Itching Under Arm after Mastectomy and Node Dissection

[ItchySan]

I have a terrible burning iitch under my arm. It goes and comes,but is driving me batty. My Dr. says it is nerve endings
and will ventually go away,but in the meantime it is terribly uncomfortable.Any suggestions?


This discussion is related to skin burning type pain after mastectomy.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
I agree with your doctor.  The itching and burning sensation under your arm could be the result of your surgery.  It will eventually go away but usually takes time.  For the meantime, you may take any antihistamine and check if your symptoms will be relieved.  You should avoid scratching the area as well to prevent breaks in the skin and possible introduction of bacteria.
Take care.      

[japdip]

Everyone is correct ... it's from the surgery. I also had this along with the numbness that usually follows this type of surgery; all from nerve damage during surgery. I found that applying a cold compress helped somewhat. I never tried an antihistamine; it didn't seem like that much of a big deal. It did subside but I forget how long that took. I still have an occasional itch though and scratching never does much good. Patience is the best advice.

[katarina777]

With me it happened every time after I drank even the smallest sip of an alcoholic beverage. I read somewhere that this will go away in relationship to the alcohol after 10-13 day, and it did.