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What Causes Itchy Painful Arm Post Contraceptive Implant Removal?
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.
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.
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
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
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Kerry Pottinger
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist
Practicing since :1983
Answered : 1337 Questions
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