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I’m a 77-year-old woman who was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis about six months ago. I was in (mostly) and out of the hospital most of the first five months. I am now approved for outpatient plasmapheresis and have had several tunnel catheters installed within a short time, the last time because I cannot handle the severe itching I get from the dressings. They have tried as many different bandages they can come up with. All are equally dreadful on my sensitive skin. There are times I want to claw my skin off! I have spoken with doctors in the hospital, my primary care doctor, and my dermatologist. I am desperate. I keep getting warned about infections (one which I had last week ) and the danger of having to put too many tunnel catheters in, but no one has any solutions to offer. I am not supposed to use any topical solutions around the bandage where the itching is the worst. Is it possible that there is a prescription in pill form out there that could be used, or that an allergist could give shots? Thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated!

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I have used prescription Atarax/Hydroxyzine for hives, which I sometimes get from bandage adhesives or when I'm around new construction/carpet glue.

Hives are raised, flat, red, and extremely itchy, like a bee sting. They can also hurt if there isn't room for the swelling; I've had them on the soles of my feet and it's like walking around with shoes full of quarters.

The Atarax does cause drowsiness, so it is good at bedtime, but not if you haven't taken it before and you need to drive.

I have also had some luck with topically applied Rhuli Gel, but it isn't good near broken skin and it does require repeated application.
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Just chiming in to thank the responders for their suggestions as my mom (91, a retire RN) has a latex allergy, also allergic to metals. It seems to have gotten worse for her so wondering if age aggravates it. If at all possible I have her wear a crummy but clean cotton t-shirt at night (if the wound is on her upper body and not completely new) and no bandage in order to allow her skin to calm down where the adhesive/bandage had been. She has all sorts of skin cancers popping up which, after being excised each create a challenge to keep covered and clean until they heal. Taking antihistamines (like Benadryl) will make one very groggy all the time. Again, thanks for the suggestions!
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My son's skin breaks down from the adhesive in bandages, even the ones for sensitive skin. A good friend is allergic to latex.

For my son, when he has had minor medical procedures, no adhesive can be used. Vet wrap is used to keep any gauze in place. I am sure it is not called vet wrap in the doctor's office, but it is far less expensive for the same product from a vet supply.

Have you asked about taking antihistamines?
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I sympathize, my mother used to get raised welts from her nitroglycerine patches and after surgery last year my back was covered in raised itchy welts from butt to neck, I can't imagine having to put up with that for an extended period of time. Have you tried a barrier film?

https://www.amazon.com/Cavilon-Sting-Barrier-Alcohol-Sterile/dp/B004Q6T424/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=skin+barrier+film&linkCode=sl2&linkId=0415012c257432198df6dc7692820328&qid=1604437061&sr=8-6&tag=allergic-to-bandaids-20

or perhaps doing without tape altogether and using this

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-NONNET04-Tubular-Elastic-Stretch/dp/B003ZU9JY0/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=wound+stretch+tubular+band&linkCode=sl2&linkId=42bc837de1965aca92fbe8f9c5aa14e9&qid=1604437663&sr=8-7&tag=allergic-to-bandaids-20

The web does mention trying an antihistamine, but do ask your health team first!
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