Hi, my name is Denise I am 61and this is my first posting.Diagnosed just before Christmas 2017 wow what a Christmas prezzy for me and my family how shocked and stunned we were because I wasn’t unwell .My hair was slightly thinning and thought I may have a Thyroid problem like my Mum so routine blood test picked up this CML monster ,WBC 133 . I knew nothing about it and thought my days were numbered.I am on 400 mg of Imatinib which I was terrified of taking after reading all the stories of terrible side effects but luckily I have no side effects at all until about 2 weeks ago I have a mild rash across the top of my chest and a bit on my back across my shoulders ,you can’t see it just feels a bit bumpy and gets a bit itchy if I get too hot .My next appointment isn’t till the end of May ,should I bother my Consultant now do you think or just mention it next time I go to clinic.My last BCR-ABL at 3 months was 3.4 % so I think I am on track .Any thoughts from all you lovely people .Thank you .
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IMATINIB RASH
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Hi Denise,
In my experience it is is quite common to develop a skin rash as a side effect of a tki such as imatinib.In the broad order of things it is not a condition that would require immediate attention from a consultant but it would be useful to mention it next visit.You could try using a topical steroid such as betnovate but it would need to be be dispensed via a prescription and long term overuse will lead to a thinning of the skin.You might try Eucerin cream which may well be effective in calming any irritation.If you want to go down the really natural route some creams contain aloe vera,calendula and manuka honey-an example is Hopes relief:intensive dry skin rescue.It is made in Australia but is available in health shops in many countries or online.It is cortisone free.
Long term severe rashes and especially those that involve intense irritation leading to bleeding might need the attention of a dermatologist.
I trust that this helps
Best wishes
John
HiJohn,thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and to reply.The rash is not so bad Germolene and Vitamin E cream are ok don’t need anything stronger like steroids .I was just a bit worried I maybe getting allergic to Imatinib and might have to change meds.Still trying to get my head around this condition .Hoping you are well .Kind Regards ,Denise.