Allergic reactions from surgery or post-surgery?

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scaligirl
scaligirl Member Posts: 74
edited September 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

hi folks, I had my rt lumpectomy last friday and ever since have been horribly itchy and red/blotchy all over my chest. I can't tell if it is irritation stemming from that awful compression sleeve thing they had me wear for two days or if it was from something they used during the procedure. It's driving me up the walls, and driving me to CVS again tomorrow to get another tube of hydrocortisone ointment. Has anyone had a similar experience? Thanks

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  • LimnoGal
    LimnoGal Member Posts: 157
    edited September 2017

    Scaligirl- I had a similar reaction to the chlorohexadine that was used as an anti microbial wash before my lumpectomy. You might want to call your surgeon and mention the reaction. I just avoid chlorohexadind noe and request that they use Betadineinstead.

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  • scaligirl
    scaligirl Member Posts: 74
    edited September 2017

    I used that wash the evening before and the morning of my surgery. I'm just surprised it is lasting so long if that was it. I'll be sure to call my BS tomorrow. Thanks!

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  • macb04
    macb04 Member Posts: 1,433
    edited September 2017

    If it isn't better yet, have you tried taking Benadryl orally for a few days? My doc suggested thst I get Children's Liquid Benadryl, and had me take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon every 4 hours while awake, ad 1 to 2 teaspoonsfuk at bedtime to help with itching. Also if there is any fungal component to the rash (think sweaty under tight compression thing), then Hydrocortisone is like adding fuel to a fire. I would say maybe try an OTC atifungal cream for a bit instead, unless you can get seen soon.

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited September 2017

    Definitely call your BS!!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited September 2017

    I am allergic to everything and probably should be living in a bubble, lol! I have had a dermatitis allergic reaction after virtually every surgery. I have several thoughts - 1. adhesive, 2. antibiotic - you are irrigated during surgery with sterile water that contains bacitracin, 3. the anti-microbial wash you used yourself, 4. the betadine put on you while you were prepped in the OR. I would ask your surgeon for a topical that is Rx strength, and in addition ask for Rx Atarax (hydroxyzine).

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  • AngelaJL
    AngelaJL Member Posts: 94
    edited September 2017

    I just had surgery the day before yesterday, and my chest is itchy and has a minor rash above where the compression wrap was. I can only assume it was a reaction to the orange stuff they put on my skin in the OR. For the record, I have ridiculously sensitive skin that reacts to most things. They couldn't use steristrips or tegaderm since I react to both of those, too.

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