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What Causes Itchy Painful Arm Post Contraceptive Implant Removal?

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Posted on Wed, 10 Sep 2014
Question: Hi
I have my contraceptive implant removed last Thursday. Other than it having to be cut away from scar tissue it went fine. Since the removal the arm has a times been painful, itchy and hot. I also have a blister which has now gone very red and sore. There is no puss or sign of infection but it didn't happen last time I had one removed. The arm that has the new one is also hot and has periods of itchiness but no blister.

Hope you can help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possible allergy to skin prep or dressing

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the description you give, I think this is likely to be an allergic reaction to the skin cleaning prep that was used on both arms or the dressing applied following the procedure.
This problem would not cause infection but rather an irritation to the skin. As it has appeared on both sides this would be a logical explanation.
The symptoms will reduce over the next 24 hours. There will not be any lasting adverse effect. Treatment is usually unnecessary however sometimes a mild steroid cream can ease localised irritation. This can be bought over the counter from your pharmacy.
It would be worth contacting your doctor or nurse who carried out the procedure to identify the skin prep or dressing used in order to avoid the same again in the future.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kerry Pottinger

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1337 Questions

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What Causes Itchy Painful Arm Post Contraceptive Implant Removal?

Brief Answer: Possible allergy to skin prep or dressing Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the description you give, I think this is likely to be an allergic reaction to the skin cleaning prep that was used on both arms or the dressing applied following the procedure. This problem would not cause infection but rather an irritation to the skin. As it has appeared on both sides this would be a logical explanation. The symptoms will reduce over the next 24 hours. There will not be any lasting adverse effect. Treatment is usually unnecessary however sometimes a mild steroid cream can ease localised irritation. This can be bought over the counter from your pharmacy. It would be worth contacting your doctor or nurse who carried out the procedure to identify the skin prep or dressing used in order to avoid the same again in the future. I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger