Bras causing ulcers

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Hi everyone, I had a mastectomy with implant reconstruction 2 weeks ago, and I have to wear a surgical bra for at least 6 weeks day and night. The problem is I got contact dermatitis from the pressure dressings and my skin is still red and inflamed along the breast crease, with some blistering. I’ve been putting soft handkerchiefs under my bra band but the stitching is still rubbing the sore area. In fact all of my bras have stitching along the bra band elastic which damages my skin further - I’m sure it wouldn’t seem rough if my skin was intact, but it isn’t. Today I noticed a small area which has ulcerated so I’ve put a blister plaster on it (I hope the contact dermatitis was only to specific dressings, not plasters in general). I don’t think the skin is going to heal until I can expose it to the air and stop having tight elastic on it, but that’s not for another 4 weeks. It’s really sore and I’m fed up and don’t know what to do - this is the sort of injury you get from pressure or friction. 

  • Hi

    I had issues when I had my mastectomy and implant (not the same as you) but was extremely uncomfortable and itchy . I ended up wearing a vest under my bra, one with a bra shelf , which helped me no end. It was obviously bulky but just somehow kept things much more stable? I know it sounds a weird thing now I’m writing this , but maybe worth a go ? 

    Jo x

  • Thanks, I’ll absolutely give this a go. Desperate times and all that 

  • Try using a panty liner or sanitary towel non sticky side to your skin.  Absorbs moisture, skin friendly and it has a bit of light padding.  I reacted to pressure dressing too on my back and used baby oil on it.