Allergic (itching) reaction to canulla's and needles

[daisya]

For some time now when I've had blood tests or transfusions by IV, I always end up with the site being very itchy and for weeks after too. I wondered what has changed with needles now because I never used to suffer like this. It's not the alcohol they use to wipe prior to the needle going in because when they don't use a wipe it still itches. I had a transfusion about 4 weeks ago and the site in my arm is still itching. I've got to have a blood test next week and dreading it because of the reaction I will get. Does anyone else suffer this?

[boxtops]

Perhaps you have an allergy - do they fix the needle site with micropore type tape? I have an allergy to micropore and certain plasters - after more than an hour they take my skin off and make it really tender, and it can scar.
You ought to mention it next time you go.

[Buenchico]

It's more likely to be your body that has changed, than the needles. The body's response to invasion by foreign bodies doesn't remain constant; it changes over time. It seems that your body is now producing higher levels of histamine than it used to.

Speak to your local pharmacist (telling him/her, of course, about any medications which you might already be taking) and he/she will probably be able to provide you with some antihistamine tablets (of a type similar to those used by hay fever sufferers) to reduce the irritation.

Chris

[daisya]

Thanks boxtops and Chris. Yes Box I have similar problem with micropore too and always ask for paper tape, but the itching is apparent as soon as the needle goes in. @ Chris, never thought it was my body reacting only thought it might be they have change the needles, read something about teflon needles but not sure if that means anything in this case....always something to be bothered with lol.

[Buenchico]

Thanks for your reply:

A (vaguely) analogous situation for you:
My friend was complaining about his 'summer cold' which wouldn't go away. In fact, he'd convinced himself that he'd got flu. I listened to his symptoms and told him that it sounded more like hay fever to me. He regarded my idea as completely preposterous on the grounds of "I'm 66 years old. I've never had hay fever in my life, so I'm certainly not going to get it now, am I?". The following day his doctor confirmed my diagnosis ;-)

So his body hadn't produced an allergic response to pollen for two thirds of a century, but it suddenly started doing so (for no apparent reason). I suspect that you're in a similar position. (If so, the good news is that some antihistamine tablets will almost certainly sort the problem out for you).

[daisya]

Starting to make sense Chris, I have immune system problems too, also congested lungs (never smoked in my life) when I eat certain foods...now I'm beginning to wonder if it's all linked including what you've said...sigh...as if I've not got enough problems lol.

[Sqad]

As Buenchico says, this is a local skin reaction to the needle and it is histamine related.No big deal, some anti histamine cream or hydrocortisone cream applied after the injection , should it be necessary, is all that is required.