Rash or Fungal Infection? Lumpy & Swollen Incisions. BA post-op 8 days (Photo)

Hello,It looks very much like a rash caused by a contact dermatitis from tape/glue.  Unfortunately, even with steroid creams or oral steroids, the course of the rash can take a week or more. Because your skin is less of a barrier to bacteria, I would probably place you back on antibiotics to protect your implants though. Best of luck!

Based on your photo, your rash seems to be exactly what your surgeon suggested. It's possible that the 1% cortisone cream isn't enough. Call your surgeon's office and see if this needs to be upped. So sorry that you are experiencing this. Hang in there. It will pass.My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

will always be attributed to the adhesive that was used to help secure the steri-strips until proven otherwise.  If so, its a self-limited problem and will go away with time and the avoidance of putting anything on the areas.  But you can experiment and use your steroid cream only on one side and if beneficial, then use it on both sides, and if not, then consider stopping it.

The shape and location of the redness appears as if it is a reaction to the adhesive in the bandage over your incisions.  You could also develop an infection in the setting of the allergic reaction.  I agree with washing the area and cortisone cream.  Best of luck.  Raymond Jean MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia PA 19010

I doubt you are dealing with a fungal infection at only day 4. You have fairly significant bruising and swelling. The irritation may be due to an adhesive or type of dressing used on the incision line. I'd get in to see your surgeon today to take a look. Best wishes.

So sorry to hear you are having difficulties. Your surgeon will be the best one to help diagnosis this and treat this. Perhaps cultures or Gram stain will be of benefit. Please follow up closely with your surgeon.

Obviously its hard to tell from a photo, but it looks like the skin is terribly irritated, not infected. The lumps you feel could be internal sutures on the deeper layers of the skin, so i wouldn't worry about that. I would continue with the hydrocortisone cream as directed, keep the area clean, and use a very small amount of antibiotic ointment on the incision line. 

From the photograph you have supplied, my opinion would be that when I see a square rash in the shape of the bandage or dressing is usually a contact dermatitis and the treatment is just what your physician has recommended. Should a 1% hydrocortisone not be enough there are stronger cream steroids that can be used. Follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended.,