Medical adhesives are those typically found in medical/surgical tapes, bandages and spray-on silicone adhesives utilized in wound care. The most widespread form of allergic response to medical adhesive is the development of a rash called as contact dermatitis. Take note that latex is the usual cause of contact dermatitis. This is the reason why medical adhesives do not contain latex anymore. On the other hand, allergy to medical adhesives can still occur among highly sensitive individuals.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Dermatitis is characterized by inflammation of the upper skin layers. This develops once skin comes in direct contact with any irritant. Take note that allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by an irritating substance that triggers an immune system response. Since most medical adhesives are applied directly on the skin, there is a possibility for an allergic reaction to occur on the areas they were applied to.
What are the types of allergic sensitivity?
The initial allergic reaction to medical adhesives can be mild and in some cases, the reaction stays mild. In some cases, the reaction can become more severe with every repeat exposure. In most cases, once an allergy to medical adhesive is detected, using any products that contain the adhesive must be avoided.
What are the symptoms?
The initial symptom of an allergic reaction to medical adhesive is somewhat similar to a burn. The area can appear reddish and irritated, appearing as a red-colored rash or small-sized bumps. In some cases, there might be some itchiness linked with the rash that can be mild to severe.
In severe cases, blisters might form and break open which increases the risk for infection. The rash can also be painful during a severe reaction. In most cases, the allergic reaction is mostly restricted to the region of skin that was exposed to the medical adhesive.
How to manage an allergy to medical adhesive
The primary and vital treatment for an allergic reaction to medical adhesive is to take out the tape or bandage that contains the adhesive. The area should be cleaned using water and mild soap in order to eliminate any leftover particles of the adhesive. Take note that this treatment is highly effective but if the reaction is a severe one, other measures should be taken.
Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams and antihistamines can be used for minor reactions that generate mild itchiness. In case there is a severe reaction that involves blistering, it must be assessed by a doctor to rule out the presence of infection.
Prevention
The ideal way to prevent an allergic reaction from manifesting again is to avoid exposure with the medical adhesive that causes the reaction. It is important to note that medical adhesives are created to be sticky enough so that they will secure a bandage in place. With this in mind, there are medical adhesives that are specifically made to be less likely to trigger a reaction such as hypoallergenic tapes or paper tapes. In case all types of medical adhesives triggers a reaction, the self-adhering gauze can be used to cover the wound with the tape placed only against the gauze, not on the skin itself.