posted
During our difficult time with the PICC line (hopefully we are past it), we discovered my son has allergy to Chloraprep - the antibacterial cleaner you are supposed to use when doing bandage changes. We use PVP (Iodine) instead.
When the rash initially broke out, we did not know if it was yeast, dressing allergy or bacterial infection.
We thought we were all set - then had to have PICC replaced (in other arm). We told the doctors about the allergy etc. The nurse mentioned that the BioPatch also had Chloraprep (2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate/70% Isopropyl Alcohol formulation), but I didn't think it was an issue at the time (oh, we've used those with no problem).
Well I didn't realize that we were using a different type of patch -- from Kendall. It did not have Chloraprep, but a different anti-microbial agent (0.5% polyhexamethylene biguanide, PHMB).
Once the offending patch was gone - the rash seems to be going away for good.
racer
-------------------- Me - Igenex: IgM: 41IND, IgG: 39IND, 41+ but Plasmid PCR Positive Kiddo - after 1 year IV - positive Lyme culture (before IV: IgM:31,34,41,83-93 IND; IgG: 41+++, 66+) Posts: 133 | From CT | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
I am so happy it is getting better......I have had the same problems with mine and it is so irritating...........
finally we changed from chloraprep, use flonase spray, changed to IV3000 and for the last month has been so much better until this week and it seems to be starting again.........I am hoping that i dont end up in the mess it was 6 weeks ago.........
I feel for your son, sometimes you just want to claw through the dressing and rip it right off.......
-------------------- Oct 09 Positive CDC Western Blot Jan 10 Positive Babesia Duncani Jan 10 Cd57 28 Mar 10 EBV, IgM, IgG HHV-6 IgG Posts: 739 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
One thing I've found is the chloraprep needs to be completely dry (it takes several minutes at least) before the statlock is placed, otherwise I will get extreme itching under the statlock.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4167 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
I agree with razzle. I also use the sobraview dressing. People seem to tolerate that one.
-------------------- gatorade girl
"I still have Mt.Everest to climb, but I have traveled across the world and arrived at the mountain". Posts: 633 | From baltimore | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
Sorbaview was the dressing used by the hospital after picc line insertion. but...
I have not been able to find the Sorbaview dressings. I called the company and they said they only sold to hospitals. There is one or two online places that sell it, but it is probably surplus and I wasn't sure of the quality/safety.
We were lucky that a sales person called and sent us some samples - I think we like these better than the tegaderm.
One note about the iodine - it takes longer to dry than the chloraprep... but razzle is right - it is important to make sure the area is completely dry!
racer
-------------------- Me - Igenex: IgM: 41IND, IgG: 39IND, 41+ but Plasmid PCR Positive Kiddo - after 1 year IV - positive Lyme culture (before IV: IgM:31,34,41,83-93 IND; IgG: 41+++, 66+) Posts: 133 | From CT | Registered: Feb 2011
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ktkdommer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29020
posted
I sleep with my son so I can listen for his itching in the middle of the night due to his PICC line patch. We have tried so many things and even changed arms after one fell out. We were just told he has 3 months more at least. 3 more months of not sleeping well for me. It is worth it as he is doing better.
-------------------- Things are never dull. After 3 fighting Lyme, 2 are in remission. Youngest is still sick, age 22. He has new diagnosed Chiari Malformation and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Posts: 1366 | From Perrysburg, Ohio | Registered: Nov 2010
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Kari, I feel sorry for your poor son. Is his nurse willing to try changing things to ease the itching? 3mo is a long time to wait.
Infuserve carries Primapore, Sorbaview, and IV 3000 dressings. They also have an alternative to the Stat-Lock.
And what is he using to cover the site to keep the extension tubing up? The stretch net stuff makes me itch. I've been using another product called "Tubifast", it's super soft and breathable. I ordered it on allegromedical.com
For fast itch relief try putting an ice pack over the site, leave it there for 20-30min. Hopefully you will find a more tolerable dressing combination for your son.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
I'm so sorry to hear what your son has been through. I lost 3 picc lines due to a chloraprep allergy. People kept telling me that it was not the chloraprep. I know learn to tell doctors I am allergic to chloraprep and chlorahexadine because unfortunately some do not know they're the same thing.
My rash was extremely painful blisters that took months to heal. I found that what helped me was a low dose steroid cream. I know steroids with Lyme can be very dangerous, but so can a very bad skin infection. A low dose steroid, like one prescribed for excema, will help the swelling and itching and hopefully speed healing time so that he does not get a secondary infection.
I ended up with systemic yeast because my rash persisted too long and I would hate for the same thing to happen to your son. Using pvp on the area also dries out the rash. Over the years I found out I am allergic to Iv 3000 and statlocks too. You might want to test different dressings and locks on his leg to make sure he does not have a reaction.
I say this because it would be a shame for him to lose another picc line due to an allergy. It took me losing two picc lines, one on each arm, for them to discover this. By the time I got my third the rash re opened on my skin so the picc line never healed and I had to have the third removed. I hope your son feels better. Sending prayers your way.
take care and God bless,
Lindsay
-------------------- "One day at a time"
Current: -1.2 IM bicillin three times a week -1.25 IV Vancomycin every day -IV glutathione and IM B12 -Byron White since Jan. 2011 -ALA, Yasko protocal, Adapten-All, thyrosol, Pekano, phosphalipid exchange, probiotics, oregano... Posts: 390 | From FLORIDA | Registered: Jun 2007
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