Allergic to Rubber and Latex and Spandex

[MonicaJade]

I have an allergy to rubber and latex. We knew I was allergic to latex, and my fistula always itches from the tape, and gets a rash. I’ve been struggling with it since I started dialysis. But I used to itch very uncomfortably all over when I was in the chair. It just kept getting worse until invisible ants were biting me everywhere. I was twiching so much that they let me off the machine early a few times. Then my mom thought that maybe I was allergic to the bleach they used. They said they had to use bleach, but I could bring something to cover the chair. I’ve been doing that ever since, and that helped a ton. The only thing that was itching then was the fistula. They said if we brought latex free tape, they would.give it to me. Mom accidently bought tape that said “Not made with naural latex” and that made my arm flare up so bad that I couldn’t resist scratching my button holes. It was swelling my hand up and all red, so they decided I needed a fistula gram. My fistuala was okay, and the doctor cleared something I can’t remember, but it was unrelated. But the day after my fistula gram, my whole arm was swollen and I felt like I was burning at the stake on the inside because of the surgical tape they used on it. It stayed that way for a week.

This was serious and needed to be handled because I don’t want that to happen if I go in for a kidney. So mom got me a dermatologist in the transplant hospital where I am on the list. (I had seen others but they didn’t really do anything to help) This new derm looked at it and told me I’m allergic to latex and rubber, and to change all my clothes to cotton as much as possible, and spandex is rubber, and elastic is spandex. So I got rid of all my spandex clothes. I am trying to get cotton clothes.

Yesterday I went to an appointment with him and wore my new cotton dress for the first time with my sandles that matched. They told me that that chair thing I sat on was rubber, and tried to cover it with the paper but it was too late. They also said my sandles were rubber. I was itching all day yesterday and today in dialysis, it was as if the chair wasn’t covered. It was torture, but not bad enough to get off early. Cotton dresses arn’t such a good idea after all. :/ But maybe I was actually allergic to the dialysis chair itself. At least that part is handled. Also, when I was itching, they did a blood test and my phospherus was 4 something, so it wasn’t high.

Anyone else have allergies that affect dialysis?

[LorinnPKD]

Hi Monica,

I'm allergic to the adhesive in the regular paper tape they use during treatment and afterward for the gauze to cover your fistula site -- I get these awful red welts at first and then eventually blisters.

They switched me to a hypoallergentic tape that looks like cotton mesh with perforations every 1.5 inches or so and it helped me a lot!

[Charlie B53]

Much of my skins is sensitive to many types of tape and actually blisters up those water blisters.

The years I was on PD my site was always broken out.  My Nurse came up with Cover Roll Stretch tape, it can be had in many different sizes.  I still have a roll of 1 inch that is perforated at measured spacing so you tear off the right length.

Another thing she taught me was to 'paint' the area to be taped with those betadine wipes.  Let that dry before putting the tape on.  Never another blister.  Somehow the layer of betadine neutralized whatever is in the adhesive.  Worked great for me.

[Michael Murphy]

I was allergic to the tape used 5 years ago and broke out with terrible cases of contact dermatitis. It stopped when I found a tape that was better. Nexcare hypoallergenic tape worked great but at 7 dollars a roll it was a bit pricey.  The clinic then switched to a Nexcare paper hypoallergenic tape And after 4years the itching started again just went back to the nexcare hypoallergenic tape and the cost was more than worth it for 4.5 of itch free treatment.

[iolaire]

I'm allergic to the adhesive in the regular paper tape they use during treatment and afterward for the gauze to cover your fistula site -- I get these awful red welts at first and then eventually blisters.

They switched me to a hypoallergentic tape that looks like cotton mesh with perforations every 1.5 inches or so and it helped me a lot!

I had the same problem with paper tape and once my skin start pulling off they moved me to that tape.

They said if we brought latex free tape, they would.give it to me.

Monica Jade, welcome to the group?  Are you US based? 

