I just got some new estrogen patches. I'm supposed to wear it for a week at a time, but after 2-3 days it itches like crazy! I don't think the problem is the adhesive, because the entire area where the patch was is tender and irritated. Another possible theory is that I AM allergic to the adhesive, and I rip up the area with my itching.
Does anybody know what the problem is and how to help?
Its a common problem with nicotine patches as well. Its suppose to go away after a while.
I felt/feel the same as you.
It itches like crazy about half way in. I usually put my nail on it and scratch a little now and then, it feels better than anything :P.
After the patch is gone there is no itchy feeling or redness after a few hrs.
Hi Alyx,
Either a bad batch of patches or you're allergic to the adhesive. Either way, go back to who ever prescribed the patch and seek an alternative device. Implant is certainly the most efficient and constant delivery device so far.
Don't put up with the irritation, it won't do anything for you. Irritated skin will reduce the transfer effect.
Be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine
Also double check that you're supposed to change it once a week (mine I change twice weekly, but there are different brands/types). Or ask for a different one that is twice weekly. I know that at the end of 4 days mine can get a little irritated, so switching to a new spot with the next patch is recommended.
Contact dermatitis. It is a histamine reaction to the patch. I get that from nicotine patches. If it continues you may not be able to wear them.
It *may* be a reaction to the patch adhesive, but it also could be trapped irritants under the patch. The next time you change one, try washing the skin with soap and water and then cleaning it thoroughly again with rubbing alcohol before applying the new patch. If you continue to have issues, you may need to talk to your doctor about alternatives, including other brands/styles of patch. You can also go to twice weekly changes even with the same brand - you just go down to a patch that's half the original dosage twice as often. (I'm not talking about specific dose amounts, but my wife did that because the once a week patches were giving her horrific mood swings.)
I researched this back when my wife was having issues. The manufacturers of generic Climara all use the same adhesive, but it is NOT the same as the brand name's (I assume it's cheaper?) and the other brand name patches also use different adhesives. So you can also try switching brands to see if you react better to a different one. I hear there's a generic Vivelle due out soon, too, which very likely will be yet another distinct adhesive, and also obviously cheaper.
I tried patches and got a rash,couldn't get on with them they also came off easily in the shower.I went back to pills.My skin became very sensitive on HRT and I got a nickel allergy
Quote from: Alyx. on December 12, 2012, 10:18:32 PM
I just got some new estrogen patches. I'm supposed to wear it for a week at a time, but after 2-3 days it itches like crazy! I don't think the problem is the adhesive, because the entire area where the patch was is tender and irritated. Another possible theory is that I AM allergic to the adhesive, and I rip up the area with my itching.
Does anybody know what the problem is and how to help?
If the week-long patch itches, peel it off and move it over. I used Climara and it itched after about 4 days. I wore it on my butt. And it would get red and itchy on the spot. Sometimes too, lint and other debris can get caught on the fringes of the patch. You can peel them off and trim them, if that is the case.
Hey.....
I've had some irritation with the patch. Minor redness after taking the patch off & occasional ichiness around patch. Mine are changed twice weekly. The adhesive is hard to get off, to the point of having to use a loofa in the shower to scrub it off.
I alternate locations and try to make sure its on a spot that will have the least about of "flexing", for lack of a better word. I was told to put the patches on my butt. One on each cheek, right in the middle of the cheek.
I am going to look into implants or gel/cream soon. The patches can be a pain sometimes.
Dani
Hmm i've neer had any itching on the patches, it could be your allergic to something.
For me it come and goes. Usually I dont feel a thing. But some days they itch like crazy. Not sure why.
I've never used estrogen patches, but I often have gotten reactions to adhesives used for bandaging :-\ When I have had a procedure done, most recently on my shoulder I had all kinds of rashes from the bandages :P
Possibly you are having a similar reaction to the adhesive used for the patches?
Hugs
I had major itching and redness, so I told my doctor. She then places me on vivelle, which is changed twice weekly and has a much smaller surface area. Much better.
I'm on climara, one patch twice weekly and don't experience any irration, you maybe allergic to the adhesive like catharine said. I heard to get the adhesive off, wait for 2-4 hours and then use baby oil and cotton balls to get the adhesive off the former patch site.
Lucia,