Hello Amelie,
Sorry to come late to your question. I had an Auto. SCT 1st September. All went well and I have had few problems, either during or afterwards. That said, I did experience a significant all over rash, exceedingly dry skin and extreme itching starting around early October – about 6 weeks post transplant. Night-time was the worst, it being partnered by flushing and 'overheating'!
I thought it an allergic reaction to the Aciclovir anti-viral drugs (I am off all other medication). In consultation with my liaison nurse at the transplant centre and my GP, I tried Atarax antihistamine and 'Doublebase' moisturising gel. The rash cleared within a few days and the Doublebase is just wonderful – skin like a baby's bottom (almost!).
Towards the end of November I had my 3 month post SCT clinic. My consultant was of the opinion that the condition was exceedingly unlikely to be a reaction to the Aciclovir (which I had been on whilst in hospital) but, rather, a reaction to the transplant itself.
I discontinued the antihistamine and the rash has not reappeared, so I'm now convinced that this is what it was/is – the itching continues, albeit less than it was. The present cold weather will not have helped the dry skin of course and I am continuing to use the Doublebase.
I hope that this is a little reassuring to you and to John; at least you know that someone else in a similar position is scratching in sympathy! With any luck it will subside very soon but, if you haven't yet found it, I do recommend John tries Doublebase. Good luck with bringing it under control and with continuing progress post SCT.
best wishes,
Peter
