Can We Talk About Bandaids?

[olalisa]

Recently I'm noticing that when I use Bandaids I break out in a VERY itchy rash where the bandaid is. This is something new for me. I had a couple of moles biopsied last week and bandages became a real problem--itchier by the day. I tried Bandaid brand and also Nexcare brand. Does this mean I'm becoming latex sensitive or allergic? Could there be gluten in the glue? Could it be related to celiac? Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.

[tiffjake]

  olalisa said:

Recently I'm noticing that when I use Bandaids I break out in a VERY itchy rash where the bandaid is. This is something new for me. I had a couple of moles biopsied last week and bandages became a real problem--itchier by the day. I tried Bandaid brand and also Nexcare brand. Does this mean I'm becoming latex sensitive or allergic? Could there be gluten in the glue? Could it be related to celiac? Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.

I do not have a latex allergy, but my skin gets really p*ssed when I use bandaids, because of the "glue" they use. I would suggest getting some latex-free bandaids and see if you have the same reaction. If so, then it is probably the glue. Just get a couple, and put them somewhere, like the inside of your forearm, for several hours. See what kind of reaction you get.

And I don't think it has anything to do with gluten, at least for me. Just my opinion. Hope that helps.

[Ursa Major]

I think it is the glue, whatever it is made of.

I am severely allergic to all but the sensitive skin bandaids (and that goes for every brand I've ever tried, whether it's a fabric or a plastic bandaid). They don't stick as well, because they must use a different glue. But at least I don't get that awful rash within five to ten minutes, that might last from a couple of weeks to several years, and might turn to psoriasis. Yes, once I had severe psoriasis in the shape of a surgical tape on my forehead for four years, after they used regular tape during surgery, despite their promise that they would use nothing but paper tape. I guess they didn't believe me when I told them I am extremely allergic to regular tape and bandaids (morons).

[debmidge]

same reaction and it's the glue (I don't believe the glue reaction is a gluten issue). I've tried the sensitive bandaids and they don't stay on

[missy'smom]

I have to use the sesitive skin bandages too. Same reason as everyone else.

[StrongerToday]

  missy said:

I have to use the sesitive skin bandages too. Same reason as everyone else.

Me too!

[Michi8]

  olalisa said:

Recently I'm noticing that when I use Bandaids I break out in a VERY itchy rash where the bandaid is. This is something new for me. I had a couple of moles biopsied last week and bandages became a real problem--itchier by the day. I tried Bandaid brand and also Nexcare brand. Does this mean I'm becoming latex sensitive or allergic? Could there be gluten in the glue? Could it be related to celiac? Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.

It doesn't mean you're allergic to latex. You may be, but you could more than likely be allergic to the adhesive.

I had a problem with bandages after a skin biopsy too. For me, the irritation got worse each time I had to change the bandage. I talked to 3M (Nexcare) and confirmed the bandage was latex free, and determined that it was likely the adhesive. The lab person I talked to on the phone suggested that carefully & slowly removing the bandage would help. Each time I ripped the bandage off, I was removing a bit of skin and then the area would be exposed to adhesive again from the new bandage...that just lead to irritation.

I did have patch testing after that and confirmed I am not allergic to latex or any of the related manufacturing chemicals. I am allergic to other things that are sometimes used in adhesives (potassium dichloride is one chemical used in adhesives.) I am also allergic to neomycin. The Polysporin I was directed to use on my biopsy site has a related ingredient (bacitracin) that was exacerbating my reaction...left a nice scar too.

Michelle

[Cam's Mom]

Great question!! My poor daughter wears an insulin pump and the infusion set is held in place for three days with a sticky bandage. It drives her crazy. We had be using an alchohol prep pad before inserting the site but that made it way worse. So we stopped using the alchohol but the bandage still itches. We are supposed to put another tegederm bandage over the site but no way that would drive her out of her skin.

Anyone know what's in the adhesive? Or what is in those alchohol preps? The ingredients just say 70% alchohol and water - hmmm, maybe it is the alchohol?!?

