Surgical Tape Allergy

DownInSocal · June 17, 2009

I had a sleep study last night to make sure I don't have sleep apnea (I know I don't it was a waste of time) anyway they used surgical tape to keep the leads on my skin and guess what? I think I am allergic to surgical tape.

The tape went on at 7:30 last night and came off at 6 am this morning. Now in perfect outlines of the leads and tape my skin is red and swollen and I am itchy everywhere. I had hives this morning but I thought it was nerves about stress at work. I will post pics when I get home.

What now? I know they tape your lap holes shut. Ugh.

ahchancey · June 17, 2009

my dad has an allergy to surgical tape. there are alternatives that they use, just tell your dr.

Tiffykins · June 18, 2009

I have the same allergy, and just told them to use other tape. I also have a sensitivity/allergy to latex, band-aid adhesive, and many other skin allergies, so my surgeon and hospital staff all made a true effort to not use anything that would cause problems.

I would call your doctor and ask if you can take an anti-histamine, or use any type of cream to help with the itchiness.

Malaika · June 18, 2009

I have the same allergy, and just told them to use other tape. I also have a sensitivity/allergy to latex, band-aid adhesive, and many other skin allergies, so my surgeon and hospital staff all made a true effort to not use anything that would cause problems.
I would call your doctor and ask if you can take an anti-histamine, or use any type of cream to help with the itchiness.

I have the same issues, although the tape that Dr. Aceves used hasn't appeared to break me out--it almost looks like paper. I bought some latex free fabric tape at Target the other day when I got gauze for the incision where the drainage tube/bag was and it doesn't appear to have an adverse effect.

Since you haven't had your surgery yet, I don't see where it would be a problem to take an antihistamine and/or use cream.