Why am I so itchy? (Photos)

Dear Sailor,   Thanks for submitting your before and after pictures. From observing your post operative picture, you have got a very nice result and  I can't see any problems with your wound healing. The dressing on the wounds make it difficult to see the would clearly, however, I do not see any redness or hives on your breasts.     The reasons for local itching can be moisture under the dressing or just the healing process. If the local itching continues after the removal of the dressing, taking Benadryl 25 mg at bed time can be helpful.  However, from your description, your itching is systemic (all over) . This is quite common with usage of narcotic for pain control. So, your options are to stop taking the narcotics and replacing it with extra strength Acetaminophen (Tylanol) if the pain is not excessive. If you need the narcotics, than , again, you can use Benadryl for the itching control. Once you stop taking the narcotics , the itching will disappear. This is how how I would have adviced my patients.  In any event, it is best for you to call your surgeon, describe your symptoms and ask for advice.                       Best of luck,                                       Dr Widder

Itching is a side effect of all narcotics like percocet.  If you have itching with alternatives (hydrocodone, codeine and tramadol) you can use something to treat the itch.

Thank you for your question and photographs.  Itching can be a result of a medication reaction, surgical scrub, surgical garment or other factors.  Best to consult with your plastic surgeon to discuss your particular circumstances.  Good luck.

Thanks for your inquiry, both percocet and kelfex can cause itching and rash.  Glue, tape, and clothing like bras can also cause itching.  Please discuss with your surgeon, good luck.  

Thabk you for your question and congratulations on your recent procedure! While it is very common to experience itching due to the medications or iritiation from the bandages or adhesive, it's best to follow up with your surgeon should your skin appear itritated or the itching become unbearable. Good luck and congratulations again! 

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Itching after any procedure is most commonly due to either the type of dressing applied (adhesives), the cleaning solution used, dry skin, the surgical garments, or medications.  Narcotics like Percocet are very common culprits and I would recommend taking Benadryl to help your current symptoms while contact your surgeons office about changing pain pills to limit recurrence.  Hope this helps.  

The short answer is yes. Any and all of the medications that you described can cause itching. If it seems like it gets worse shortly after you take one, then that could be it. In addition you received other medication at the time of your surgery and any of those could be the reason for your itching. Usually a little Benadryl will stop the itching. Call your PS about this and ask how they want to proceed. Good luck 

John S Mancoll,MD 

Itchiness after surgery is a common and anoying problem after surgery.  Both of the medications you are taking are common culprits.  My guess based on your history is the Keflex. I would call your surgeon.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

Thank you for your question. It could be because of the medication. Please speak to your plastic surgeon.

There can be various causes of postoperative itching or pruritis. This can be related to medications. Percocet certainly can cause this. Certain bandages with adhesives can also cause this. I suggest asking your surgeon's office t o help identify the cause. Benadryl can help with this.Best wishes,Dr. Ravi Somayazula