Attack of the Blotches!

**misskay** · 08-24-2010, 01:59 AM

I'm going on the assumption that this is being caused by the Cytoxan, because I think if it were the Pred or other meds it would have appeared sooner. (Been on the Cyt 6 weeks or so, much longer on everything else). And it seemed to get worse as we increased the Cyt dosage...

I am getting these wierd brownish/tan skin blotches all over my chest, abdomen and arms. Look like huge pale freckles... skin in these areas is kind of dry also. Not painful, itchy or anything else... just odd looking. On my abdomen, it runs almost along the ribs in straight lines and then connects to a large disclored area right on the sternal area. Was wondering if anyone else experienced this? If you did, was it permanent or did it go away after chemo?

**Sangye** · 08-24-2010, 02:06 AM

If they're what I'm picturing, they are most likely caused by the hormonal disruptions due to pred and/ or ctx. The side effects of ctx increase the longer you stay on it.

However, you should definitely have this checked out. A dermatologist is the best one to tell.

**elephant** · 08-24-2010, 02:10 AM

I agree with Sangye, should have your adreanl glands checked ( I can't remember what the labs are foggy brain). How much prednisone are you on? Have you been tapering off prednisone. Can't remember.

**Jack** · 08-24-2010, 02:10 AM

Sounds like the fungal infections that I get. I have treated mine in the past with a type of shampoo, but I don't know the details. Get it checked out by your doctor.

Steroids can also cause darkening of the skin - I've got that too!

**elephant** · 08-24-2010, 02:15 AM

Jack, I had that too on my chest it was blochy med to small patches and I had to put lotion on them daily. It goes away.
I hope Misskay that it is that. Easy to take care of.

**Jack** · 08-24-2010, 02:28 AM

I had the lotion too, but the shampoo smells better.

**misskay** · 08-24-2010, 02:51 AM

thanks all... I've had that fungal thing in the past (when I lived in FL)...think the shampoo I used was Tegrin. smells awful, but much cheaper than the rx stuff. This looks different to me, had itching with the fungal, none with this. Will check with the doc... I'm thinking it's just a side effect. Lucky me LOL

Elelphant, I was on 60mg Pred, reduced to 50 4 weeks ago, then to 40 a week ago.... some joint pain returned with the last lowering, but tolerable, and the Vasculitis in the fingers improving with lower dose... so I'll take the trade.