Post tx skin rash

[Gerbils]

Hi Everyone,
I am 10 weeks after completing the triple with incivek. Does anyone who has completed this treatment (or participated in the trials) still have a rash? I was undetectable on all checks during tx and at 24 weeks. The rash is only on my neck at the collar bones and back to the back of my neck and then stops. I also have a small patch on the inside of my forearm and a small patch on the back of my hand near the thumb joint. Otherwise, I am pretty well. I have good energy, and feel good. I do get bouts of joint pain sometimes pretty badly but then it goes away. I spoke to my doc about it yesterday and he wants me to see a derm and I will. I just wanted to quiz you all and see if anyone else had this. Thanks for everything as always! Good luck to everyone in treatment!
G

[Gerbils]

Dear Beeblessed,
I didn't see your response until just now. Thank you. Actually I did keep using all of my rash creams and the Aveeno Oatmeal shower lotion. This rash was just persistent. I think it may finally be almost gone. Your docs suggestion about the talcum is a good one. Some of my creases had issues and I finally decided to put powder on the them and it helped alot. I haven't seen that mentioned very often so I am glad you put that out there. Thanks again, Bee. Good luck on the rest of your tx!
G

[beeblessed]

Hi Gerbils,

Probably a stupid question but....are you using Medicated Gold Bond Lotion??  Or whatever you used during tx?  You may have to continue, especially until we get out of winter dryness.  Aveeno oatmeal baths may help too.  I also use body oil.  Lastly, my doc suggested talcum powder for all your creases, so -- inside elbows, behind the knees, in the armpits.

Best to you!
Bee :)

[Gerbils]

Maybe I should see if I can get them to do it. I also bet that when people relapse they do it within 3 mos. Not that knowing would really change anything, I can't re-treat right now anyway. But wouldn't that be encouraging to get another UND! And like I said I would still check at six months. Thanks for the response.
G

[Gerbils]

A humidifier may be a good idea. The dryness is a factor. Today the rash is not red at all and you can't see it really. But the skin where it is at feels rough. I was catching up on your journal. I always appreciate your writings. Take care!
G

[sandysf]

Huh?  They don't want you to think you are okay?  Why not?  Statistics prove that unless you are cirrotic,  the 12 week test is 99.9% percent accurate for SVR.  Personally I would insist on a VL now.  Not his money or insurance.

[crossroadsec]

Wow. I can't believe you've been finished for that long! I hate it that you're rashy.
Mine is almost as bad as during Incivik. I have 16 weeks to go. bedtime is the worst. I use the acealinowhatever 1% steriod cream like crazy.Trying to watch the thermostat. Not much rain here n that can't help. I may get a humidifier... whadduya think? Could it be dryness combined w/ drugs in your system still?
I'm dreading waiting on the SVR test also. sigh.  congrats to you on finishing!
xo Karen :)

[Gerbils]

Thank you for your response. I have blue cross too. I already had the  4, 8, 12, 24. When I asked if we could test again because of the continuing rash he said they do it at 24 wks post because they don't want you to think you are ok if you clear the 12. I know that, but under the circumstances, it is causing me a great deal of stress. I have alot of other situations that contribute to the stress but I am sorry to say that since tx my ability to tolerate extreme stresses is reduced. I am glad to hear you say you wouldn't wait the 6 mos. Honestly, it is a very long time considering what we have been through and a little reassurrance would be good. I have no intention of foregoing the 6 mos test in lieu of the 12 weeker, I just would like to hear a good word in between. Again, thanks for your response,
G

[sandysf]

Gerbils,

I think you can ask your doctor to run a VL test whenever you want.  My doc said let's do one at 6 months post tx and I said no, I want one at 4, 8, 12, 24 weeks post and she said fine.  It is your choice, if you have insurance.  I have blue cross and they have paid for every test, no problem.  No way I would wait for 6, 12 months for post tx VL.  

[Gerbils]

Thank you guys so much for the response! As far as I know, I had some kind of exzema on my hands when I was young (like in my late teens, early twenties) and then it vanished never to be seen again. This doesn't look like exzema from what I recall but I am no expert. What I have now itches if it gets too dry or rubbed, and gets really red from time to time. The rash doesn't like hot water in the shower at all and will get red after a shower but then later the same day it is barely noticeable. A few times, I actually thought it might have gone away and then hidey ho- it shows up again. It seems to have spread and gets irritated when I wear shirts like a sweatshirt that rubs on my collar bones. As long as I wear something with a lower neck it is pretty calm.

You sound like you are doing pretty good WD and if you are still getting rashes too, then hopefully it is ok. My eyesight and brain fog have improved and I really hope yours does too (soon). It probably is too early for us. I know we all want SVR so much and sides can be scary as they continue. I wish they would test us all at 3 mos after and 6 mos. It would save alot of worry.  Thanks again.
:0)
G

[working dog]

i feel really good off tx for 3 months but still get rashes very easy...also get the stinging of my skin as i go to bed...my eye sight isn't all the way back...and i have some brain fog...i think its just too early and the drugs are still in my system a little....no real big deal though...and i never had the greatest skin anyway....billy

[fretboard]

Welcome to the forum.  I've never heard of anyone still having rash 10 weeks after tx that must really suck but I have to ask, is there any type of dermatitis issues in your family history?  The only thing I can think of is maybe when you were very small, like toddler size you had some type of eczema and then you are now adult and you were on interferon and blamo!!  Also, could be you've never had anything dermal and one of the drugs is to blame.  Let me know, inquiring minds want to know.  good luck!!