Crazy Itchy Rash

I was put on 6 week IV antibiotic therapy for a staph infection in my sinus cavities. They used a PICC line in my upper right arm to administer the medication. During the last week of my treatment I developed a rash under the Tegaderm they placed over the PICC. My home health nurse said the rash was probably just heat rash and left the bandage in place. The PICC was removed yesterday and the nurse that removed it said that my rash was an allergic reaction to the Tegaderm. She told me to put cortisone cream on it and take a benedril and that it should clear up. I woke up this morning and went to clean the incision spot where the PICC was inserted and found that the rash has turned into blisters. I wouldn't be so concerned about the blisters except that they are clustered around the incision site and I am afraid the oozing from the blisters will cause infection to the incision. Are the blisters a normal reaction and can I continue to treat the area with alcohol and cortisone cream??

[Lilyrose77]

Hello Livelaughlove,
I would stop doing everything, except keep the site clean and dry and keep taking Benadryl. Use water and a clean cloth everytime you wipe it off. Do not use alcohol or anything else. Blisters with fluid are a concern.  Is there someone you can call today about this, like the nurse?  The fact that blisters are appearing could be a worsening of the rash.  Keep a mental note of how big the rash is, or better yet measure it from edge to edge to see if it is growing.  If you cannot call anyone, I would see if you could go to a walk in clinic soon. Somebody needs to look at this.
Let me know how things work out.
Lilyrose77

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum. blisters are not normally found during allergic reactions but can be possible. It can be possible allergy to the administered drug, but usually it is seen if there is a past history of allergy. The usual manifestations of allergy are rash formation with itching but blisters are quite rare.

If allergy, it can be either due to atopic dermatitis or it can be due to irritant dermatitis. The allergic manifestations respond well to anti histamines and corticosteroids. If not responding then other causes needs to be ruled out.  Hidradenitis suppurativa is another possibility which is associated with itching, rash, and local sweating. Even folliculitis and bullous impetigo should be ruled out, which seen secondary to bacterial infection.

I suggest you to consult physician. Take care and regards.

[LiveLaughLove06]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Made it to a Dr. about my rash. He said it looked like an allergy to the adhesive. I was told to use barrows solution because it will dry out the blisters and has antibiotic properties. I also found out wonderful news about the recurring sinus infections that I had been suffering with since 2006! I have a rare vasculitis disease called Wegener's granulomatosis!