Is It Possible to Have an Allergy to Band-Aids and Other Adhesives? (2024)

Adhesives provide the stickiness that allows a variety of products to stay on the skin. Examples of these products include adhesive bandages, artificial nails, and transdermal patches, which give medicine through the skin.

While adhesives serve an important purpose, some people may develop an adhesive allergy after using them. Glues used for the adhesives may cause contact dermatitis, a skin condition that may include a rash, blisters, and skin flaking.

This article explores symptoms of adhesive allergies. It will also explain how this allergy is diagnosed, as well as the treatment options available.

What Does an Adhesive Allergy Look Like?

When adhesives are left on the skin for hours or days, an allergic reaction may occur. This will usually only impact the area that the adhesive came into contact with. However, symptoms can affect other areas if the reaction is more severe.

Symptoms of an adhesive allergy may include:

• A red, itchy rash
• Bumps on the skin
• Swelling
• Dry, flaking skin
• Blisters that may ooze fluid

An allergen is a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. With allergic contact dermatitis, the body "remembers" what the body has developed an allergy to, and if exposed to the allergen again, the rash will likely reappear and may be worse than the original rash. .

Diagnosing an Adhesive Allergy

Patch testing is a procedure that may be used to diagnose an adhesive allergy. With patch testing, a doctor applies allergens to patches and places them on the patient's back. They will then check a couple days later to see if there has been a reaction. Patch testing can:

• Confirm an adhesive allergy
• Identify other potential allergens like latex and medications

Patch testing is a helpful way to figure out exactly what is causing your allergic reaction. What you think may be an adhesive allergy may turn out to be a sensitivity to something else.

Treating an Allergy to Adhesives

Treatment for an adhesive allergy will vary depending on the severity of the reaction.

• With mild allergies, avoiding adhesive products in general can reduce your chance of having a reaction.
• If you have a minor allergic reaction, you can simply remove the adhesive and allow the rash to heal on its own over the next few days.
• If you use a transdermal patch, when it's time to put on a new one, you can try applying the patch to a different area of the body. The rash might not develop in a different area. If a rash occurs again, you may need to stop using that product, and your doctor will prescribe a different treatment for your condition instead of the medicated transdermal patch

If a rash is severe, or extremely itchy, you may need to stop using that specific adhesive product. The rash may be treated with a topical corticosteroid, which is an anti-inflammatory cream.

This may involve an over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1%cream or a stronger prescription cream. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to reach out to your doctor.

Summary

Symptoms of an adhesive allergy may include blisters, itchy skin, flaking skin, and a rash. While a mild reaction may only appear where the adhesive was applied, a more severe reaction is also possible.

If you think you have an adhesive allergy, it's best to reach out to your doctor to confirm your diagnosis. They may suggest patch testing to find out exactly what you are allergic to.

If you do have an adhesive allergy, treatment may include avoiding products with adhesives, removing adhesive products to allow your skin to heal, and using a corticosteroid cream to treat a rash.