I had a hysterectomy 6 weeks ago for Endometriosis and Cervical Cancer. Ever since the surgery, the skin (under my pubic hair) has itchy severely. I have called the doctor and told him. He says that its probably just a reaction to the iodine or whatnot. Is there anything that I could try to get rid of it? There are no bumps or rashes or anything of the sort. I dont know how to get rid of it, its so annoying! Please help!
Embarrassing Question about itching...
05/15/2012
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no clue, try some kind of itching cream like cortizone? Or maybe rubbing alcohol?
05/15/2012
If you aren't against it for a particular reason, I'd try shaving completely and see if that makes it go away.
05/15/2012
Ugh, awful. Try a cold compress. I agree that shaving it might make it easier to apply anti-itch creams and cold compresses, but shaving can cause its own itchiness growing back, if you're not used to it.
Were you shaved for the surgery? That could contribute too, as it's growing back. The ends of shaved hair are "prickly" (since they've been cut off), as well as other issues.
Several companies make anti itch creams specifically for vulvas (like Vagisil I think) and those would be safe to use down there. If you're careful not to get it too close to anything sensitive, many other anti-itch creams would be safe, that contain cortizone or Benedryl.
I'd also suggest washing with a very neutral product, such as Sliquid Splash.
If it's a reaction to the iodine, maybe try taking an oral antihistamine, and seeing if that helps.
Were you shaved for the surgery? That could contribute too, as it's growing back. The ends of shaved hair are "prickly" (since they've been cut off), as well as other issues.
Several companies make anti itch creams specifically for vulvas (like Vagisil I think) and those would be safe to use down there. If you're careful not to get it too close to anything sensitive, many other anti-itch creams would be safe, that contain cortizone or Benedryl.
I'd also suggest washing with a very neutral product, such as Sliquid Splash.
If it's a reaction to the iodine, maybe try taking an oral antihistamine, and seeing if that helps.
05/15/2012
It would be rare to still be having an allergic reaction to the iodine 6 weeks later. If you were, your doctor should make sure, as being allergic to iodine NEEDS to be on your chart, so they will use alcohol the next time you have surgery, before you have an anaphylactic reaction.
It could be an allergy, but your doctor should at least see you for this issue. It could also be due to the hair growing back. I would consult your doctor before shaving, as you are still healing and nicking the area around the incision is a concern.
As a nurse, if you called and I was on the Line, I'd get hold of the doctor and/or have you make a visit to make sure everything is OK. Do you have your 6 week check up coming up? Most surgeries do. If not, I'd make an appointment. Most doctors are NOT blase about a possible iodine allergy, as it's implications are serious.
Call your doctor and be nice, but make sure he deals with the issue.
Good luck. I hope you feel better.
It could be an allergy, but your doctor should at least see you for this issue. It could also be due to the hair growing back. I would consult your doctor before shaving, as you are still healing and nicking the area around the incision is a concern.
As a nurse, if you called and I was on the Line, I'd get hold of the doctor and/or have you make a visit to make sure everything is OK. Do you have your 6 week check up coming up? Most surgeries do. If not, I'd make an appointment. Most doctors are NOT blase about a possible iodine allergy, as it's implications are serious.
Call your doctor and be nice, but make sure he deals with the issue.
Good luck. I hope you feel better.
05/15/2012
Oatmeal bath? That would touch that area, yet be gentle; and you really do need to get checked for an allergy, they can be deadly
05/15/2012
Thank you all! I have my 6 week checkup tomorrow. He doesnt believe that Im allergic to iodine, he just said that my skin might have been more sensitive to it. I dont know. All I know is that it is about an inch long and there is no signs of anything. Just itchy. No rash, no marks, no sore, nothing. Same spot every time. I have never had this problem before the surgery. I was shaved for surgery, it has already grown back out though and I have already done a couple trims. It is just irritating the FIRE out of me LOL. I appreciate your input.
05/15/2012
If it is an allergic reaction to something, you could try taking zyrtec. It's mostly used for respiratory allergies, but I use it when I get contact dermatitis from household cleaners. It would provide some relief, but definitely keep trying to find out whats causing it.
05/15/2012
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Unique posters: 7