Reaction to Antiseptic/Dressings After Surgery

Hi Grannysan you must let the unit where you had your surgery know this so they can avoid this if you ever need surgery again in the future.

Can I ask what surgery that you had as I would have thought that you could have showered if it was a lumpectomy?

Hi @grannysan, Sorry to hear that you have had this reaction. I too have an issue with the dressings but it’s not a reaction, it’s the fact that my skin if super sensitive and the dressing causes fruction and this then blisters, mine come ut along the outer edges of where the dressing was and also appeared after removal, that night/next day. Very sore and itchy.  To help with this we have workedut to put the dressing on then lift the bottom of the dressing all the way round, it then seems to not rub as much and I have less blistering. I would certainly check this out with your care team, I would hope that they have something to help you with this. Worth a visit or a call to get it checked

Hope that you get this solved soon, take care x 

This exact same thing happened to me it was so red and itchy ask at the hospital next time they need to use a dressing as they have alternatives x

1. Hi grannysan I am the same just starting chemo if my heart scan comes back ok too shrink my cancer so they can get it out behind my pectoral muscle. I have fallen and broke my wrists and elbow . I carnt have pots on Cotten wool only paper plasters. I come up with blood looking welts and itching and swelling. The only thing I could tolerate was a type of jelly edged plaster with a bamboo pad . And I used too use Aqueous cream one pound from pound shop. I hope this helps you and you are on the mend, by putting granny I assume your near my age or younger I am 78 in sep xxZini

Hi, Granny59.  Had a large lumpectomy & lymph node biopsy.  The tumour was directly behind the nipple, so basically had the front lopped off.  Was sent home with printed instructions which said I could wash the area once the dressings came off after 4 days.  But the nurses said "No - ignore that & keep dry for 2 weeks."  Got so many conflicting instructions: surgeon said dressings must be changed daily - nurses said no, & sent me home with just one replacement.  

Trying to shower yet keep that area dry has been a real challenge but today, I gave up & just let it get wet - and the relief from the itching & discomfort is wonderful! xx

Thanks so much - sounds very similar to my experience.  Blisters appearing days after the dressings were removed.  And the itching has only just now stopped - antihistamines didn't help.But all well now, especially since I've been able to have a proper shower (even though not quite allowed yet).  But will certainly mention it at my next visit, cos don't want that again!

Thanks so much - sounds very similar to my experience.  Blisters appearing days after the dressings were removed.  And the itching has only just now stopped - antihistamines didn't help.But all well now, especially since I've been able to have a proper shower (even though not quite allowed yet).  But will certainly mention it at my next visit, cos don't want that again!

Dear Zini, thanks so much for taking the time to reply.  I'm so sorry to hear that you've fallen & done so much damage.  Don't need that, do you?  Hope everything goes well for you.  I'm feeling a lot better, now I've managed to get a proper shower & wash off the remaining whatever-it-was that caused the reaction. xx