rash where nicotine patch is??

[CardyMow]

Due to having pneumonia for the last 3 weeks, I gave up smoking on the 17th February. As I was a very heavy smoker (30-40 roll-ups a day) I am using patches to help me with the cravings. Which I might add are still there at least twice an hour, despite using 21mg patches. But for the last 7 days, I have been getting a localised rash where I am putting the patch, and now even taking a piriton tablet isn't stopping the itchy rash. Why would I be getting this when I've never had a problem with normal plasters?

I can't use the gum, as I'm not a gum chewer, and I've tried it and it tastes...err...RANK! And I'm not allowed to use the champix tablets due to my epilepsy. I've tried to give up without the patches, and have never managed more than 6 HOURS on willpower alone, I have managed to go 10 days using the patches.

What do I do if I have to stop using the patches?? I CAN'T start smoking again, the doctors have told me in no uncertain terms that if I get pneumonia again and am still smoking, I will not survive. But I know that within 6 hours of taking the patch off, I will be smoking again. HEEELLLLLPPPP!!!

Hi Loudlass, sorry I didn't reply yesterday but my computer went kaput!!

Hypnotherapy could help the cravings to go away. You are in a good place to give up cos you want to!

I actually live in South Wales but my parents are in Essex and I am visitng them over Easter - maybe that is too long a time away for you though!

As for the epilepsy, I think it is OK, pretty sure actually but would double check with my tutor if you wanted to go ahead. Any hypnotherapist would have to know your medical background before any session was started and lots of things would be taken into consideration.

If you are interested send me an email or whatever happens when you "contact poster" - can you tell I've never done that before??!!

Agree that it's probably the adhesive on the patch. You shouldn't have to afford more expensive ones, NRT is available on prescription. I wouldn't recommend the Niquitin ones as I got a similar rash on those too. (Nicorette ones were fine though)

Have you tried other supermarket brands, or asked the pharmacist if there is a cheaper brand there that you could use?

I just want to add though that you've done really well Loudlass!! Well done you!!

I had a giggle earlier in my supermarket. I went to the fag counter (just for some phone credit, don't worry) and the lady behind there asked if I was ok as she hadn't seen me in weeks. She then proceeded to get me my 'usual' purchases...So I told her I'd given up.....her face!! She was all . She looked like she was going to faint!! She asked how long I'd managed and when I told her, she was amazed. It's...err...interesting...to see people's reactions when I tell them I don't smoke any more. .

Sorry loudlass, I never came back

D-Day is tomorrow. I have a week off, so hope to get the first week out of the way before I have the work habit to deal with.
The girls I get on most with, and work directly with are both smokers, and we sit outside at lunch so we can smoke.
I've bought this cigarette and it seems good. I've opened it to have a go.
Whatever I have left in my cig packet tonight is getting squashed and thrown away so there are no temptations.

I really do want to give up this time, which I never really have before. I am sick of the smell and sick of the money which I can't afford and it's such a waste.
DD hates me smoking, and I feel bad about it.
I want her to be proud of me.
I have a chest infection most winters. I got away with a fairly mild one this year, but have had steroids more than once for my chest in the past

I hope the electric cigarette stops me reaching for a fag for the first week or two. I do think I need some extra help, and nothing else has worked for me in the past.

I'll keep posting and let you know how I get on.

Loudlass, you sound like an amazing woman, but you are up against it with trying to quit using patches or gum. I've been doing a load of research lately into NRT, and overall, the best they can hope for is a 7% success rate (according to peer review of all the trials data which is available). In actual fact, many of the experts reckon it's a lot lower than that. The companies who make electronic cigarettes are not allowed to suggest that these products can help you quit, but I can tell you from my own personal experience, and from that of thousands of people's testimonials, as well as from expert opinions from leading anti-smoking advocates and doctors, that an electronic cigarette is your best bet. I gave up smoking overnight, entirely by accident, nearly a year ago, after trying an electronic cigarette to see what all the fuss was about. My brother had told me about them. I haven't looked back since. I am fitter (taking my black belt in karate this year), my children no longer have to passively smoke my cigarettes, and I have saved nearly £2,000! Check out www.theelectroniccigarette.co.uk. For safety information, google Dr Joel Nitzkin. Best of luck - I hope it works for you! Cheers, Katherine

i have been on Nicoderm 21 mg. patch for the past week. It is helping tremendously with cravings for ciggies. I have developed rashes, though with red skin and itching. I thought I would check with my pcp and/or pharmacist to see if they could help me. Any information would be helpful.