Re: Duragesic and skin irritation Several Ideas & comments....... CINDY

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In a message dated 3/4/2004 1:01:26 PM Eastern Standard Time,

c-clark05@... writes:

Hi all. Dylan is on his 10th day with the patch and doing very well. But his

skin does get irritated. I was told to try Milk of Magnesia on the surrounding

skin. I'll go get some today. Have any of you found other things to cut down

on the irritation under the patch? He's doing so well on it, I'd really like

to find something to help this issue. He is clear headed, sociable, and getting

around the house more. He has been on so many meds that didn't work, I think

this just might be the one that does. So far, it does appear the third day it

doesn't work, so I'll talk to the Dr about having it changed every 2 days. I

know I can address the skin once the patch is removed, but what about when it's

on? Any suggestions? Cindy C.

Hi Cindy

I'm sooooo glad he seems to be doing well with it. I've been using it for

quite some time. I'll bet, at least 6-8 years. I've picked up a lot of info

during this time. One, as Vee said, about changing it every 2 days can be a

good idea, as it doesn't stay on as long, so it doesn't have as long a time to

cause an irritation. That may be an issue for him, I've tried it, but I can't

say it makes a tremendous difference to me, but everyone is different. It's

worth a try. But here's a few others........

1) Definitely makes sure the area is simply clean & dry, just plain water &

dry it gently or let it air dry.

2) Make sure you move where you put the patch around, as often as possible

(ie: don't keep putting it in the same place)

3) When you put it on, lay it as flat as possible & with the palm of your

hand, or his, if he can reach it, lay your palm over the patch for 5 minutes.

Yes, it makes a difference. I've cheated on the 5 minutes & it does make a

difference. The warmth of your palm will help the patch stick to the skin &

create the best seal possible, so that water, should he shower, etc. before you

change the patch, doesn't get in between the patch & his skin. That will

definitely cause an irritation. It's really important to get a good seal. I

still

can't believe how many years I didn't know that & just put up with the skin

trouble.

4) When you take the patch off, there is a residue from where the patch was.

I have tried a zillion things to get that glue off & I think I probably

caused more damage to my skin from trying to get the darn glue off. Believe it

or

not, so many things have been recommended to me to get the glue off, but

without a doubt, there is no question that the thing that I now use &

undoubtedly

is the easiest & does the best job, in seconds, is something you would never

guess. It's called " Goo Gone " . We get it at Home Depot!!! It comes in a

rather large plastic bottle, it's yellow & I just use a tissue, wet it from the

bottle, wipe the glue off & throw the tissue down the toilet. The only thing I

don't like about it, is that the " Goo Gone " stinks! Yes, it smells yucky. I

used to put it on a towel that I ripped up in small squares & use that, but

realized that a wad of tissue does it just as well & I don't have to wash the

rag after, which I used to throw right into the washer & close it, so I didn't

smell it until I did the next wash. I do however, prepare ahead of time, a

small washcloth or cut up towel, with some soap & water, just to wipe over the

area gently, to get the smell of the " Goo Gone " smell off of my skin.

I hope this helps & I think I've got everything, But, if I think of anything

else, I will surely let you know. Take care, Be well,