Question:
Hello Everybody, I'm 5 days post-op, open rny. I seem to be allergic to much of the

tape they used in surgery. My skin is red, whelped, and irritated to many of the sites the tape was located.I've been using hydrocortisone cream to these areas, but it doesn't seem to be helping that much. I cannot get some of the adhesive stuff off in some areas. Has anyone had any of these problems? Thanks in advance. :)    — Myrna E. (posted on September 22, 2003)

September 21, 2003
Contact your doctor. There are probably alternatives. I develop an allergy to some tapes when the physical therapist taped my knee about a year ago. I am not allergic to all tapes.
   — ssundlee

September 21, 2003
I would certainly contact your doctor, but I have had great success with using Aquaphor (sp?) in the past.
   — Martha K.

September 21, 2003
I also have a high sensitivity to the glue in adhesive tape. I told everyone prior to the surgery to take this seriously. They did spray my skin with something before attaching the pads for the heart monitoring but used regular tape on the incision sites (go figure!!) Since I've been home I used eye makeup remover lotion to remove the tape residue and used cortizone cream on the welts. It took a few days for the redness to leave but the makeup remover worked like a charm to get the tape gunk off. I wish you the very best as you start on your new journey. I am 12 days post op and much is very new to me.
   — Phyllis W.

September 22, 2003
I can't even use an over the counter band-aid without getting cellulitis. My daughter and I both have thse problems. We find that paper tape is the only thing we can use. When I had problems in the past, my doctor used alcohol to remove the glue. She mixed it with a little water to dilute it some. Other spots that didn't come off, she used some type of antiseptic spray that has a little oil in it. Make sure you let you Doctor see the areas if it gets worse. In some extreme dermatitus reaction cases, they have to use antibiotic therapy to keep the cellulitis from advancing (I had this happen from a Band-Aid) and to kill an infection.
   — M B.

September 22, 2003
I am very allergic to tape and fortunately, my surgeon doesn't use tape except for the day of the surgery. He thinks that it breaks down the skin and promotes infection. He had the nurses put bandages over the incision and held them in place with the abdominal binder. When I had my tummy tuck, even the binder caused me some problems, not to mention the steri-strips. My surgeon had me take benadryl. Before using any medication, local cremes or oral, check with your surgeon. My surgeon wouldn't let me but any kind of creme on the places because of the chance of infection.
   — Patty_Butler

September 22, 2003
Some pharmacies sell an "Adhesive Remover" that takes it right off. Try rubbing it with baby oil too. Good luck. Randee - Pre-Op
   — corkee

September 22, 2003
have you tried taking some liquid benedril for the allergic reaction? That might help.
   — spring A.

September 23, 2003
I still have scars from the attachements that put on my skin during my sleep study. I pretty much end up with red marks and soar skin after the various testings that require any attachments. I didn't realize there was something that they could do beforehand to lesson the breakouts. I appreciate hearing all the suggestions. Rosa
   — Rosa F.

September 23, 2003
I too have an allergy to adhesives. Benadryl cream works really well to heal the area. Also, a non-acetone nail polish remover will take care of the tape residue.
   — Linda S.

September 23, 2003
I also have an adhesive allergy. I just use any type of oil...baby oil ..if I dont have any baby oil handy I have even used cooking oil. It does not sting like some adhesive removers. You dont have to rub hard either. just wet a cotton ball with the oil and let it sit on the area for a minute or so and use the ball to wipe it off gently...if you hit some stubborn areas...let it sit awhile longer.
   — hooterzgirl75

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