I'm hoping for some quick advice. I just had a picc line removed yesterday because of a rash. I was told to leave the bandage they put over it on for 1-2 days and to keep it dry. I just took the bandage off because the rash appeared worse. The rash has grown and there is white thrush around where the picc line went in. It seems clear now the rash is yeast.
My doctor is calling in an rx for an anti fungal cream because earlier today I notified them it was itching. But I don't know how to clean the rash now, or if I even should clean it. Advice? I've got alcohol pads, not sure if i should use those or soap and water and just dry well.
I left a message with my doctor after hour line, but it has been over an hour and I haven't heard back.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
If you have white pussy stuff near the PICC insertion site you should see a doctor ASAP to have it cultured.
I've had a couple topical yeast infections under my PICC dressing. They started out with a few red raised bumps, when it got really bad the bumps merged together and oozed a little forming a yellow crust on top. The rash was always red, it never looked pussy or white.
My dermatologist also took cultures to verify that the rash was from yeast. It took a couple weeks of Diflucan to clear it up. Now I have to be careful when it is hot and humid outside because that seems to trigger the infections for me.
Aniek, do you have any left over dressing change kits? If so, you could clean the area with chloraprep and tape a piece of sterile guaze over the insertion site.
Honestly, if you were my family member or best friend I would take you to an urgent care or the ER tonight. PICC infections can get serious fast. You may need systemic medication not just a topical cream. Get cultures done to make sure that you are getting treated properly.
*Hugs*
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
I forgot to mention, alcohol will burn and further injure any irritated skin no matter what the cause.
If/when you wash the area be careful not to get anything on or in the insertion site. Make sure that it has scabbed over and closed up before you shower or bath with your arm uncovered.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Aniek, how are you doing today?
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :