Question:
Has anyone had an allergic reaction to their staples?

I have an allergy to metals and can't wear any metals against my skin without a vigorous allergic reaction. Even the little metal doohickey on my watch band gives me a seepy, itchy, rash. I have no idea if I would have the same reaction internally. Even so-called 'surgical steel' earrings give me an ear infection....of course, they could have some other metal in them. I have heard that most of the allergic reaction is to the nickel which is common in most metals. Anyway, I will ask my surgeon, but I was wondering if anyone had heard of, or had experience with this, or heard of any options to the staples? Thanks for your help. I find myself coming to read these Q&A's at least twice a day. You all are so informative. It really helps.    — Anne G. (posted on June 4, 2000)

June 4, 2000
Anne, I have the same problem and asked the same exact question. I am VERY allergic to nickel, and yes even the so-called earrings that are stainless steel (I also have a problem with watch straps!). I was told by my surgeon that the staples are titanium and non-allergetic. I'd guess that it's the standard for all staples. Anyway, haven't had a problem as of yet and I am nearly 2 months post-op. Hope this helps...
   — Alicia B.

June 4, 2000
As far as I know, the internal staples that are used are made of titanium, and should not give you any allergic reaction. The staples that some doctors use on the outside may be stainless steel. If they are, you could ask your surgeon to use a different type of closure. I know I have the same trouble with "surgical steel" earings, but my surgeon closed me with internal sutures and steristrips on the outside, and I didn't have any trouble.
   — Lynn K.

June 4, 2000
Anne I had a severe reaction to metals several years ago - couldn't TOUCH anything metal - and vice versa. Had to wear cotton gloves to open car doors -- no underwires or hooks on bras; no silverware - you get the picture. I was very apprehensive about the titanium staples. They appeased me by giving me one, which I taped to the inside of my forearm and wore for several days - no rash, nothing. Be safe not sorry - ask for a staple and try it -- would be awful to find out you were allergic AFTER surgery.
   — Toni B.

June 4, 2000
Hi, Oh yes, Did I have an allergic reaction to my 48 staples!@!!!! I broke out in hives less than 24 hours after comming 150 miles home! I was on benadryl injections while in the hospital and had no idea that I would react to the staples. I had abdominal surgery 2 years prior with no problems. This time I was itching, had a rash all over my chest arms, and mainly my whole back for the 2 weeks until I had my staples removed! I wanted to die from the horrible itching. I used a back scratcher and just about dug the skin off of my back. I got a beadryl shot in the ER at my local hospital and then got a perscription for Atarax 25 mgs 4 times a day. This was after trying beadryl for 2 or 3 days. But nothing worked until the staples were removed. Then within 24 hours of the removal I no longer had a rash, stopped itching and could actually sleep again. I did not want clothing touching me and spent a lot of time in the bath soaking in cool water until the removal. So now that I have scared you to death maybe you should make sure your surgeon will use sutures and not staples? Lol Good luck. Cheri
   — Cheri H.