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A plaster allergy can vary in severity. Here we show you the signs that indicate an allergy and how to treat it.
Allergy to adhesive bandages: These are the signs
Allergy to adhesive bandages is an autoimmune disease. The immune system and the antibodies it produces attack the body’s own tissue.
- The body reacts to the adhesive on the bandage.
- Since the allergic reaction only occurs at the point where the adhesive on the bandage comes into contact with the skin, this is referred to as a contact allergy.
- The symptoms of bandage allergy can vary in severity.
- Typical symptoms include redness and itching.
- The affected area of skin feels hot.
- In severe cases, hives may form on the skin.
- Depending on its severity, a plaster allergy can be very painful.
Treatment of a plaster allergy
The first step: remove the plaster!
- If you notice an allergic reaction to the adhesive on the plaster, you should remove the plaster immediately.
- As it is the adhesive used on the plaster that triggers the allergic reaction, any adhesive residue must be thoroughly removed from the affected area of skin.
- In the case of a mild plaster allergy, this is actually sufficient for treatment. The skin will recover quite quickly. You can apply a wound ointment containing panthenol to support the healing process.
- If the allergic reaction is severe, cortisone ointments can be used, but this should be decided by a doctor.
- If the wound must be bandaged, cover the area of skin irritated by the allergic reaction with compresses.
- However, these must be secured in place. You should use a plaster that you are not allergic to. This should only be applied to healthy skin. Ask your pharmacist for a plaster with milder adhesives. Tip: Take a piece of the old adhesive tape with you so that they know what to recommend.
- Instead, you can use hypoallergenic film adhesive bandages. For example, there are transparent film bandages with a silicone gel coating that can be used to secure compresses well and gently on the skin.
- However, the safest option is to avoid using adhesive bandages altogether. In this case, the wound dressings are secured in the traditional way with a bandage. You can secure these without any skin contact with adhesive tape—on the bandage itself.
