Burned skin from tape - help!

mdg

I had my exchange surgery on Thursday and removed the bandages yesterday as instructed.  I have one area that is completely red and burning like a sun burn from where the tape was on the bottom of my breast.  Anyone have this?  What can I put on it to make it feel better?  It is burning and very itchy/irritated.  I can call the PS tomorrow but I thought if someone had a suggestion today I could relieve the discomfort sooner.  Thanks!

sushanna1

You probably have an allergic reaction to the tape.  While not technically an emergency, I suggest calling the physician on call to ask for advice. That's what I did when I found what looked like a cross between a burn and a blister underneath the tape. The physician on call told me that it was probably an allergic reaction and should resolve relatively quickly.   Mercifully, it resolved on its own.

I am really glad that you are going to see the doctor tomorrow.  If it is an allergic reaction, you will have to remember to include surgical tape when asked to list allergies.  

Good luck and hang in there.

 Sue

sushanna1

Maria,

There is a really long thread on allergies to surgical tape that may have some suggestions.  I will "bump" up to the top for you.

Sue 

shaah2468

Hi/salam.  I am very sensitive to glue from most tapes and get redness and itch and not just on the breast.  Recently I had an ECG and when I got home and changed my clothes one whole breast was bright red and hot and itchy, like sunburn which you describe.  I have disease in both breasts but only one seemed to be affected.  I was told not to worry it was the glue from the little attachments on ECG which I was probably having reaction to.  The next day the redness started to fade and it was back to normal color in 2 days.  I did use manuka honey on it because it helped with the itch.   I use manuka honey for lots of skin problems, even I used it on an abcess. 

If it is just glue allergy it should start to be better soon.  I hope that is all it is.  All the Best.

alexanjb

Did you have radiation?  If so, a tiny bit of the cream you used for rads might be soothing.  I used Miaderm and Aquaphor and I've use little dabs of it here and there to sooth irritated areas.  Not a lot because unless your dr. tells you differently you are probably supposed to keep your incisions dry.  Aquaphor can be bought as store brands for less money.  I found some at Rite Aid.  If you are very itchy and irritated maybe take a 25 mg benadryl?  It might make you a little sleepy.  You can buy that in store brands too.

mdg

Thanks ladies.  I did not have rads but I texted my BFF because she is a nurse that works for a breast surgeon in another state...she said they tell patients to use antibiotic cream on it.  I put some on and it is not burning...still red but hopefully I am on my way.  I didn't have this after my last two surgeries but I did have skin reaction to chemo and maybe things are much more sensitive now because of that.....this just keeps gettin' better doesn't it????

Faithroad

mdg - I too have developed sensitivity to tapes and bandaids etc.  I've actually gotten open sores from them.   I always use  Aloe Vera Gel.  It comes in a tube at the drug store, usually Walgreems.  It heals the burns and sores quickly.  It also has a very cooling effect.  I try to buy the kind that doesn't have added color or many extra additives;  as close to just plain aloe vera, as possible.  Hang in there.

marial

I too have developed this as well..I first noticed it on one of my weekly blood draws from the tape they use..had a red square on my arm for several days..I just had a biopsy on my neck and he used a band aide and the same thing happened..guess I better mention this before my next surgery!