Itchy surgical bandages

[learieonthewildmoor]

Hoping for insights from the more knowledgeable.
I’ve just had surgery. When asked if I had a latex allergy I said yes.
Woke up covered in latex surgical strips and patches. I assumed there were no alternatives.
Had some blood taken; again, asked was I allergic - the nurse didn’t even hesitate before putting the tape on me. (At least I was in a position to take it off quickly.)
After two days I had small blisters under the bandages.
When the patches started falling off day 4 I hobbled down to the chemist to get some replacements and Lo! The surgical dressing section is full of packages labelled SENSITIVE. They are lovely. I have several on me now and no discomfort.
So, is there a reason surgeons don’t use kind to skin bandages? Are they just hard hearted bastards, really cheap or it doesn’t stick unless it hurts?

Surgeons don’t get to choose the type of dressing that are provided in theatre .

Generally the ones chosen will be those that perform best and are cost effective rather than latex free.

Most products are not labelled with whether or not they contain latex so perhaps the staff were not aware that the dressing chosen had latex in it.

Surgeons are not uncaring bastards…

Sensitive and kind to skin are really non specific terms by the way….

Medical notes, drug charts and pre op lists should state in red ink you have a latex allergy so no latex gloves or dressings are used, it's not difficult for pharmacy or theatre supplies to supply latex free products. Surgeons aren't bustards but a latex allergy, like any other allergy, can be life threatening.

It’s a minefield, isn’t it.

I had red wristbands, everyone asked me about my latex allergy.
At least half of the pain I was in was due to discomfort from the reaction. I still have two on and there’s a low level burn there.
I guess next time I have surgery I shall be very clear I want the Elastoplast bandages from the chemist.
Just really surprised it’s happened.

There are latex free dressings available, you shouldn't need to provide your own and the won't be sterile.

Most dressings and tape used in hospital don’t contain latex for fairly obvious reasons - it would be most unusual if they’ve managed to find multiple latex containing products. The tape used for simple dressings after bloods, doing cannulas, dressing surgical wounds would all have been latex free….doesn’t mean you can’t still get skin irritation from them.

I didn’t have a reaction to the cannula tape.

Thanks to everyone giving information.