Medical adhesives might be present in medical as well as in surgical tapes, bandages, medication patches and products for wound care. There have been reported cases where some individuals experience a skin reaction to medical adhesive.
Most of these reactions are not due to an allergic reaction to medical adhesive. The reaction is brought about by a non-allergic irritation triggered by one or several chemicals present in the adhesive. This is called as irritant contact dermatitis which is the same as an allergic skin reaction. Remember that an actual allergy to medical adhesive is considered rare.
Difference between allergic and irritant contact dermatitis
It is important to note that contact dermatitis involves inflammation of the upper skin layers due to physical exposure to a specific substance.
- Allergic – this form of contact dermatitis where an irritating substance initiates an immune response within the body that arises at the site of contact
- Irritant – with this form, it is triggered by direct skin irritation at the site of exposure and does not involve an allergic response.
Am I allergic to medical adhesive?
The doctor might have a hard time determining if contact dermatitis is brought about by the medical adhesive or bandage is an allergic reaction or irritation.
In one study conducted, it was discovered that in most cases who believe that they have an allergic reaction experience irritation due to any of the chemicals present in the adhesive.
What are the indications?
The indications of both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis have striking similarities and differences. Both are difficult to differentiate based on the symptoms only.
Individuals who suffer from an irritant reaction to medical adhesive generally report stinging, burning or soreness instead of itchiness at the site of exposure. As for the allergic form, itchiness is one of the main indications.
In both cases, the skin at the site of exposure generally turns pinkish to reddish. In an allergic reaction, the redness might radiate beyond the initial site of exposure with the adhesive. The exposed area might manifest as a reddened rash like a trivial burn or small-sized bumps. In severe instances, blisters might form and rupture which increases the risk for infection.