In the past, it was typical for clinicians, doctors and wound care nurses to ask their residents and patients if they were allergic to any medications. However, with a surge in allergies it is now commonplace to inquire about not just drug allergies, but food, iodine, and latex, among others.
There are common allergies that many people may not think of in relation to wound care products. For example, some anesthesia drugs cannot be used if a patient or resident is allergic to eggs (propofol) or fish, especially salmon (protamine) and shellfish (contrast dye and topical betadine). Furthermore, if he or she is allergic to eggs, the flu vaccine should not be given. [1]
If a wound is infected, silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) is often a remedy of choice. But if a patient or resident is allergic to sulfa drugs, Silvadene should not be administered. Bacitracin ointment or silver hydofiber dressing are both ideal substitute treatments.
Additionally, if wound care products are made with honey for healing and a patient or resident has an allergy to bees, should the product be used? Experts say yes and no.
According to expert research, a reference stated that if a patient or resident has a known allergy to honey or bee venom, they should refrain from all honey dressings. On the contrary, another reference stated that some of the dressings that are made with honey are filtered with a medical grade to eliminate pollen or other substances that could cause the reaction.
Regardless of medical opinion as to which products should be used, this research emphasizes the need to fully review a product’s literature before use and to contact the manufacturer with any questions about possible allergy reactions.
[1] Wickard, Susan. “Ask the treatment expert: Are allergies to wound care products common?” McKnight’s Long Term Care News. Web. 7 July 2012.
