since then, however I have noticed in the last week or so that around the site where I got quite nasty radiotherapy burns (around the crease of my neck where it goes to my shoulders) it has become so sore and itchy - it is driving me mad, especially at night. I have got an appointment booked with my GP but the earliest I could get is a couple of weeks away, and my next check up isnt until July - I also popped a message on ask a nurse, but I was wondering if anyone else had experienced this and what helped them - I am using SPF50 on my face and neck daily as instructed by the Hospital as I have lost sun protection where I got zapped, but I dont really go all the way down that far so that might have something to do with it as the sun did come out for a bit a couple of weeks ago - any help/advice would be greatly appreciated - I still have a tube of unopened Flamigel and did think about using that, but wasnt sure either. Thank you Karen x

Beesuit 2 months ago

Hi Karen. I might suggest the flamugel is a good idea but you do get long term RT skin effects like radio dermatitis. I would get your oncologist to look at it. Phone your CNS and get that review brought forward.

Dani

Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

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Micky55 2 months ago

I was given antihistamines by my GP, the drowsy type, took them at night to relieve the itching which seemed to be worse in bed. Chlorphenamine.

Micky

Kasvin 2 months ago

Hi Karen, Tony here another Community Champion, you could try the Swallows Charity for additional ideas they have free supplies as well and some great information they are a great group as well with monthly Online catch ups

https://theswallows.org.uk/support/resources/

Try them they may help, take care, Tony

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PFJTHS 2 months ago

I had something similar turn up about 9 months post treatment, although I did not get radiation burns during treatment. My consultant advised sunblock as it apparently also contains ingredients to help the skin heal. It did work for me.

Peter

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MarkEL 1 month ago

I still get itchy skin on my neck and it drives me mad too, although it’s getting less frequent thankfully. I found that 2.5% menthol aqueous cream helped enormously. It almost instantly cools the skin and relieves the itching. It’s not overly cheap but it certainly helps me. Here’s a link to the one I bought, although there are others. Good luck!

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Sore and Itchy radiotherapy burn site