Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Can We Talk About Bandaids?


olalisa

Recommended Posts

olalisa Contributor

Recently I'm noticing that when I use Bandaids I break out in a VERY itchy rash where the bandaid is. This is something new for me. I had a couple of moles biopsied last week and bandages became a real problem--itchier by the day. I tried Bandaid brand and also Nexcare brand. Does this mean I'm becoming latex sensitive or allergic? Could there be gluten in the glue? Could it be related to celiac? Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



tiffjake Enthusiast
Recently I'm noticing that when I use Bandaids I break out in a VERY itchy rash where the bandaid is. This is something new for me. I had a couple of moles biopsied last week and bandages became a real problem--itchier by the day. I tried Bandaid brand and also Nexcare brand. Does this mean I'm becoming latex sensitive or allergic? Could there be gluten in the glue? Could it be related to celiac? Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.

I do not have a latex allergy, but my skin gets really p*ssed when I use bandaids, because of the "glue" they use. I would suggest getting some latex-free bandaids and see if you have the same reaction. If so, then it is probably the glue. Just get a couple, and put them somewhere, like the inside of your forearm, for several hours. See what kind of reaction you get.

And I don't think it has anything to do with gluten, at least for me. Just my opinion. Hope that helps.

Ursa Major Collaborator

I think it is the glue, whatever it is made of.

I am severely allergic to all but the sensitive skin bandaids (and that goes for every brand I've ever tried, whether it's a fabric or a plastic bandaid). They don't stick as well, because they must use a different glue. But at least I don't get that awful rash within five to ten minutes, that might last from a couple of weeks to several years, and might turn to psoriasis. Yes, once I had severe psoriasis in the shape of a surgical tape on my forehead for four years, after they used regular tape during surgery, despite their promise that they would use nothing but paper tape. I guess they didn't believe me when I told them I am extremely allergic to regular tape and bandaids (morons).

debmidge Rising Star

same reaction and it's the glue (I don't believe the glue reaction is a gluten issue). I've tried the sensitive bandaids and they don't stay on :(

missy'smom Collaborator

I have to use the sesitive skin bandages too. Same reason as everyone else.

StrongerToday Enthusiast
I have to use the sesitive skin bandages too. Same reason as everyone else.

Me too!

Michi8 Contributor
Recently I'm noticing that when I use Bandaids I break out in a VERY itchy rash where the bandaid is. This is something new for me. I had a couple of moles biopsied last week and bandages became a real problem--itchier by the day. I tried Bandaid brand and also Nexcare brand. Does this mean I'm becoming latex sensitive or allergic? Could there be gluten in the glue? Could it be related to celiac? Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.

It doesn't mean you're allergic to latex. You may be, but you could more than likely be allergic to the adhesive.

I had a problem with bandages after a skin biopsy too. For me, the irritation got worse each time I had to change the bandage. I talked to 3M (Nexcare) and confirmed the bandage was latex free, and determined that it was likely the adhesive. The lab person I talked to on the phone suggested that carefully & slowly removing the bandage would help. Each time I ripped the bandage off, I was removing a bit of skin and then the area would be exposed to adhesive again from the new bandage...that just lead to irritation.

I did have patch testing after that and confirmed I am not allergic to latex or any of the related manufacturing chemicals. I am allergic to other things that are sometimes used in adhesives (potassium dichloride is one chemical used in adhesives.) I am also allergic to neomycin. The Polysporin I was directed to use on my biopsy site has a related ingredient (bacitracin) that was exacerbating my reaction...left a nice scar too. :(

Michelle


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Cam's Mom Contributor

Great question!! My poor daughter wears an insulin pump and the infusion set is held in place for three days with a sticky bandage. It drives her crazy. We had be using an alchohol prep pad before inserting the site but that made it way worse. So we stopped using the alchohol but the bandage still itches. We are supposed to put another tegederm bandage over the site but no way that would drive her out of her skin.

Anyone know what's in the adhesive? Or what is in those alchohol preps? The ingredients just say 70% alchohol and water - hmmm, maybe it is the alchohol?!?

jerseyangel Proficient
I have to use the sesitive skin bandages too. Same reason as everyone else.

Me too--A regular band-aid will leave a mark on my skin for a week. Looks like I have on a pink band aid :P

Michi8 Contributor
Great question!! My poor daughter wears an insulin pump and the infusion set is held in place for three days with a sticky bandage. It drives her crazy. We had be using an alchohol prep pad before inserting the site but that made it way worse. So we stopped using the alchohol but the bandage still itches. We are supposed to put another tegederm bandage over the site but no way that would drive her out of her skin.

Anyone know what's in the adhesive? Or what is in those alchohol preps? The ingredients just say 70% alchohol and water - hmmm, maybe it is the alchohol?!?

