Question:
I have heard a couple of instances where the patient became allergic to the staples?

   — lweatherholtz (posted on February 9, 2004)

February 9, 2004
I wonder if that is an old wives tale. I'd ask your surgeon.
   — mrsmyranow

February 9, 2004
No, this is true. If you are allergic to nickle than i.e earings, there is a good chance you will be allergic to the staples. Please inform you surgeon of the allergy. My staples had to come out early because of the allergy. They skin around the staples was bright red and ouzy.
   — taryncarrol

February 9, 2004
Are you talking the titanium staples that they use internally or the external ones sometimes used to close incisions? JR
   — John Rushton

February 9, 2004
it is possible, with time and exposure, to develop an allergy to anything, i suppose staples are not out of the question. take for example all of us that are in the medical field that after repeated exposure, have developed a latex allergy. i have not been able to wear latex gloves of over 7 years now, and it didn't take long to develop an allergy to them. anything is possible. make sure you notify your surgeon. GOOD LUCK -KERI
   — Keri P.

February 9, 2004
I am one of those oddities I guess. I am allergic to surgical steel with a vengence. I found this out when I started with my ears being pierced and then various other body piercings (i.e. tongue, eyebrow, nose) The skin around the metal would become inflamed and VERY sore. I just figured it was infection until speaking with a seasoned piercer and had a sterling silver post in my nose. Alas, no problems from then on! As far as my surgery goes, I did have staples that were in for 7 days and yes, my skin around them was very red and puffy, but subsided within a week of removal.
   — SMG I.

February 10, 2004
I was assured that the staples used internally are titaium and would pose no problem. The external ones I'm not sure of. My doctor elected to use sutures and glue for the external. I also cannot wear jewelry that has nickel or is gold filled. I can only wear the good stuff. I can't even wear most watches because of the nickel on the back of the watch plate. It soaks through the band.
   — nancymc10