[jerseyangel]

  missy said:

I have to use the sesitive skin bandages too. Same reason as everyone else.

Me too--A regular band-aid will leave a mark on my skin for a week. Looks like I have on a pink band aid

[Michi8]

  Cam said:

Great question!! My poor daughter wears an insulin pump and the infusion set is held in place for three days with a sticky bandage. It drives her crazy. We had be using an alchohol prep pad before inserting the site but that made it way worse. So we stopped using the alchohol but the bandage still itches. We are supposed to put another tegederm bandage over the site but no way that would drive her out of her skin.

Anyone know what's in the adhesive? Or what is in those alchohol preps? The ingredients just say 70% alchohol and water - hmmm, maybe it is the alchohol?!?

As mentioned in my earlier post, potassium dichloride is one common adhesive chemical, and is a relatively common allergen. It goes by other names as well:

chrome

chromate

chromite

chromium

potassium dichromate

It is a very common metal, and can be found in a whole host of products aside from adhesive, including detergent, bleach, costmetics, tattoos, cement, tanned leather, inks, sutures, etc.

Michelle

[Ursa Major]

  Cam said:

Great question!! My poor daughter wears an insulin pump and the infusion set is held in place for three days with a sticky bandage. It drives her crazy. We had be using an alchohol prep pad before inserting the site but that made it way worse. So we stopped using the alchohol but the bandage still itches. We are supposed to put another tegederm bandage over the site but no way that would drive her out of her skin.

Anyone know what's in the adhesive? Or what is in those alchohol preps? The ingredients just say 70% alchohol and water - hmmm, maybe it is the alchohol?!?

Can you hold in in place with an elastic bandage? That way you won't have to stick anything onto her skin.

[olalisa]

Wow! Sounds like I'm not alone in my sensitivity. I'll try the sensitive skin ones and see how that goes, then take further action if necessary. Thanks, everyone

[tarnalberry]

many people are sensitive to the adhesives they use. different brands use slightly different adhesives, so do try different brands. (I always use the waterproof bandages myself, and am usually fine with them, but will react maybe 2% of the time.)

[Helena]

Yeah, could be the adhesive. But also could be the latex. I'd talk to your doctor and get referred to an allergist especially if you are at risk of developing a latex allergy based on clinical history (environmental allergies; allergies to certain fruits and veggies) or occupation (i.e. health care worker). If you do have a latex allergy, you could have a major reaction with a major exposure . . . .i.e. through surgery/dental work/blowing up a balloon/condom use/gynecological exam . . .

I have a latex allergy----I've just reacted mildly so far to latex gloves and to bandaids and to my pilates mat. But my reactions are inconsistent---they don't happen all the time. But I got tested for latex allergy, and my doctor says I could go into anaphylactic shock with a major exposure. The idea is for me to limit my latex exposure so that I don't become more sensitive. (latex allergies can be *really* difficult to manage because latex is in everything. well, not literally.)

[Saz]

Definately got to the doctor if you think it's latex.

I have to contantly wear a band aid on a surgical wound, and Using the material and plastic pink ones gives me a rash after about a week, it is only this particular area that can't tolorate them though. I get around by using the clear band aid or the Junior ones wich are basically the same as the clear.

[gail.k]

It is definitely the adhesive, and it is most likely gluten used in the adhesive. Gluten is often used in adhesives for medical applications, including bandages. Here is a quote from an article that I just found in the journal "Trends in Food Science & Technology":

"Gluten

[ravenwoodglass]

Thanks for posting the links. I now use Wegmans brand nonlatex fabric bandages and no rashes are there when removed. I love Wegmans.

[Idiote Savante Goddess]

The adhesives often contain colophony - a pine resin. As I'm allergic to the tree, the bandaids cause a rash.

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[dlp252]

Okay, I have a question possibly related to all this, lol.

