Geek Posted August 4, 2019 Share Posted August 4, 2019 I've been taking Emsam for around 3-4 weeks, I think. My pdoc just increased the dose to 12mg/24h. I'm having trouble with contact dermatitis from the adhesive. About 18 hours after application, the site starts getting really itchy. I want to claw my skin off. When I remove the patch, I wash my skin with a gentle cleanser (at both the site I just removed it from, and the site I will be applying to next). The site is still red and itchy 12 hours after removal, though (as long as I don't use tape) the redness is generally gone at the 24 hour mark. I'm also struggling to figure out good application sites that don't move so much the patch comes off before the day is done. The best location seems to be either side of my neck, just below the collar of a t-shirt. If I move too far from the middle though, it crinkles and shifts (due to breast tissue movement, I suppose?). I can't use the outer upper arm because I have significant SH scarring in those locations - pharmacist said not to put it on "calloused or scarred skin." I've found that application to my upper thigh seems to result in the patch coming off too. I have been applying the patch in the evenings. Then, in the morning, I check it and if necessary apply either paper tape or micropore tape to the patch to keep it stuck the rest of the day. The problem is that using tape worsens the itchiness and my skin will stay red longer - so I have to wait longer before I can reuse that site. The insert says to use upper arm, chest, back or upper thigh. Is there a reason to not put it on my belly? Side of my thigh? Butt? I get not wanting to get too far from the core, due to circulation, but I feel like there's got to be other options... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gearhead Posted August 5, 2019 Share Posted August 5, 2019 For the irritation, I suggest trying Benedryl cream. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikl_pls Posted August 5, 2019 Share Posted August 5, 2019 How's the Emsam working for you? I would also suggest hydrocortisone, either OTC or prescription strength (your pdoc may prescribe it to you). I was going to suggest skin tape to help keep the patch on, but if that causes more irritation, then probably best not to do that. lol Sorry if this doesn't really help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ion Posted August 7, 2019 Share Posted August 7, 2019 I use a patch for a different med and have found that my butt is a good location for that. I've just realised that I don't know if it's an "approved" location for mine, either. I'm having a hard time thinking why chest or upper thigh would be find but not stomach or butt... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek Posted August 8, 2019 Author Share Posted August 8, 2019 On 8/4/2019 at 7:03 PM, Gearhead said: For the irritation, I suggest trying Benedryl cream. Benedryl cream is a good idea! I didn't know such a thing existed. I'm wary of using cortisone cream on an ongoing basis, so this is a good idea. I will procure some. 26 minutes ago, Ion said: I use a patch for a different med and have found that my butt is a good location for that. I've just realised that I don't know if it's an "approved" location for mine, either. I'm having a hard time thinking why chest or upper thigh would be find but not stomach or butt... The last couple of days I have been using my side, just below my hip. I decided that's "upper thigh" -ish, at least (and almost my butt, like you suggest). It seems to be working well - I have had no issues with it staying stuck, and the irritation is way less than it was on my chest. No claw-my-skin-off itchiness 18h in. It's red when I remove the patch, but fine 12h later. Also, that area is big enough that if I'm thoughtful I can probably have multiple sites per side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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