Medical adhesives are those found in bandages, medical/surgical tapes and spray-on silicone adhesives used in wound care. The most common type of allergic reaction to a medical adhesive is a rash classified as contact dermatitis. According to the National Institutes of Health, latex is a common cause of contact dermatitis, so medical adhesives no longer contain latex. However, allergies to medical adhesives can still occur.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
The Merck Manuals describes a dermatitis an inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. Contact dermatitis is caused by the skin coming in direct contact with an irritant. An allergic contact dermatitis is a result of the irritating substance causing an immune response within the body that expresses itself at the site of contact. Because most medical adhesives are applied directly to the body in one form or another, it is possible for an allergic reaction to occur where they are applied.
Types of Allergic Sensitivity
According to The National Institutes of Health, the initial allergic reaction to a medical adhesive may be quite mild and, in some cases, the reaction to the allergen may stay mild. In other cases, the reaction can become more severe with each repeated exposure. In all cases, once an allergy to a medical adhesive is detected, the use of any products containing that adhesive should be avoided.
Symptoms
As outlined by the Mayo Clinic, initial symptoms of an allergic reaction to a medical adhesive can resemble a burn. The area can appear red and irritated, appearing as a red rash or small bumps. There can be some itching associated with the rash which can be mild to severe. In severe cases, blisters can form and break open causing a risk of infection. The rash can also be painful in a severe reaction. The allergic reaction is generally limited to the area of skin where contact with the medical adhesive occurs.
Treatment
The first and most important treatment once an allergic reaction to a medical adhesive is identified is to remove the bandage or tape containing the adhesive. According to the Merck Manuals, the area should then be cleansed with a mild soap and water to remove any residual particles of adhesive. This treatment is the most effective, but if the reaction is severe, other steps may need to be taken. Over-the-counter antihistamines and corticosteroid creams may be used if the reaction is mild and produces mild itching. If there is a more severe reaction, such as blistering, it should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out the chance or presence of infection.
Prevention
The Merck Manuals states the best way to prevent the allergic reaction from recurring is to avoid contact with the medical adhesives causing the reaction. Medical adhesives are manufactured to be sticky enough so that they will hold a bandage in place. That being the case, there are medical adhesives specifically made to be less likely to cause a reaction, such as paper tapes and hypoallergenic tapes. In the event that all types of medical adhesives cause a reaction, then self-adhering gauze should be used to cover a wound with the tape being placed only against the gauze and not the skin itself.
