Question:
Tiny clear bumps covering the skin around my incision!

I'm 4.5 weeks post op and just discovered that the skin surrounding my incision - not the incision itself, but skin within a radius of about 1.5 inches on each side - is covered with TONS of tiny, tiny bumps. They aren't red, but actually clear (which I find more gross than red). I'm thinking it's from the gauze pads? I still drain quite a bit from two spots, and I am back at work, so I have no choice but to keep it covered. They are somewhat itchy, but not persistently and not painfully. I thought about asking my surgeon, but he isn't a skin doc. Anybody else have this happen to them? I'm pretty sure they just came on tonight...should I wait and see? Call my PCP? Any advice at all would be appreciated!    — PaulaM (posted on March 19, 2002)

March 19, 2002
It could be some type of allergic reaction to gauze, or anything. Try rubbing hydrocortisone cream on it or Benadryl cream. Good luck. - Anna
   — Anna L.

March 19, 2002
After my surgery, the area around my incisions itched like crazy. I kept telling the nurses while I was in the hospital and they kept saying it was a sign of healing. I couldn't understand why it itched AROUND my incisions until they took off the gauze. It turns out I had a reaction to the steri-strips used to hold my incisions closed. I got tiny blisters all around my incisions and anywhere the steri-strips touched. I am now 4 weeks post-op and I still have peeling skin from these blisters, although as soon as I got the steri-strips off the itching and blisters went away. I'm guessing you're reacting to the gauze or tape or whatever else was used in treating the incision. If you're going to have to wear it for a long time I would ask if there is an alternative. Often there are different types of gauze or cloths they can use to cover the wound and you might find one that works better for you. Good Luck!
   — Laura B.

March 19, 2002
I also get this reaction anytime I have an incision. I am allergic to band-aid adhesives and also to bacitracin oitment. Instead I use hydrogen peroxide to clean the incision and a gauze to cover it with a paper tape. Its not as harse.
   — honeybee1247

March 20, 2002
I had that problem when I started putting Neosporin on my incision -- when I stopped they went away -- turns out I am allergic. That may be your problem as well. Good luck.
   — Sharon E.

March 20, 2002
Anytime you use Peroxide on skin you should rinse the skin really well. Peroxide can cause skin breakdown. We are not allowed to use it as a cleanser in hospital or nursing homes anymore. Good old soap and water is the best.
   — diane M.