Understanding the Bandage Adhesive Allergy

Bandage adhesive allergy is a common skin disease, which affects approximately one in ten Americans. When applied to a wound, bandages prevent irritants from entering and damaging the area. In fact, bandages are very effective in their primary function: they stop infectious substances and liquids from getting into a wound and harming or killing the surrounding tissues. However, when used on items that can cause allergic reactions, bandage adhesive becomes a nightmare for sufferers.

The most common allergies involve using bandages instead of towels or other topical treatments, or using bandages that contain ingredients known to cause anaphylactic shock. Fortunately, doctors can oftentimes identify the best course of action for each patient, and there are at least three alternatives to bandage adhesive allergy. These include topical creams, ointments, and suppositories. Using an all-natural treatment is always the safest way to ensure that a person avoids a potentially dangerous course of treatment.

It is always safe to consult a doctor about bandage allergies. The first step is generally to identify the specific substance causing the allergic reaction. Some patients experience a reaction that causes them to break out in hives, while others break out with a more generalized rash. In order to treat the problem, the doctor needs to make sure that the right substances are introduced to the body so that the allergic reaction does not occur again.

An alternative to bandage adhesive allergy is using compression bandages. Compression bandages are similar to bandages in that they serve the same purpose: to provide a barrier to facilitate the healing process of a wound. A common bandage type is a gauze-like band that has been tied tightly over the area to be bandaged. Another type is a bandage similar to castor oil, which has been placed on top of the wound so that it forms a layer that protects the skin and prevents infection. When bandages are used instead of standard dressings, it is important that the bandages are changed every day because repeated contact with the same wound will allow the same bacteria to take hold and cause another outbreak.

Contact dermatitis occurs when a patient comes into contact with an allergen, such as a bee sting or poison ivy, without wearing a bandage. This can lead to an outbreak if the patient is not able to immune system the presence of the irritant. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, blisters, oozing, and cracking of the area where the contact was made. The use of bandages is not enough to prevent this because bandages do not provide a shield from irritants. This is why it is very important to be able to identify the allergen and avoid contact with it, especially for individuals with a band-aid allergy.

Bandage allergies may result from a number of sources, including cosmetics, detergents, latex, and adhesive tape. It is important to keep these types of items out of reach and only use them in small amounts. Individuals with a band-aid allergy should ask their doctor about methods they can use to alleviate their symptoms while they are away from the house. Many doctors prescribe steroid creams, which relieve itching, to help patients with a band-aid allergy.