Last Monday I got a B-12 shot at my doctor's office. They put on a little round tweety bird bandaid. All was fine, no itching that first day and most of the second day. In fact, it didn't itch until towards the end of the second day when I removed the bandaid. As soon as I removed it, the spot started itching and continued itching for a couple of hours. The itching stopped for a while, then came back the next morning, and several times throughout that day and the next two days. INTENSE itching, lol. Funny thing is, there was NO redness or swelling or marks of any kind (except for the microscopic spot left by the needle).

Does that sound like a sensitivity or allergy? I would think there would be swelling or redness if that was the case. I've been trying to figure out (and still need to call the doctor's office, lol) if it's the B-12 or the bandaid. I am allergic to trees, but mostly oak and a couple of other.

[ravenwoodglass]

  dlp252 said:

Okay, I have a question possibly related to all this, lol.

Last Monday I got a B-12 shot at my doctor's office. They put on a little round tweety bird bandaid. All was fine, no itching that first day and most of the second day. In fact, it didn't itch until towards the end of the second day when I removed the bandaid. As soon as I removed it, the spot started itching and continued itching for a couple of hours. The itching stopped for a while, then came back the next morning, and several times throughout that day and the next two days. INTENSE itching, lol. Funny thing is, there was NO redness or swelling or marks of any kind (except for the microscopic spot left by the needle).

Does that sound like a sensitivity or allergy? I would think there would be swelling or redness if that was the case. I've been trying to figure out (and still need to call the doctor's office, lol) if it's the B-12 or the bandaid. I am allergic to trees, but mostly oak and a couple of other.

When you get your next shot perhaps you could have them leave off the bandaid. I almost never let them use one even with a blood draw, just get one of the little cotton pads and hold it over the needle prick for a minute or two. Leaving off the bandaid should give you your answer.

[dlp252]

Thanks!

[Michi8]

  dlp252 said:

Okay, I have a question possibly related to all this, lol.

Last Monday I got a B-12 shot at my doctor's office. They put on a little round tweety bird bandaid. All was fine, no itching that first day and most of the second day. In fact, it didn't itch until towards the end of the second day when I removed the bandaid. As soon as I removed it, the spot started itching and continued itching for a couple of hours. The itching stopped for a while, then came back the next morning, and several times throughout that day and the next two days. INTENSE itching, lol. Funny thing is, there was NO redness or swelling or marks of any kind (except for the microscopic spot left by the needle).

Does that sound like a sensitivity or allergy? I would think there would be swelling or redness if that was the case. I've been trying to figure out (and still need to call the doctor's office, lol) if it's the B-12 or the bandaid. I am allergic to trees, but mostly oak and a couple of other.

I think it's something worth talking to your doctor about.

Through patch testing, I found out I'm allergic to cobalt...which means I'm allergic to vitamin B12. I'm not anaphylactic to it at this point, but it doesn't mean I won't be down the road. Apparently anaphylaxis & death have occurred after B12 injection due to a cobalt allergy (a Google search will turn up info on this.) I don't know what treatment I would take if I had pernicious anemia.

Michelle

[dlp252]

Thanks for the info Michelle! I'm calling my doctor's office tomorrow to talk with the nurses about all this!

[pattij]

The latex itself could be the culprit. I have noticed that I've become increasingly sensitive to body lotions/creams containing shea butter. In researching the topic, I discovered that some people with a latex allergy experience cross-sensitivity to shea, because the karite tree, from which shea is derived, is a botanical "cousin" of the rubber tree, used in the production of latex.

As fate would have it, for a long time I have been sensitive to latex, be it in band-aid form or in ACE bandage-type products.

Of course, sensitivity to the adhesive is certainly a possiblity, too.

[dlp252]

That's interesting about the cross-reactivity with shea...I do seem to have a problem wtih shea, or at least I did.

I think we've determined that it was the bandaid not the shot. I had another B12 shot on Friday and so far no itching at all...we didn't put a bandaid on at all this time.