posted
My daughter had a PICC line installed about two weeks ago. The infusion nurse has changed the dressing several times. It all looks good. However, a couple of days ago, it turns out my daughter has an itchy red rash around the edges of the clear plastic bandage. The infusion nurse said it might be a reaction to the adhesive. She removed that bandage and put a different kind on, with the edges in a little different spot. The rash seems a little diminished to me, but my daughter says it's as itchy as ever. Does this just seem like an adhesive allergy, or does it suggest something else? Comments? Dorothy
Posts: 991 | From California | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
Hubby never got a rash but he has had problems finding a tape that didn't irritate his skin. It was a trial and error process.
I just use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect.
Biggest problem for hubby is keeping the bandage dry as he is now walking and sweating in the summertime heat.
Good luck.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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david1097
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
Could be the tape and the nurse should have some skin barrier spray or wipes to help in that area, I would also strongly suspect a yeast problem.
I was in this situation (and I have been there) I would first change the type of tape and use the barrier wipe BUT at the same time cut back (ie cut out) on any high sugar content foods/snacks. A good replacment for ice cream and that sort of stuff is some of the better yogurts, Activia seems to be pretty good and taste good too.
I have had a PICC in for a long time and have had all sorts of skin issues but as long I stay away from snacks and sweets, the site has been really good. If I eat ice cream, CHOCOLATE (in particular), donuts etc. then problems start again.
Once the area becomes a problem is takes a long time to get it under control. When problems start they alway start with intense itching. It is sort of like an early warning system. The itching is particulalry bad under the tape.
Good luck
Posts: 1184 | From north america | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
I also developed an allergy to the adhesive. After the itchy bumps it got worse and started oozing. We went to just cotton guaze, but it want sterile enough, I live in the country with animals, very dirty, so I had the PICC line pulled.
I hope the rash goes away
Posts: 222 | From Santa Cruz Mountains, CA USA | Registered: Nov 2004
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posted
Thanks for your comments. The rash seems better today. I think it's the adhesive.
Posts: 991 | From California | Registered: Feb 2006
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I am going on week 4 with Picc and had the itching you decribed. It wasn't until after changing the brand of clear tape (tagaderm) to anotherthat the itching finally stopped.
Also the tape that comes with the packs makes me itch.
Around the edges where my tagaderm was before switching would get so red and burn (that is what it kinda looked like, a burn.)
Did you switch tapes or has her body adjusted to it??
Posts: 191 | From Eastern Shore. Maryland USA | Registered: Jun 2003
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