August 6, 2014 11:22:43 PM WATime
Hi RedDog, great to hear from you again!
Yes, radiation may cause some long-term changes to the skin and breast tissue of the area treated - which may produce a darkened colour (tanned or reddened appearance) to the skin and possibly broken surface blood vessels appearing as small red lines on affected skin. The skin can also become drier and itchy at times (or chronically so), and may be more easily affected by both external irritations (e.g. sunburn, hot bath, spa, washing powder, creams or perfumes); and ingested irritants (new medications, sensitivities/allergies to foods, medicines, etc). The affected skin may also have increased susceptibility to developing infections such as yeast/fungal rashes, or possibly even shingles. Or sometimes it is perhaps just a mild skin response to a shirt rubbing or new bra, or a heat rash as you've mentioned.
Very occasionally it may be more concerning changes in the skin that require further tests to determine the nature of - especially if doesn't improve or worsens.
The very difficult aspect is - it's very tricky to know what a rash is possibly caused by without a good clinical review. If this problem doesn't settle soon or you haven't already identified the cause, then a check with your doctor is advised to diagnose and treat - which hopefully would soon ease the discomfort for you.
Wishing for all the best and less itching soon RedDog. Please let us know what this turns out to be .. could possibly help others here too.
Loads of hugs
Glenys xx
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