As mentioned in my earlier post, potassium dichloride is one common adhesive chemical, and is a relatively common allergen. It goes by other names as well:

chrome

chromate

chromite

chromium

potassium dichromate

It is a very common metal, and can be found in a whole host of products aside from adhesive, including detergent, bleach, costmetics, tattoos, cement, tanned leather, inks, sutures, etc.

Michelle :)

Ursa Major Collaborator
Great question!! My poor daughter wears an insulin pump and the infusion set is held in place for three days with a sticky bandage. It drives her crazy. We had be using an alchohol prep pad before inserting the site but that made it way worse. So we stopped using the alchohol but the bandage still itches. We are supposed to put another tegederm bandage over the site but no way that would drive her out of her skin.

Anyone know what's in the adhesive? Or what is in those alchohol preps? The ingredients just say 70% alchohol and water - hmmm, maybe it is the alchohol?!?

Can you hold in in place with an elastic bandage? That way you won't have to stick anything onto her skin.

olalisa Contributor

Wow! Sounds like I'm not alone in my sensitivity. I'll try the sensitive skin ones and see how that goes, then take further action if necessary. Thanks, everyone :)

tarnalberry Community Regular

many people are sensitive to the adhesives they use. different brands use slightly different adhesives, so do try different brands. (I always use the waterproof bandages myself, and am usually fine with them, but will react maybe 2% of the time.)

Helena Contributor

Yeah, could be the adhesive. But also could be the latex. I'd talk to your doctor and get referred to an allergist especially if you are at risk of developing a latex allergy based on clinical history (environmental allergies; allergies to certain fruits and veggies) or occupation (i.e. health care worker). If you do have a latex allergy, you could have a major reaction with a major exposure . . . .i.e. through surgery/dental work/blowing up a balloon/condom use/gynecological exam . . .

I have a latex allergy----I've just reacted mildly so far to latex gloves and to bandaids and to my pilates mat. But my reactions are inconsistent---they don't happen all the time. But I got tested for latex allergy, and my doctor says I could go into anaphylactic shock with a major exposure. The idea is for me to limit my latex exposure so that I don't become more sensitive. (latex allergies can be *really* difficult to manage because latex is in everything. well, not literally.)

Saz Explorer

Definately got to the doctor if you think it's latex.

I have to contantly wear a band aid on a surgical wound, and Using the material and plastic pink ones gives me a rash after about a week, it is only this particular area that can't tolorate them though. I get around by using the clear band aid or the Junior ones wich are basically the same as the clear.

  • 10 months later...
gail.k Newbie

It is definitely the adhesive, and it is most likely gluten used in the adhesive. Gluten is often used in adhesives for medical applications, including bandages. Here is a quote from an article that I just found in the journal "Trends in Food Science & Technology":

"Gluten
ravenwoodglass Mentor

Thanks for posting the links. I now use Wegmans brand nonlatex fabric bandages and no rashes are there when removed. I love Wegmans.

Idiote Savante Goddess Rookie

The adhesives often contain colophony - a pine resin. As I'm allergic to the tree, the bandaids cause a rash.

Open Original Shared Link

dlp252 Apprentice

Okay, I have a question possibly related to all this, lol.

Last Monday I got a B-12 shot at my doctor's office. They put on a little round tweety bird bandaid. All was fine, no itching that first day and most of the second day. In fact, it didn't itch until towards the end of the second day when I removed the bandaid. As soon as I removed it, the spot started itching and continued itching for a couple of hours. The itching stopped for a while, then came back the next morning, and several times throughout that day and the next two days. INTENSE itching, lol. Funny thing is, there was NO redness or swelling or marks of any kind (except for the microscopic spot left by the needle).

Does that sound like a sensitivity or allergy? I would think there would be swelling or redness if that was the case. I've been trying to figure out (and still need to call the doctor's office, lol) if it's the B-12 or the bandaid. I am allergic to trees, but mostly oak and a couple of other.

ravenwoodglass Mentor
Okay, I have a question possibly related to all this, lol.

Last Monday I got a B-12 shot at my doctor's office. They put on a little round tweety bird bandaid. All was fine, no itching that first day and most of the second day. In fact, it didn't itch until towards the end of the second day when I removed the bandaid. As soon as I removed it, the spot started itching and continued itching for a couple of hours. The itching stopped for a while, then came back the next morning, and several times throughout that day and the next two days. INTENSE itching, lol. Funny thing is, there was NO redness or swelling or marks of any kind (except for the microscopic spot left by the needle).

Does that sound like a sensitivity or allergy? I would think there would be swelling or redness if that was the case. I've been trying to figure out (and still need to call the doctor's office, lol) if it's the B-12 or the bandaid. I am allergic to trees, but mostly oak and a couple of other.