If you are in the US once you and your doctors figure out the solution to your allergy get the dialysis clinic nephrologist to write whatever orders are needed for dialysis supplies.  You should not need to provide any supplies within reason.  The centers want to use only the cheapest thing possible, but the nephrologist orders have to be followed.  So they should provide whatever is needed as far as dialysis treatment supplies. 

Other things such as covers (sheets/blankets) for plastic chairs is probably your responsibility.   

[Simon Dog]

I had skin irritation from the tape used on my catheter before I had the fistula.   The solution was to use a Tegaderm instead, however, that took an order from the nephrologist since tech and RNs were not allowed to use this more expensive dressing without an order.

[MonicaJade]

I'm allergic to the adhesive in the regular paper tape they use during treatment and afterward for the gauze to cover your fistula site -- I get these awful red welts at first and then eventually blisters.

They switched me to a hypoallergentic tape that looks like cotton mesh with perforations every 1.5 inches or so and it helped me a lot!

I had the same problem with paper tape and once my skin start pulling off they moved me to that tape.

They said if we brought latex free tape, they would.give it to me.

Monica Jade, welcome to the group?  Are you US based? 

If you are in the US once you and your doctors figure out the solution to your allergy get the dialysis clinic nephrologist to write whatever orders are needed for dialysis supplies.  You should not need to provide any supplies within reason.  The centers want to use only the cheapest thing possible, but the nephrologist orders have to be followed.  So they should provide whatever is needed as far as dialysis treatment supplies. 

Other things such as covers (sheets/blankets) for plastic chairs is probably your responsibility.

I am in the US, and we’ve already been through trying to get them to handle getting latex-free tape, but they refuse to order it. I got the derm’s perscription, but they won’t do it.  That is their only flaw, otherwise, they are as nice and caring as they can be. They say it’s not in their orders, and they insist the paper tape is latex-free, but it still gives me rashes. I forgot to mention,  the derm gave me a barrier lotion for them to put on before the tape yesterday, and they did that yesterday, and there was no tape rash afterwards, but I had touched all that rubber the day before so still had the itching.

[GA_DAWG]

Any tape other than the paper tape makes me itch, and even the paper tape causes it a bit. The techs always sympathize when I let out an audible groan in appreciation when they pull the tape off. At times I think it is more the tubing on the needles, but they insist those are hypoallergenic.

[iolaire]

I am in the US, and we’ve already been through trying to get them to handle getting latex-free tape, but they refuse to order it. I got the derm’s perscription, but they won’t do it.  That is their only flaw, otherwise, they are as nice and caring as they can be. They say it’s not in their orders

I am glad you have a short term solution. 

I'm assuming that "they" means the dialysis center.  The nephrologist needs to create the orders not the dermatologist.  Have the dermatologist orders in hand and reach out to the nephrologist via phone.  If you have a nephrologist practice like mine they will force you to go through the dialysis nurse since you are on dialysis.  If you get pushback (or even before pushback) reaching nephrologist via their office then tell the dialysis nurse that its urgent you talk to the nephrologist or that the nurse contact the nephrologist to get the dermatologist orders reviewed by the nephrologist.  If you are having symptoms you should not need to wait a few weeks to see the nephrologist.

Again the dialysis center must provide treatment base on the nephrologist's orders.  The nephrologist will probably do things to minimize the cost to the center, but they should have your best interest in mind. If the nephrologist will not write the orders there are other options that take time but hopefully it just takes getting the orders written.

edit:

they insist the paper tape is latex-free, but it still gives me rashes

That's fine, maybe you are allergic to the sticky part, regardless the tape they use should not be giving you rashes and should be coming up with a solution. Maybe asking to speak to the center manager about your concerns regarding their treatments and the rashes they cause would prompt them to test out other options... No one wants a problem escalated to their manager unless the manager doesn't care.  If the manger doesn't care that's where your nephrologist and formal complaints about care come in https://www.medicare.gov/claims-and-appeals/file-a-complaint/kidney-care/complaints-about-kidney-care.html .

