Steri-strips

Maybe someone here can lend some insight...I know some of you are in the medical profession!

When I had my pm implanted, I came down with a nasty tape rash after the steri-strips were removed. I'm allergic to the adhesive on steri-strips. Well, I just had the steri-strips removed last Tuesday from the wounds on my stomach from my gallbladder surgery and got a tape rash at all the incision sites. Went back to the doc today and got a stronger cream and antihistamine to get over it.

So, my question is this: is there anything else doctors can use instead of steri-strips? I'm told probably not. If this is the case, can't they just go back to the old fashion stitching me up and just put gauze over it?

Thanks for any input and insight you can offer!
ela-girl

6 Comments

Paper tape

by LindaScarberry - 2008-06-23 06:06:45

Hi Ela-girl

Had the same problem; my doctor changed out my bandages to paper tape. No problem at all after the change. He could not change the steri stripes, but the bandage over the steri-strips. As the steri-stripes peel, you should cut them off.

I bought the paper tape at a pharmacy.

Also used neosporin.

Good luck

2008 & ....

by Pookie - 2008-06-23 06:06:54

It's 2008 and they still can't figure out the common cold for crying out loud! Guess steri-strips are on the bottom of the list too!

When I got the rash, my pharmacist suggested the same cream you put on mosquito bites...it's pink and starts with a C...can't remember the name. But it worked.

Calling the pharmacy might be worth the try.

Good luck.

Pookie

Mandy

by OIMAPRINCESS2477 - 2008-06-23 10:06:03

How are you feeling? I know how you feel. I have seriously allergic to the adhesive also. I have scars on my body from the adhesives they used on me. The doctor said that there wasnt much they could do because if they stitched my Gallbladder area I would tear the stitches out because of the area they are in. I found that if I just cut the tape as it peeled, which was normally after a long shower it wasnt so bad. I hope you are recovering well .

Britt<3

The pink stuff

by janetinak - 2008-06-24 04:06:21

is Calamine Lotion (may be spelled wrong) but it has been around as long as I have & that's a looong time. I wouldn't put it on open wound but is an old remedy for rashes. Probably what Pookie is talking about.

Why can't you make steri-stripes out of paper tape. In the olden days we made a lot of stuff by cutting tape to what we wanted.

Best of luck,

Janet

So true!

by candi51 - 2008-06-24 09:06:52

For me the goofy steri strips were the worst part of my incision. I guess I am allergic to them too. It itched and hurt so bad but even after 10 days mine had not started peeling at all. I ended up peeling them off and within 4 or 5 days the rash was mostly gone.
I will definately remember these suggestions for my next surgery!
I am so glad you asked this question ela-girl!
Candi

I agree paper tape

by tcrabtree85 - 2008-06-24 12:06:10

Hi, When I was working we used paper tape on a lot of people. I don't know how it would work on a incision but it does not hurt to ask. I would suggest that you make it well known you are allergic to adhesives. I wish you luck.
Tammy

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