Sudden Rash Under PICC Dressing -- Antifungal Creams? What else?

Suddenly I have this puffy, super itchy, sort of prickly rash under my PICC dressing that came out of nowhere. Nothing has changed in the routine in terms of the actual dressing I use, dressing change process, etc. I don't think it got wet but I have noticed some increase in night sweats as part of herx from adding babesia herb, so maybe some moisture got in there. I think from what I've read it's most likely a fungal infection. I do have Diflucan I started orally but doesn't seem to be doing much.

My question is this: I've read one can use antifungal cream and/or hydrocortisone cream on PICC rashes. But nobody has really specified if they're talking about using these creams *under* a sterile dressing, and if so, how to pull that off since the creams would not be sterile. I do my own dressing changes, so would I smear some on and just let it air out a few minutes after removing the old dressing, before using the dressing change kit and putting on gloves and switching to full aseptic conditions? And then just clean it off again as I go through the steps of the kit?

I'm just really confused how to do this, and also would like recommendations on which creams to actually use (brands or active ingredients). I also started taking oral antihistemines (hydroxyzine) but it doesn't seem to make a huge difference: however additional recommendations for antihistemine foods might be helpful if anyone has any ideas (or supplements -- I'm taking turmeric tincture as an anti-inflammatory, along with fish oil).

Also has anyone tried a silver-infused dressing for this and had success? Apparently silver is pretty good for fungal infections, and I was told I could do wound dressings like that (as long as sterile) temporarily under regular dressing. I'm trying a sterile manuka honey one now but, again it doesn't seem to be working. I was told by a nurse from the infusion company this would be okay.

Thanks! I'm doing other measures, like ice packs, but they're not helping at all, and it's really driving me nuts. From everything I read, it does not show indications of being MRSA, thankfully (which wouldn't be so itchy, apparently).

get some high ppm colloidal silver and apply topically, should really help. I like to combine high ppm silver with a good silver gel. both can be found on amazon.

this is likely a type of pressure sore, so google 'pressure sore remedy' for more ideas.

JustPiccd - I just got a reply from Pirouette - who did IV abx for many months.

Here's what she said:


"I would NOT use or put ANYTHING under an IV bandage/dressing. The creams are NOT sterile and that is a good way to invite infection, plus, the bandage won't stick if there is something applied to the skin.

If she has a breakout - she'll need to just let it heal and then she can have the needle re-inserted with dressing applied over it. I had to take a few breaks from tx for this reason... just a few days.

If she's having trouble with sensitivity to the bandage - she could try the 3000 bandage - I could not tolerate any other bandage:
https://www.amazon.com/Smith-Nephew-IV3000-Transparent-Dressings/dp/B007D43RIS

Also, the antiseptic used to clean/sterilize the area around the needle can also cause sensitivity so she might want to avoid the fancy stuff and use only alcohol swabsticks and/or try the Aplicare Providone-Iodine swabsticks.

Of course, she'll also need to be sure to implement a serious anti-fungal protocol."


She also said you could email her. If you want to do this - email me and I will give you her email.