Anyone else allergic to medical tape/bandages?

[biginjapan 647]

OK, so I'm 10 days post-op (give or take, due to the time difference) and I have to say that my biggest problem so far is the tape that I use to keep the gauze in place that cover my incision sites. Out of the five, 2 are almost healed (one is where they took the stomach out), but the drain wound and two others are slowly making their way there. However, my skin cannot handle the tape. I have red welts all over my abdomen, and they hurt more than the wounds! They itch if I keep the bandages on too long. And today the blistering started. I have weeping bumps and blisters from medical tape! I keep going wider and wider to avoid putting tape on an existing welt, but I'm running out of space. I've tried 5 different kinds of tape and the result is always the same. I took an anti-histamine today and covered the welts/blisters in non-itch cream, and that seems to have helped, but right now the only thing covering my incisions are bandaids, which is good enough for home, but not for going out and about in the real world.

Anyway, just curious if others have had similar issues and what they did to resolve the problem. (I'll try to post pictures later).

[Makotodragon 0]

Have you given thought to placing gauze/dressing over the wound and using a wrap that you can secure with taping it to itself? I know that might be ridiculous, just thought it might help.

[biginjapan 647]

3 minutes ago, Makotodragon said:

Have you given thought to placing gauze/dressing over the wound and using a wrap that you can secure with taping it to itself? I know that might be ridiculous, just thought it might help.

I have but that would be a lot of wrapping! If things don't get better I will probably have to do it. Apparently this type of irritant contact dermatitis isn't that common...

[Makotodragon 0]

9 minutes ago, biginjapan said:

I have but that would be a lot of wrapping! If things don't get better I will probably have to do it. Apparently this type of irritant contact dermatitis isn't that common...

I seem to have developed issues to tape as well, it sucks. I literally imagined myself doing what you described, because I've been there. I can't imagine how I'm going to deal with this myself when the time comes. I don't suppose you've tried "paper" tape? Or just getting a large patch bandaid?

Water block plus clear adhesive bandages_1.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" data-fileid="69807" src="https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/monthly_2017_02/58a8332c06d25_band-aidwaterblockplusclearadhesivebandages_1.jpg.7da9925d75d76226729e466f01106ca6.jpg" />

Edited February 18, 2017 by Makotodragon

[gryffen 176]

Have you tried Meopore dressing as its adhesive? Hypoallergenic paper tape is good too. Your irritant is actually very common and it's a reason why people here aren't allowed to keep plasters etc in a FA box (yeah I know) incase a reaction happens and your sued.

If a major issue go speak to your doctor and ask for suggestions.

Fridge Pickers Wear Bigger Knickers [emoji200]

[Diva T 62]

I would stop using the tape and call my doctor, if you haven't, on Monday 1st thing. Your life is not in danger but you don't need more injury to your skin than you all ready have from your incisions. If you're not having any drainage at incision sites, I would keep them clean and dry unless your doctor told you to use any type of ointment. If you're allow to shower I'd make sure to cleanse the incisions every day. Change your top a couple of times a day, wear a clean sleep garment every night and just keep an eye on them. Continuing to use tape is just causing more injury to your skin. You are really allergic! I hope you find my opinion helpful. May God bless you and keep you!

[FreeToBMe 8]

I am allergic to medical tape. When I awakened after surgery, I had a perfect rectangle of blistered skin on my belly from where the adhesive sterile draping enclosed their work area. Paper tape works somewhat, but more often, I just need to put gauze compresses over wound sites and wrap it with some of that stretchy self adhering bandage material. It works kind of like an ace bandage, can be reused a few times and sticks to itself, but not to the skin. Every time regular medical adhesive is used, I form blisters and the wound area grows, rather than heals. The brand name is Coban. Another product that works for me is Tegaderm.

[courtnbella 0]

I am too, my surgeon used glue on my incisions instead of steri strips.

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

[smyleetn 55]

I had the same issues. I was told to just let them be without covering them. It worked


Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[Luce587 48]

Me too. Just take the coverings off and allow them to heal. 10 days out, they should be pretty well on the way to healed!

[hermione53 157]

I'm also allergic. I used cortisone cream to help with the itching and then switched to using Tegaderm film over squares of gauze. No itching at all with Tegaderm. Good luck!