allergic reaction..

Hi ladies. I have got an allergic reaction to the tape. I got rashes all around my incisions. I called my ps office and they told me to take off the tape already and put some hydrocortisone for the itching and take benadryl for the allergy. They were itching really bad at first but now its not as bad. The rashes seem to look the same and have little white bumps on them now. Have any of you got this before? If you have how long did it take to clear up? Its just weird that I didnt get that reaction until 3 wks.. They said usually you see it sooner.

I've no advice hun, still being pre-op. But I can say that plasters of all kinds including micropore (which is supposed to be better) always gives me a red rash while it's on and for a few days after I take it off!!! There is no itching for me, but the rash is a bit annoying.

In relation to the white bumps, it could be a bodily defense mechanism against the allergy. Just leave it alone and I'm sure it will settle soon.

As to why it took 3 weeks to show up - could be like other allergies. For example peanuts. If you are going to be allergic to them the allergy doesnt show up the first time you have peanuts, and sometimes not even the second time. But after that, after the initial exposures, your body develops the allergy which appears the following time you have them. It could also be that such a prolonged exposure to the tape (ie 3 whole weeks of it) irritated the skin so much it got tired of it and developed an allergy.

I think there are lots of possible explanations hun. But the best thing for now is to leave it and it should go xxxxx

Please don't pick at the bumps, it's more than likely just your skin's reaction to the tape.

If it doesn't clear in about 5 days then call your nurse and ask for further advice