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Discussion

Reaction to PPD test?

Disclaimer - I'm asking mere questions, not looking for medical advice.

So today I received my second PPD test (my last one was administered last Wednesday). Today, for the first time ever, I have an odd red mark at the injection site, about 10mm at the widest point. This is my sixth test in the last two years, and the first one that has looked like this.

Now, obviously I know I need to wait until Friday to get it officially read, but this is just striking me as out of the ordinary. Has this ever happened to anyone here?

Also, it was placed in nearly the same location as the one a week ago was planted. If this turns out to be a positive read, could it be due to the similar location?

Thanks in advance, just a bit nervous!

Also, I was born in the United States, and I have never traveled anywhere outside of the country.

Featured Replies

Don't worry about it, it happens to me every time. I have sensitive skin and it gets red from the PPD frequently. The largest one was about two inches in diameter. It only happens with a certain manufacturer, but I can't remember which one. Lanofi, maybe?

Your skin is irritated, that's all. It will get lighter, but it won't go away until about a month.

Just be on the look out for signs of allergy and you should be OK.

Unless there is induration, it isn't positive.

I get red all the time, it's an expected reaction.

You don't have to have travelled anywhere to have a positive PPD, by the way. All the positive means is that at some point in your life you were exposed to the TB germ. I've gone my entire career (36 years) without converting, and I did rotations in VA, Psych hospitals and ERs as a student, and worked Med Surg for many years.

Mine also turns red and just looks irritated and angry, goes away in a few weeks for me

I get a hive and erythema for two days. No induration. Usually gone by 48 hrs if not 72. That's why the delay in assessing the site to determine a reaction.

You can be exposed to TB simply by being outside in public.

  • Author

Thank you all! I know I'm just paranoid. This was the first time something like this has happened to me, so I was taken completely off guard. Thanks for the responses!

  • Author

Hey everyone! I have a follow-up question. Today at my appointment I was given a Hepatitis B vaccination seconds before my PPD was planted. Is there anyway this could cause my abnormal reaction? Bear with me please, I am just a student. Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone! I have a follow-up question. Today at my appointment I was given a Hepatitis B vaccination seconds before my PPD was planted. Is there anyway this could cause my abnormal reaction? Bear with me please, I am just a student. Thanks in advance!

Not typically in a normal healthy person especially since HepB is not a live vaccine

  • Author

Thank you, JustBeachyNurse. I didn't think so either, but I was just checking!

  • Experts

Although you did not ask for medical advice, this thread is veering into that realm.

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