[MonicaJade]

I am in the US, and we’ve already been through trying to get them to handle getting latex-free tape, but they refuse to order it. I got the derm’s perscription, but they won’t do it.  That is their only flaw, otherwise, they are as nice and caring as they can be. They say it’s not in their orders

I am glad you have a short term solution. 

I'm assuming that "they" means the dialysis center.  The nephrologist needs to create the orders not the dermatologist.  Have the dermatologist orders in hand and reach out to the nephrologist via phone.  If you have a nephrologist practice like mine they will force you to go through the dialysis nurse since you are on dialysis.  If you get pushback (or even before pushback) reaching nephrologist via their office then tell the dialysis nurse that its urgent you talk to the nephrologist or that the nurse contact the nephrologist to get the dermatologist orders reviewed by the nephrologist.  If you are having symptoms you should not need to wait a few weeks to see the nephrologist.

Again the dialysis center must provide treatment base on the nephrologist's orders.  The nephrologist will probably do things to minimize the cost to the center, but they should have your best interest in mind. If the nephrologist will not write the orders there are other options that take time but hopefully it just takes getting the orders written.

edit:

they insist the paper tape is latex-free, but it still gives me rashes

That's fine, maybe you are allergic to the sticky part, regardless the tape they use should not be giving you rashes and should be coming up with a solution. Maybe asking to speak to the center manager about your concerns regarding their treatments and the rashes they cause would prompt them to test out other options... No one wants a problem escalated to their manager unl manager doesn't care.  If the manger doesn't care that's where your nephrologist and formal complaints about care come in https://www.medicare.gov/claims-and-appeals/file-a-complaint/kidney-care/complaints-about-kidney-care.html .

Yes, after I read the post I wrote, I think “refuse” might have been too strong a word. It seems like you’re probably right, and they just can’t unless a neph tells them to. The nephs come by during dialysis and I’ve told them about the itching. Maybe next time I see one (there are three) I will ask him about the tape. I might have done that before, and can’t remember. It’s hard to concentrate sometimes on dialysis with the itching.

I’ve asked the manager, and she was the one who said it wasn’t part of their orders.

[Paul]

Try, as politely as possible, to get them to use the required tape. If you hit a brick wall and they refuse, ask the manager once more, and if she still refuses ask her for her full name and write it down in front of her. Then apologise for the fact that you are about to consult your lawyer about what action you can take against her and the clinic, but you cannot take the itching any more so you will do whatever your lawyer advises. 90% chance she will capitulate on the spot. 9% chance she will ask head office for advice, and they will capitulate. Only a 1% chance you will have to carry out this threat.

[MonicaJade]

Thanks for your advice Paul, but I don’t think a threat like that is nessecerry quite yet. I think my next step will be asking the next neph I see. If that doesn’t work, I’ll figure that out when it happens. But I’ve been a guest at other clinics around here, and I am deffinately at the best one IMHO. I don’t want to start a fight unless I absolutely have to.

[Simon Dog]

First step after requesting your MD to straighten it out is to file a formal written grievance with the clinic.  This will necessitate a written response, and may  might well effect chance since the clinic will have to address the itching issue you cite in the response.

This does not rise to the level of a contingency fee suit, so go to a lawyer if you are prepared to deal with the words "my retainer is ....".

I filed a grievance with a clinic I used during travel.   It had a policy "smallest filter no matter what the patient uses at home".    The policy was changed because of my "do you still beat your wife" style written complaint.

[MonicaJade]

First step after requesting your MD to straighten it out is to file a formal written grievance with the clinic.  This will necessitate a written response, and may  might well effect chance since the clinic will have to address the itching issue you cite in the response.

This does not rise to the level of a contingency fee suit, so go to a lawyer if you are prepared to deal with the words "my retainer is ....".

I filed a grievance with a clinic I used during travel.   It had a policy "smallest filter no matter what the patient uses at home".    The policy was changed because of my "do you still beat your wife" style written complaint.

