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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had 5 Back Surgeries, After Each Surgery Breaks Out In Itchy Lumps All Over The Body. Allergic To What ?

My husband has had 5 back surgeries over the last 19 years. About 7-10 days after each surgery, he starts breaking out in itchy lumps all over his body. He ends up taking benadryl every 4 hrs and sleeping his days away. The dr said they switched the type of suture and used staples to close his external incision. But he s obviously allergic to something. Can u help?
Wed, 5 Dec 2012
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello,
There are two possibilities:
1. He is allergic (note this is delayed hypersensitivity, not immediate) to the metal in the suture; like nickel allergy etc
2. The stress of the surgery leads to the urticarial eruptions that manifest as the itchy red lumps which settle with antihistamines.
The first option can be excluded by knowing the type of suture and getting a patch test done by an Allergist or Dermatologist
The second option can be treated with long acting non sedating antihistamines like Allegra 180mg once daily for a week; you can start this before the surgery if need be.

I hope that was useful.
Best Wishes.
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Had 5 Back Surgeries, After Each Surgery Breaks Out In Itchy Lumps All Over The Body. Allergic To What ?

Hello, There are two possibilities: 1. He is allergic (note this is delayed hypersensitivity, not immediate) to the metal in the suture; like nickel allergy etc 2. The stress of the surgery leads to the urticarial eruptions that manifest as the itchy red lumps which settle with antihistamines. The first option can be excluded by knowing the type of suture and getting a patch test done by an Allergist or Dermatologist The second option can be treated with long acting non sedating antihistamines like Allegra 180mg once daily for a week; you can start this before the surgery if need be. I hope that was useful. Best Wishes.