Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to See a Provider
An adhesive allergy is a form of contact dermatitis in which a person experiences an allergic reaction to topical glues used in products like adhesive bandages, artificial nails, transdermal patches, and continuous glucose meters.
Allergic contact dermatitisoccurs when the skin touches something that a person is allergic to (known as anallergen). Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, blisters, and skin darkening.
This type of allergy can be diagnosed based on a medical history and skin tests. Removing the allergen will usually resolve the reaction, though healing may take days or weeks. If the reaction is severe, a healthcare provider may recommend certain medications to relieve symptoms.
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What Does an Adhesive Allergy Look Like?
The symptoms of contact dermatitis are usually limited to the area of contact. But, with allergic contact dermatitis (as opposed to anirritant contact dermatitis), symptoms may extend to the surrounding skin as well.
Symptoms of an adhesive allergy may include:
Depending on how sensitive you are to the allergen, symptoms may persist for hours, days, or even weeks once the allergen is removed. This differentiates allergic contact dermatitis fromcontact urticaria(hives), which often resolve within minutes.
Contact dermatitisis a localized skin reaction affecting the outermost layer of skin (called theepidermis) and the layer just below (called thedermis).With allergic contact dermatitis, the reaction occurs when an allergen triggers a localized immune response.
Within the skin are immune cells calledmast cellsthat degranulate (break open) when confronted with an allergen, spilling chemicals calledhistamine,heparin, andcytokinesthat trigger swelling, itching, and rash.
With an adhesive allergy, the two main allergens are ingredients in the glue called liquid 2-octylcyanoacrylateand n-butyl cyanoacrylate monomers. Studies show that certain people may be reactive to only one or both of these topical adhesives.
Other Causes of a Skin Reaction
An adhesive allergy is often evident in that symptoms appear where the adhesive is applied. In such instances, a healthcare provider may proceed directly with treatment and forego further testing.
However, if the cause is uncertain, different allergy tests can be used to help pinpoint the exact culprit or culprits. These include:
Treatment for an adhesive allergy will vary depending on the severity of the 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 have a more serious reaction, your healthcare provider may prescribe one or more treatments to help alleviate symptoms as well as the underlying allergic response. These may include:
Alternatives to Adhesives
If you find that you are allergic to adhesive bandages, there are alternative wound coverings you can try that may help:
If you have an allergy to a transdermal patch that delivers medication through the skin, speak to your healthcare provider about other versions of the drug that may help. These include ointments that can be applied to a hypoallergenic adhesive bandage.
What About Continuous Glucose Monitors?There are three things you can do to prevent reactions to your wearablecontinuous glucose monitor:Place transparent film (such as Tegaderm) on the skin before attaching the monitor.Use a self-adhesive medical tape (like Coban tape) to keep your monitor in place.Switch to a different monitor brand.
What About Continuous Glucose Monitors?
There are three things you can do to prevent reactions to your wearablecontinuous glucose monitor:Place transparent film (such as Tegaderm) on the skin before attaching the monitor.Use a self-adhesive medical tape (like Coban tape) to keep your monitor in place.Switch to a different monitor brand.
There are three things you can do to prevent reactions to your wearablecontinuous glucose monitor:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you think you may have an adhesive allergy, reach out to a healthcare provider who can confirm the diagnosis.
Additionally, you should seek medical attention if you experience:
Summary
10 Sources
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