When you get your next shot perhaps you could have them leave off the bandaid. I almost never let them use one even with a blood draw, just get one of the little cotton pads and hold it over the needle prick for a minute or two. Leaving off the bandaid should give you your answer.

dlp252 Apprentice

Thanks!

Michi8 Contributor
Okay, I have a question possibly related to all this, lol.

Last Monday I got a B-12 shot at my doctor's office. They put on a little round tweety bird bandaid. All was fine, no itching that first day and most of the second day. In fact, it didn't itch until towards the end of the second day when I removed the bandaid. As soon as I removed it, the spot started itching and continued itching for a couple of hours. The itching stopped for a while, then came back the next morning, and several times throughout that day and the next two days. INTENSE itching, lol. Funny thing is, there was NO redness or swelling or marks of any kind (except for the microscopic spot left by the needle).

Does that sound like a sensitivity or allergy? I would think there would be swelling or redness if that was the case. I've been trying to figure out (and still need to call the doctor's office, lol) if it's the B-12 or the bandaid. I am allergic to trees, but mostly oak and a couple of other.

I think it's something worth talking to your doctor about.

Through patch testing, I found out I'm allergic to cobalt...which means I'm allergic to vitamin B12. I'm not anaphylactic to it at this point, but it doesn't mean I won't be down the road. Apparently anaphylaxis & death have occurred after B12 injection due to a cobalt allergy (a Google search will turn up info on this.) I don't know what treatment I would take if I had pernicious anemia.

Michelle

dlp252 Apprentice

Thanks for the info Michelle! I'm calling my doctor's office tomorrow to talk with the nurses about all this!

pattij Newbie

The latex itself could be the culprit. I have noticed that I've become increasingly sensitive to body lotions/creams containing shea butter. In researching the topic, I discovered that some people with a latex allergy experience cross-sensitivity to shea, because the karite tree, from which shea is derived, is a botanical "cousin" of the rubber tree, used in the production of latex.

As fate would have it, for a long time I have been sensitive to latex, be it in band-aid form or in ACE bandage-type products.

Of course, sensitivity to the adhesive is certainly a possiblity, too.

dlp252 Apprentice

That's interesting about the cross-reactivity with shea...I do seem to have a problem wtih shea, or at least I did.

