Blisters on my arms

[Dry-Pack-Babe]

I have unsightly blisters on my arms caused by the tape that is used on my access.  :(Paper, silk or plastic tape can cause issues, but the silk is friendlier. Plastic is the worst. And for reasons that are clear only to the clinic, they are not ordering the silk tape. Can anyone suggest something that may lessen the chance of getting blisters from tape? Thanks for your input.

[sullidog]

I get hives, but it's not all the time.

[Genlando]

I have unsightly blisters on my arms caused by the tape that is used on my access.  :(Paper, silk or plastic tape can cause issues, but the silk is friendlier. Plastic is the worst. And for reasons that are clear only to the clinic, they are not ordering the silk tape. Can anyone suggest something that may lessen the chance of getting blisters from tape? Thanks for your input.

I had a similar reaction on my chest when I had a Permacath in place.  My GP told me that it was a sensitivity to the tape's adhesive.  He stated that the blisters were actually more like chemical burns than an allergic reaction.  The people at the clinic didn't seem to care about the pain that their bandages and tape were causing me; I finally started buying my own.  After a lot of experimentation, I found that the Nexcare brand bandages were the least troublesome.

Fortunately, my arms aren't as sensitive to adhesives as my chest, so I haven't had any problems once I started using my fistula.  You'll probably have to experiment with different brands/types of bandages to find out what works for you.

Good luck in finding something that works!

[thegrammalady]

now you have to understand than i never told anyone that i was a nice lady. here's what i would do. i wouldn't let them use any tape on me unless it was was silk. i'd tell them they would have to stand there and hold the site until it stopped bleeding. or i'd do it myself. i'd sit there all day, taking up space. i'd start with the nurse manager and tell her all about it. i'd tell her boss. i'd complain to the social worker. after all they order gloves without latex for a reason.......they can order silk tape. try asking your doctor to list in your chart that you are allergic to paper and plastic tape. remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease. be specific, tell anyone who will listen that it's your life and they are not allowed to put it in jeopardy! it's worked for me for 5 years.

[CebuShan]

I get that same reaction if someone tries to use paper tape on me. Silk & plastic are OK, I don't really like the plastic because it sticks so hard but I let them use it to hold the needles.When I'm done, I have my own Tegaderm. I used to buy the Nexcare brand but there was only 8-10 in a package & they were expensive! I buy them from my pharmacy (not a Wal-Mart or Walgreens) my pharmacist orders the "hospital" pack. Same thing as the name brand but more in the package and cheaper!