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Ct Scans And Iodine

JaneWhoLovesRain

By JaneWhoLovesRain
in Dermatitis Herpetiformis

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JaneWhoLovesRain Enthusiast
JaneWhoLovesRain
Posted

I'm wondering if it is safe to have a ct scan with contrast, seeing that the contrast agent has iodine in it and one of the questions always asked if if one is allergic to iodine.

I recently had a ct scan and refused the contrast and told the technician I have had a problem with topical iodine in that I break out in blisters if it is applied to my skin (this being from my experiment with the iodine patch). I did not tell him about my patch experiment nor I did I go into any further details with him but nevertheless he looked at me like I am nuts and asked if I am SURE it is iodine that I have a problem with. But I'm thinking if it can do what it does to my skin, what can it do to the insides of my veins?

On the other hand, if I apply an iodine patch to an area that is not suffering from "dh type lesions" I do not break out in a big blister, it is only if it is applied to an area near a lesion that I do. So maybe I would be okay with the contrast agent since I don't have dh in my veins.

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rosetapper23 Explorer
rosetapper23
Posted

I always say I can't have iodine in the contrast. So far, they've used some other type of contrast with me. I'm allergic to iodine both topically and internally, so there is no other option for me. As long as the technician is willing to use an alternative contrast, I would recommend that you keep refusing the iodine.

shadowicewolf Proficient
shadowicewolf
Posted

I have before as well. But, it was because it wasn't cleaned up properly after my surgery. So i broke out in a rash (not fun when you are recovering from a gallbladder surgery). Speak again with the doctor. Mine said it was because of this.

I do know if you have an allergy to shellfish you should avoid them, or so i've been told.

JaneWhoLovesRain Enthusiast
JaneWhoLovesRain
Posted
  • Author

I think I need to clarify. I am referring specifcally to having iodine while having dermatitis herpetiformis, because iodine is know to aggravate dh; I'm not rerfering to having the contrast agent if there is a known allergy (not sensitivity) to shellfish or iodine, that is a definite contradiction. I'm wondering if the iodine will aggravate things internally the same way it does on the skin in someone who has active dh.

cahill Collaborator
cahill
Posted

I'm wondering if it is safe to have a ct scan with contrast, seeing that the contrast agent has iodine in it and one of the questions always asked if if one is allergic to iodine.

I recently had a ct scan and refused the contrast and told the technician I have had a problem with topical iodine in that I break out in blisters if it is applied to my skin (this being from my experiment with the iodine patch). I did not tell him about my patch experiment nor I did I go into any further details with him but nevertheless he looked at me like I am nuts and asked if I am SURE it is iodine that I have a problem with. But I'm thinking if it can do what it does to my skin, what can it do to the insides of my veins?

On the other hand, if I apply an iodine patch to an area that is not suffering from "dh type lesions" I do not break out in a big blister, it is only if it is applied to an area near a lesion that I do. So maybe I would be okay with the contrast agent since I don't have dh in my veins.

Yea I am used to the techs,docs and nurses looking at me like I am nuts. The procedures are so routine to them that they just dont even think about the risks or possible problems .

My GI laughs and says I keep him and his staff on their toes. ^_^

I have always refused the contrast in an ER situation. My GI never orders the contrast when he orders testing ,,,,I can not even begin to imagine what the iodine in the contrast would do to me and my DH. :ph34r:

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Check it out Jane:

Open Original Shared Link

And note that this person was on Dapsone while it happened & the Dapsone couldn't even control it.

No way, no how would I get an iodine contrast. It is taking iodine internally just as if you had eaten gobs of high iodine foods.

sisterlynr Explorer
sisterlynr
Posted

I had many CT Scans with Iodine before, during and after chemo with no reaction. I then had a reaction of swelling and itching that affected the left side of my face. They escorted me to the infusion area and administered Benadryl via IV. I did not know I had DH then. I list IV Iodine contrast as an allergy now, per my doctor.

I did go out online and according to many sites, the iodine in IV contrast is NOT the same as what is put into table salt.

I have a friend who is allergic to shellfish and she reacted horribly to IV Iodine contrast. Her earrings popped out, she had difficulty breathing, swelling, immediate redness to her face, chest, etc. I would just tell them you have an allergy. . . better safe than sorry, IMO. :rolleyes:

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