problems with adhesive bandages

Question

Hello,
CF patients present two types of problems with conventional sticking plaster:
- Allergy
- Adhesion problems due to perspiration.
Could you advise us which adhesive bandage are really suited for each problem?
Moreover, in our hospital, this problem is unknown from the staff and the anesthesiologists. Is there a document that contains such information, to inform professionals in case of hospitalization or a pre-anesthesia visit?
Thank you in advance for your response.
Cordially.

Answer

Hello,
Reaction to adhesive bandages is a recurring problem not specific to cystic fibrosis. Some studies have been done on this problem, for example: www.infal-derm.be/fnpaclto.htm

There are three types of reactions to an adhesive bandage:
-Irritation, especially of mechanical origin, due to an excessive adhesion of the dressing to the wound
-Immediate allergic reactions, contact urticaria (rare)
-Delayed contact allergic reactions (contact dermatitis)
The ideal adhesive bandage, non allergenic, that adheres well to the skin is not easy to find. You must therefore seek, by testing, which adhesive bandage will best suits you. It may be interesting to investigate the causative agent with dermatological tests: allergy to adhesive (usually rosin), the bandage (latex sometimes) ... Talk to your doctor.
However, dressings and bandages are medical devices, and the exact quantitative composition is not mentioned on the packaging, unlike cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. These dermatological tests have thus also their limits.
The use of soaps and antiseptics including some alcoholics can weaken the skin and facilitate these allergies.
On this link you will find a "tool for the prescription of dressings" I suggest you ask the nurse of your CF centre to help you find the best adhesive bandage.
www.urmlreunion.net/fmc/Pansements% 20modernes_branswyck.pdf

What about the information to professionals and anesthesiologists? Each patient has a record where known allergies should be written.
However, you can repeat it each time. Feel free to bring the adhesive that suits you (sometimes outstanding adhesive bandage and not referenced in the hospital)
The alternatives to conventional adhesive bandage can be: the single band, the cohesive band and self-stick without glue, the tubular bandage, the cellophane (cellulose hydrate). It depends of the site and the duration you need it.
Here is a site where you will find a list of internet addresses of laboratories www.esculape.com/dermatologie/pansements-modernes-branswyck.pdf

verzorging-kits.com/compresses/pansements-adhesifs.html


For sweating, Alum is astringent and limits naturally sweating. You can use it on the skin, to prevent that the adhesive bandage comes off too quickly. But you must test it before.

I hope that these tricks will help you find quickly the solution of your problem.
Cordialy
Marythé Kerbrat

22.05.2012