I am now 16 days post op and my symptoms started 11 days out. I'm allergic to adhesives. I was given internal sutures and steri strips. The skin turned very raw, red, itchy on day 11 all around the incisions. I had blood work done to rule out infection. The doctors say it's an allergic reaction but they don't know to what. Zyrtec, Benadryl, ice, and prescription steroid cream hasn't worked. What next?
Answer: Skin Allergy Your symptoms sound like an allergy to adhesive. An important point is the causative agent whether that is the glue from the steri-strips, a skin prep such as mastosol that might have been applied prior to the placement of the stern-strips needs to be removed. Acetone can be useful to remove the adhesive, if there are open wounds or skin the acetone with burn so be careful. After the causative agent is removed, topical steroids will help calm this down. We would usually use a very strong steroid for 2-3 days and then transition to a medium strength steroid. Seeing a board certified dermatologist might also be useful. Hope this helps.
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Answer: Skin Allergy Your symptoms sound like an allergy to adhesive. An important point is the causative agent whether that is the glue from the steri-strips, a skin prep such as mastosol that might have been applied prior to the placement of the stern-strips needs to be removed. Acetone can be useful to remove the adhesive, if there are open wounds or skin the acetone with burn so be careful. After the causative agent is removed, topical steroids will help calm this down. We would usually use a very strong steroid for 2-3 days and then transition to a medium strength steroid. Seeing a board certified dermatologist might also be useful. Hope this helps.
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September 15, 2018
Answer: Allergy to adhesives 11 days out after breast reduction, what can I do? Your PS has provided all of the options I would have. If your have not seen a board certified dermatologist, you might schedule a consultation. In some instances, hypersensitivities to adhesives can take weeks to resolve on their own.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA
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September 15, 2018
Answer: Allergy to adhesives 11 days out after breast reduction, what can I do? Your PS has provided all of the options I would have. If your have not seen a board certified dermatologist, you might schedule a consultation. In some instances, hypersensitivities to adhesives can take weeks to resolve on their own.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA
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September 10, 2018
Answer: Breast Reduction Hello and thanks for the question!It appears you are having an allergic reaction, which is not uncommon. Contact your surgeon for his/her recommendations. Best of luck!
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September 10, 2018
Answer: Breast Reduction Hello and thanks for the question!It appears you are having an allergic reaction, which is not uncommon. Contact your surgeon for his/her recommendations. Best of luck!
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September 7, 2018
Answer: Postoperative protocol Dear ocean2334,based on your photos, it looks like an allergic reaction. Regarding the next step, every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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September 7, 2018
Answer: Postoperative protocol Dear ocean2334,based on your photos, it looks like an allergic reaction. Regarding the next step, every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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September 7, 2018
Answer: Allergic reaction By your pictures it looks like a contact dermatitis. I would definitely see your plastic surgeon so you can be evaluated. I would start an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream in the meantime. Every physician has their own protocol for these type of reactions. Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS
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September 7, 2018
Answer: Allergic reaction By your pictures it looks like a contact dermatitis. I would definitely see your plastic surgeon so you can be evaluated. I would start an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream in the meantime. Every physician has their own protocol for these type of reactions. Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS
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