Reaction to adhesive and generalized itching?

Question

I am 5 days post-op, following my lipo/lift BR. Yesterday, I started having a reaction to the adhesive used in conjunction with the steristrips. My nurse advised to remove the steristrips, wash the area thoroughly, apply hydrocortisone cream and take an antihistamine. Did all that, but I'm also experiencing itching throughout the whole breast and can only describe it as being "internal". There's no new irritation, so is this itching a side effect from the lipo? If so, how long does this last?

Flavia Davit, MD · Answer

Some patients can develop allergic reactions to the sterile strips. They usually presented with itching, redness and blisters. You should call your surgeon.

Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD · Answer

I would bet you had the adhesive Mastisol applied to the skin to help the Steri Strips stick, and that you had previously had Mastisol on another procedure (which sensitizes you to future reaction).  And I would also bet that the Steri Strips are not the culprit.  I see this in maybe 1 in 50 of patients that get Mastisol.  It is one reason I no longer put Mastisol on when I am re-applying Steri Strips in the office postoperatively.  If this is the case, the good news is the itchy, red, blistery rash will go away and ultimately have no effect on your scars (although occasionally a dark skinned person will have hyperpigmentation that will last for months).  The bad news is the rash can be as annoying as a bad case of poison ivy or poison oak.  I have found that topical hydrocortisone is worthless.  A five-day steroid taper (Medrol dosepak) is the best at relieving the symptoms.  Benadryl helps, but will make you drowsy.  The itchiness will take about a week to go away, but the steroid taper sure reduces the severity.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Based on your symptoms, I think it is possibly related to the surgery, as itching around the surgical site is not unusual. However, it sounds fairly distressing. You should probably follow up with your surgeon in person, particularly if you develop a rash, redness, or fever. Good luck!
 
 Best
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
 Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Reaction to adhesive and generalized itching?

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