Preventing and Treating Blisters After Surgery from Tape

Causes of Blisters After Surgery

Blisters are a common occurrence after surgery, especially if tape or bandages were used near the incision site. The adhesive can strip away top layers of skin when removed, leading to irritated and damaged areas. However, there are several other potential causes of blistering following surgical procedures.

Tape and Bandages

Surgical tape, dressings, and adhesive bandages are often applied over incisions or IV sites to protect the area. However, peeling these materials off can disrupt the skin's surface and create blisters. The vigorous motion of removal essentially creates friction burns.

Some people are also more sensitive to adhesives and prone to reactions. Those with delicate or damaged skin are at highest risk when tapes are utilized post-surgery.

Improper Tape Removal

Even if tape is required after surgery, improper removal techniques can make blistering more likely. Ripping bandages off quickly tends to be more damaging. Gentle, gradual lifting of adhesives as parallel to the skin as possible causes less disruption of skin layers.

Allowing tapes to fully loosen and using oil or liquid adhesive removers can also minimize skin trauma during the peeling process. Never pull adhesive straight up perpendicularly from the skin.

Burns

Burns, either from surgical equipment like cauterizing tools or accidental contact with heated lamps or other hospital devices, can lead to blistered skin. The damaged areas often arise near the actual surgical site.

Electrocautery tools which burn away tissue reach extremely high temperatures. Even brief contact with intact skin could produce thermal blisters.

Infections

Post-surgical infections, although uncommon with proper care, can also generate fluid-filled blisters near incisions. Signs like redness, warmth, swelling and pus point to underlying infection as the cause.

Blistering tends to occur when bacteria invade the wound itself or the upper skin layers. Raising of the blister roof results from a reaction in the dermis to contain the infection.

Allergic Reactions

Allergies to surgical prep solutions, soaps, ointments or latex gloves could potentially trigger blistering during or after procedures. The rash-like reaction tends to be localized around the surgery site.

With an allergic reaction, blisters signify areas where the body is attempting to dilute or isolate the irritating allergen. Oral antihistamines and topical hydrocortisone creams help control outbreaks.

Treating Blisters After Surgery

Proper blister treatment promotes healing, reduces risks like leakage and infection, and minimizes discomfort. Consider these tips for managing blisters arising after surgical procedures:

Leave Intact Blisters Alone

As long as a blister remains fully intact, the roof helps protect the vulnerable lower skin layers from infection. Avoid popping or draining intact blisters which formed post-surgery.

However, collapsed or torn blisters require prompt attention to prevent bacteria from invading the wound and to encourage proper healing.

Use Antibiotic Ointment

Apply antibiotic creams or ointments, such as those containing bacitracin or neomycin, to the blistered areas following surgery. This helps prevent introduction of bacteria into compromised skin.

However, consult your surgeon, as certain ingredients may be discouraged for use right around fresh incisions. Change dressings frequently.

Consider Topical Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone cream reduces inflammation and itching which could bother surgical blisters. Use low strength preparations sparingly for a few days at a time to avoid side effects.

This is especially helpful for blisters from allergic reactions but can aid recovery from any post-surgical blistering.

Protect with Non-Adherent Padding

Cover draining or torn blisters with non-stick gauze or other protective dressings that won't adhere to the raw wound. This prevents pain and damage when changing bandages.

Padding also absorbs drainage and cushions the area from pressure or friction from clothing and movement.

Allow Healing Time

Most minor surgical blisters resolve within a week or two if kept clean and protected. Avoid re-injuring forming blisters by minimizing friction and pressure on affected areas while healing progresses.

Seek medical advice if blisters worsen or show signs of infection like pus, redness or streaking redness, foul odor, or fever.

Preventing Blisters After Surgery

While some post-surgical blistering is inevitable, you can take proactive steps to reduce the risks:

Discuss Tape Sensitivity

Inform healthcare staff if you know you are sensitive to certain adhesives or prone to blistering problems. They can select alternatives or extra precautions.

Mention any past issues with bandages, glues, tapes or dressings so similar products can be avoided.

Reinforce Teaching Proper Removal

Clearly remind any caregivers or medical personnel removing your surgical tapes and dressings to go slowly and gently. Confirm they understand the proper peeling techniques to minimize skin trauma.

You want the adhesive lifted off delicately at the edges, ideally aided by moisture or oil-based removers.

Inspect Skin Under Dressings

When changing bandages yourself, carefully inspect the skin underneath for any redness, irritation, or blister formation early on. This allows prompt intervention.

Report any worrisome skin findings under surgical dressings to your care team for evaluation and treatment.

Limit Time Adhesives Are Left In Place

Ask about options for silicone-based tapes, glue dots, or other products engineered to stick gently. Request these be changed more frequently than conventional adhesives.

Fresher applications that are replaced often are less likely to blister than old dressings left for prolonged periods.

Use Protective Skin Barriers

In high friction areas like joints, inquire about application of a thin plastic film dressing before using tape. This reduces rubbing between the adhesive and skin.

Barrier wipes or sprays can also buffer vulnerable skin from trauma.

With attentive wound care and precautions, you can minimize painful blistering during recovery from surgery. Pay close attention to any concerning symptoms and follow up promptly with your healthcare providers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.