That might be what I’ll have to do, if it comes to that. I hope one of the nephs will do it. Or, better yet, I hope to get a kidney call.

[MonicaJade]

Well, as I said, I was having severe itching on Wednesday. The substitute tech used the barrier on me today, but my fistula still itched all day. Mom just ordered me some latex-free tape with minimal adhesive residue online. I hope if I get that and it works on me, it will convince them to order it, but next time I see a doc, I will still ask him if he could get some ordered. Everyone has to explain my workarounds to all the subs, and to me it seems like a lot more trouble for everyone involved. :/ I completely forgot to mention, that they had also switched me to their silk tape, back when we were trying other tapes, and sometimes I forgot to let the subs know, but it didn’t really matter because all the tapes made me itch.

[Riki]

I have a sensitivity to the adhesive in most tapes.  It doesn't matter what it is, if it's sticky, I itch.  When I still had my line in, it was torture, as it had to stay sterile, but I could easily scratch through the tegaderm that was used on it.  I had a similar issue with my PD exit site.  I could easily scratch through the tapes used there too, but at least if I did, I could just take it off and put another on.  I use sure seal bandaids on my fistula, and they drive me nuts, but it has become a necessary evil.  It always feels good to take them off and give my fistula a soft scrub with a wash cloth

[MonicaJade]

I have a sensitivity to the adhesive in most tapes.  It doesn't matter what it is, if it's sticky, I itch.  When I still had my line in, it was torture, as it had to stay sterile, but I could easily scratch through the tegaderm that was used on it.  I had a similar issue with my PD exit site.  I could easily scratch through the tapes used there too, but at least if I did, I could just take it off and put another on.  I use sure seal bandaids on my fistula, and they drive me nuts, but it has become a necessary evil.  It always feels good to take them off and give my fistula a soft scrub with a wash cloth

I have buttonholes, and I HAVE scratched the scabs off once or twice when I absolutely couldn’t resist, and the tech had to let them rest for three days and had to go back to the regular needles. She is always nice about it, and lets me know if I scratch the scabs by accident, and lets me know if it looks.good that day. (I told her I do scratch all around them, and I admit if I know I scratched it)

[Charlie B53]

Be careful as those scratches could easily become infected!

I file my nails carefully to reduce the sharp edges that easily scratch.  I often catch myself starting to scratch and instead just use the balls of my finger tips and rub.  It sometimes isn't enough and I go grab that white scrubby pad and rub it, sort of sanding off the top surface layer of the drier skin.  Even then I got to be careful as I have drawn blood if I'm a little too aggressive.

[MonicaJade]

Be careful as those scratches could easily become infected!

I file my nails carefully to reduce the sharp edges that easily scratch.  I often catch myself starting to scratch and instead just use the balls of my finger tips and rub.  It sometimes isn't enough and I go grab that white scrubby pad and rub it, sort of sanding off the top surface layer of the drier skin.  Even then I got to be careful as I have drawn blood if I'm a little too aggressive.

Yes, I know. The nurses and techs are concered about that too. When it needed the rest, they thought it might be infected and gave me some kind of antibiotic in the IV. That is actually when I had the fistulagram scheduled. I hardly touch the scabs anymore, and am very careful scratching around them. I haven’t had anymore problems like that. She mentioned the other day how good it has been looking lately.

[MonicaJade]

Well, I ordered some latex-free tape with minimal adhesive residue, and it’s so much better than the other tape. The itching did not go completely away, but I didn’t expect it to miraculasly be gone. But it doesn’t bother me on the machine anymore, and doesn’t leave a rash like the other tape did, and when I tape the tape off, it does itch for a few minutes, but the intensity and time has been reduced, and doesn’t last all night and into the next day. I hope now that there is some working tape, when it’s time to reorder, they will.

[iolaire]

Glad you found a working tape.

[Simon Dog]

I have good luck with 3M Mircopore + tape.  There is also a version without the "+" with less adhesive.