Sore and Itchy radiotherapy burn site

5 replies
48 subscribers
255 views

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

I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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

We will move mountains to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.
We'll do whatever it takes. For information, support or just someone to talk to,

call 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk

Onwards and Upwards

Voicebox Cancer- Laryngectomy 2020 and Oesophagus survivor 2022

Adminitrative Assistant at Frimley Park Hospital, Cancer Support Hub

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

See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey

MarkEL 2 months 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!

More from this forum

Sore and Itchy radiotherapy burn site