Update: possible allergy to appliance

[courage50]

Thought I would give an update in case it can help someone find relief.
After allergy testing by a local dermatologist (which I highly recommend- along with a skin culture) I was sent to a dermatologist who specializes in dermatitis. The testing had shown a severe contact allergy to a chemical preservative called MIT (Methylisothiazolinone). It's in lots of skin care products and household products. Anyway, my dermatologist called the different product manufacturers (Coloplast, Convatec and Hollister) to check if there was MIT in any of the products I was using. The answer from all 3 companies was "no". However, my skin was obviously unhappy about something and I had already removed all products that were not absolutely necessary.
The dermatologist had me begin using 4"X4" Tegaderm squares under my appliance. This worked great for awhile- especially for the near constant itching I'd had for 2 years, although it took several weeks for my skin to look healthy again. Then the itching came back. The doctor explained that it's common for skin to react to adhesives after continuous use.The next step was for me to alternate the Tegaderm (a Convatec product) with Coloplast's Brava 4"X4" squares. This protocol has all but eliminated my itching as well as the skin reactivity. Another important piece is I always change my product every 3rd day. My understanding is that the skin will react after 3 days (this often happens even with bandaids).
The 3 times I have tried wearing my appliance without an adhesive square underneath, I always have itching and it's almost immediate. Because of this, I have my doubts about the absence of MIT in my ostomy products.
The doctor's theory is that I reacted to something with MIT in it when the symptoms started and, even though I did not still use that product when allergy tested (I had gradually cut out wipes and sprays, etc), my skin never had a chance to heal from the initial reaction. MIT is in most wipes, including wipes used for ostomies.
That's my story. It's been a long journey to get relief, but I'm glad I didn't give up. If anyone has questions, feel free to ask!
Marci

[Jimbob]

Great information Courage, thanks for posting

[nickolas]

WOW Glad you were able to get it under control. When I left the hospital back in 2004 from my surgery, I was sent home with Convatec supplies. About 2 yrs later I developed an allergic reaction to the product. Have been using Hollister without any problems. But they are discontinuing my product and will be switching over to Coloplast.

Good luck, glad you got your answer. Itchies are the worst.

Nickolas

[debbieshields]

Call all of the manufacturers and ask for samples. The only way to find out what works is to try them out.

[nickolas]

. . . .The next step was for me to alternate the Tegaderm (a Convatec product) with Coloplast's Brava 4"X4" squares. This protocol has all but eliminated my itching as well as the skin reactivity. Another important piece is I always change my product every 3rd day. My understanding is that the skin will react after 3 days (this often happens even with bandaids).

That's my story. It's been a long journey to get relief, but I'm glad I didn't give up. If anyone has questions, feel free to ask!
Marci

Thank you for sharing. I've had those itches, and they are the worst. Our Miss Karen, I know her as Miss Choloe from another site. She too had to alternate products and had great success with it. I am currently doing that now, but for other reasons.

May your success always continue.

NIckolas ( named in honor of our 18 yrs old cat who had a BIG paw in raising our son. He died last year)