I think we've determined that it was the bandaid not the shot. I had another B12 shot on Friday and so far no itching at all...we didn't put a bandaid on at all this time.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,857
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    LowellFrancis
    Newest Member
    LowellFrancis
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rogol72
      Some interesting articles regarding the use of Zinc Carnosine to help heal gastric ulcers, gastritis and intestinal permeability. I would consult a medical professional about it's use. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncpgasthep0778 https://www.rupahealth.com/post/clinical-applications-of-zinc-carnosine---evidence-review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146259/ https://www.fallbrookmedicalcenter.com/zinc-l-carnosine-benefits-dosage-and-safety/
    • Jillian83
      He is. Which makes everything even more difficult. I’m not a believer in “staying for the kids” but I have nowhere to go and it’s not just me, it’s me plus my babies. We live in a beautiful place, lots of land in the country and me and the kids love the place we’ve called home for their entire lives. But Im seeing that he’ll never change, that my kids deserve a happy healthy Momma, and that staying in this as is will be the early death of me. Then I look at the scars covering my entire body…this disease and the chronic stress I’ve been enduring for years that tell me I’m no longer beautiful and no one will ever look at me with interest again. I try self care, try to give myself grace so I can just start loving myself enough to gain strength but the slightest sparkle in my eye and skip in my step attracts his wrath and it all comes crashing ten fold. Life is just absolutely railing me from every single direction leaving me wanting to wave that white flag bc I don’t feel like there’s much hope no matter what happens. 
    • trents
    • Jillian83
      Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis after years of suffering without answers. I lost my mind. I lost my job. I lost so much time. I lost Me. Conventional doctors are opulent come near me and the one who did sat across the room, misdiagnosed me, pumped me full of steroids which collapsed my entire hip for 6 months. So without answers I began my holistic journey. Fast forward a couple of years and still struggling with a mysterious whole body itchy, crawling “skin hell”, perfect teeth now deteriorating, thick hair now thinning rapidly and no more than a day or 2 at most relief….An acquaintance opened up a functional medicine practice. Cash only, I found a way. Within a month tests clearly showing my off the charts gluten allergy/sensitivity as well as the depletion of vital nutrients due to leaky gut and intestinal damage. dermatitis herpetiformis was more than likely what I was experiencing with my skin. I was happy. I thought this is easy, eat healthy Whole Foods, follow the diet restrictions and I finally get to heal and feel confident and like myself again very soon! 😔 Supplements are very pricey but I got them and began my healing. Which leads to the other major issue: not working, stay at home Mom of young kids, entirely financially dependent on my man of 7 plus years. He’s never been supportive of anything I’ve ever done or been thru. He controls everything. I’m not given much money ever at a time and when he does leave money it’s only enough to possibly get gas. His excuse is that I’ll spend it on other things. So my “allowance” is inconsistent and has conditions. He withholds money from me as punishment for anything he wants. Since being diagnosed, he’s gained a new control tactic to use as punishment. He now is in control of when I get to eat. He asked for proof of my diagnosis and diet bc he said I made it up just to be able to eat expensive organic foods. Then after I sent him my file from my doctor he then said she wasn’t a real doctor. 😡. I go days upon days starving, sometimes breaking down and eating things I shouldn’t bc I’m so sick then I pay horribly while he gets annoyed and angry bc I’m not keeping up with all the duties I’m supposed to be doing. His abuse turns full on when I’m down and it’s in these desperate times when I need his support and care the most that I’m punished with silence, being starved, ignored, belittled. He will create more of a mess just bc I’m unable to get up and clean so that when I am better, I’m so overwhelmed with chores to catch up that the stress causes me to go right back into a flare from hell and the cycle repeats. I’m punished for being sick. I’m belittled for starving and asking for healthy clean water. I’m purposely left out of his life. He won’t even tell me he’s going to the grocery or to get dinner bc he doesn’t want me to ask him for anything. I have no one. I have nothing. Im not better. My supplements ran out and I desperately need Vitamin D3 and a methylated B complex at the very minimal just to function….he stares at me blankly…no, a slight smirk, no words. He’s happiest when im miserable and I am miserable.  this is so long and im condensing as much as I can but this situation is so complicated and disgusting. And it’s currently my life. The “IT” girl, the healthy, beautiful, perfect skin, perfect teeth, thick and curly locks for days, creative and talented IT girl….now I won’t even leave this house bc Im ashamed of what this has dont to my body, my skin. Im disgusted. The stress is keeping me from healing and I think he knows that and that’s why he continues to keep me in that state. He doesn’t want me confident or successful. He doesn’t want me healed and healthy bc then how would he put the blame of all his problems on me? This journey has been hell and I’ve been in Hell before. I’ve been killed by an ex, I’ve been raped, robbed, held hostage, abused beyond nightmares but the cruelty I’ve experienced from him bc of this disease is the coldest I’ve ever experienced. I’ve wanted to give up. Starving and in tears, desperate…I found a local food pantry in our small town so I reached out just saying I had Celiac and was on hard times. This woman is blessing me daily with prepared gluten free meals, donations, educational info, people who know this disease and how they manage life and the blessings just keep coming. But it’s overwhelming and I feel like I don’t deserve it at all. He just glared and I know he’s going to sabotage it somehow. I don’t even know what to do anymore. I’m so broken and just want peace and healing. 
    • cristiana
      @Colleen H   I am just curious,  when you were tested for coeliac disease, did the doctors find out if you had any deficiencies? Sometimes muscle pain can be caused by certain deficiencies, for example, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium.   Might be worth looking into having some more tests.  Pins and needles can be neuropathy, again caused by deficiencies, such as iron and B12,  which can be reversed if these deficiencies are addressed. In the UK where I live we are usually only tested for iron, B12 and vitamin D deficiencies at diagnosis.   I was very iron anemic and supplementation made a big difference.  B12 was low normal, but in other countries the UK's low normal would be considered a deficiency.  My vitamin D was low normal, and I've been supplementing ever since (when I remember to take it!) My pins and needles definitely started to improve when my known deficiencies were addressed.  My nutritionist also gave me a broad spectrum supplement which really helped, because I suspect I wasn't just deficient in what I mention above but in many other vitamins and minerals.  But a word of warning, don't take iron unless blood tests reveal you actually need it, and if you are taking it your levels must be regularly monitored because too much can make you ill.  (And if you are currently taking iron, that might actually be making your stomach sore - it did mine, so my GP changed my iron supplementation to a gentler form, ferrous gluconate). Lastly, have you been trying to take anything to lessen the pain in your gut?  I get a sore stomach periodically, usually when I've had too much rich food, or when I have had to take an aspirin or certain antibiotics, or after glutening.  When this happens, I take for just a few days a small daily dose of OTC omeprazole.  I also follow a reflux or gastritis diet. There are lots online but the common denominators to these diets is you need to cut out caffeine, alcohol, rich, spicy, acidic food etc and eat small regularly spaced meals.   When I get a sore stomach, I also find it helpful to drink lots of water.  I also find hot water with a few slices of ginger very soothing to sip, or camomile tea.  A wedge pillow at night is good for reflux. Also,  best not to eat a meal 2-3 hours before going to bed. If the stomach pain is getting worse, though, it would be wise to see the doctor again. I hope some of this helps. Cristiana    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.