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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I was wondering if anyone has experienced raw mouth and throat and chafed cheeks after starting full induction therapy?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Greenup, KY

Hey everyone I am finally on all of my meds for my induction therapy the chemo shot, revlimid, the immune infusion and the bone infusion. I have had three of the chemo shots two immune infusions and three of the revlimid, my concern is that my throat has been feeling really raw the last couple of days and I don’t see the dr until Monday I figured I would jump on here and see if anyone has had any similar symptoms also my face feels like it’s chafed and it’s red. I also just finished 8 rounds of… read more

October 10
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a question about raw mouth, throat, and chafed cheeks during full induction therapy, sharing that these symptoms are... Read more

Members rallied around a question about raw mouth, throat, and chafed cheeks during full induction therapy, sharing that these symptoms are common and often linked to steroids like Dexamethasone, radiation, or the combination of multiple treatments. Several members offered practical relief tips including magic mouthwash, Cetaphil or Avene skin products, cool compresses, alkaline foods, kefir, plain yogurt, and aloe vera gel applied directly to the face. A recurring theme was to not wait and to reach out to the oncology team quickly, as a raw throat during complex treatment regimens deserves prompt attention.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Hi Stephanie - how are you? I sure hope you are doing better. Multiple Myeloma treatments, with their multiple components, can cause different reactions. It can be very difficult to determine what drug is causing what issue.
You didn't mention this, but are you taking any steroids like Dexamethasone? Dex always makes my cheeks very red a couple of days after taking it. Sometimes this can be painful. When it clears up, it is a relief. I like Aveeno products to help with the red face issues. They have special face washes and creams that deal specifically with redness.
Also, my hematologist suggested I take Pepcid to help curb some of these types of allergic reactions on my face. (Pepcid helps with stomach issues, but also allergy issues.) Before you take anything new of course, check with your oncology team.
I also had radiation recently on my neck and shoulder area. It has caused redness on my neck area where the radiation was targeted. So, if radiation was causing skin issues, I think it would be in the area the radiation was treating.
Sorry you are experiencing pelvic pain. I've had that happen as well. It will improve. Take your pain meds and follow the schedule. I've been bad to try to "tough it out." That doesn't work. (Ask my husband.) It's better to stay on top of these things.
Hope there is something in my ramblings that help. Take care, and God bless you in this journey. 💕

October 11
MyMyelomaTeam

What a lot to be managing all at once — it's completely understandable to want some reassurance. The good news is that raw mouth, throat soreness, and skin changes on the face are recognized side effects of myeloma treatments, including Revlimid (lenalidomide) and radiation therapy.

Revlimid is known to cause rashes and skin Show Full Answer

What a lot to be managing all at once — it's completely understandable to want some reassurance. The good news is that raw mouth, throat soreness, and skin changes on the face are recognized side effects of myeloma treatments, including Revlimid (lenalidomide) and radiation therapy.

Revlimid is known to cause rashes and skin reactions, and radiation can cause sunburn-like effects, dryness, and peeling in the areas it targets — which could explain the chafed, red feeling on your face after finishing your radiation rounds.

The raw throat feeling is also consistent with mucositis, which is inflammation or irritation of the mouth and throat lining — a known side effect of chemotherapy. The fact that the magic mouthwash is helping is a really positive sign. Other MyMyelomaTeam members have found helpful remedies for similar symptoms, including:

- Biotene mouthwash, moisturizing gel, and spray for dry mouth and throat
- ACT lozenges for mouth dryness
- CeraVe cream and Dove soap for dry or irritated skin
- Staying well hydrated and eating soft, bland foods if swallowing is uncomfortable

As for whether to wait until Monday — since things seem to be improving with the magic mouthwash and your cheeks feel better too, monitoring closely over the weekend seems reasonable. However, please don't wait and go to the ER or call your care team's after-hours line right away if you notice any of these warning signs:

- A rapidly spreading or painful rash
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing fluids
- Signs of dehydration
- Mouth sores that are getting significantly worse

These could signal something that needs prompt attention. As for figuring out which treatment is causing which symptom — that's genuinely tricky when starting multiple medications at once, and it's a great question to bring to your doctor on Monday. They may be able to help identify the likely culprit based on timing and the type of reaction.

Hang in there — you're doing an incredible amount right now, and asking questions like this is exactly the right thing to do. 💙

October 10
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Stephanie I would send a message to your oncologist nurse and ask if you should make an appointment with your PCP or if you could have a visual visit with someone on your oncologist team.

6 days ago
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Take probiotics and eat plain white yogurt also kefir plain is great for skin

6 days ago
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Stephanie, it wouldn't hurt to call the service and have them call you in something for your throat. They usually have a special formula to swish and swallow. It can get so bad you won't be able to swallow your own secretions. Radiation flare with increased pain can happen. But let them know anyway.

October 15

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