Taxotere hand and face rash - Need advice, please

[jaykay]

Hi,

About 10 days after my 2nd TCH, I woke up with an ugly rash on my index finger knuckle and outer edge of hand - both hands. The next day I had matching check rashes with one side having what looked like blisters (not a happy camper!). Kind of itchy. Interesting that they are so symmetrical.

I checked online, figured it was the taxotere, spoke to my oncology nurse. Only thing she suggested was over the counter 1% hydrocortisone and antihistamines. The hands are still a mess. I do slather on the hand cream.

Is there anything anyone has found to have worked well or should I call my dermologist for something stronger?

And is this something I can expect to recur every time I have chemo?

Thanks
Janis

[Ellie F]

Hi Janis
Rashes are very common with taxotere. It took some time for the hydrocortisone and anti histamine cream to work. I had a fire engine red rash on both cheeks and one upper arm! I also realised that exposure to sunlight made it dramatically worse (I know it's January). Be careful NOT to use anything on your skin that contains perfumes or lanolin as this will make matters worse.
If its any consolation it does eventually settle and no permanent damage is done.
Hugs
Ellie

[jaykay]

Thanks, Ellie. Didn't think about the lanolin!