Extreme itching and rash from surgical soap. Is there anything I can do?

Question

I'm scheduled to go in for an abdominoplasty in a few days and was asked to start using Dexidin soap. After showering with it as directed, my skin is extremely itchy (feels like paper cuts dipped in lemon juice), and have broken out in eczema all over my arms. Is there anything I can do? Should I stop using this soap? Is there a concern with using a topical corticosteroid for the eczema? Thanks!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.The first thing i recommend you to do is to call your surgeon. In my practice i recommend to my patients to use antiallergic to avoid itching and rash. Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

I suggest discontinuing the use of the soap and contacting your plastic surgeon immediately about the reaction you're experiencing. Taking an oral antihistamine and using a low dose topical steroid cream can help reduce the itching and inflammation until your plastic surgeon can fully address the issue.Thank you for your question.Melinda Lacerna, MD FACS

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. This sounds as though you are having an allergic response to the soap. I would recommend that you stop using the soap immediately and call your surgeons office. I hope this helps. Good luck.

James A. Hoffman, MD · Answer

You should call your surgeons office immediately and tell them about your reaction. I do not want my patients going in to surgery with any rash on the skin. It sounds like you are allergic to this product and your surgeon should be notified.

Paul Silverstein, MD (retired) · Answer

Stop using the soap, and notify your surgeon of the allergy.  If you are afraid to use a steroid cream, then you can purchase Benadryl cream over the counter and apply as directed to the itchy areas.  YOur surgeon needs to know, so that he won't use a similar product as a skin prep just before the surgery.

Extreme itching and rash from surgical soap. Is there anything I can do?

Answers (5)

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