Steth Rash

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Specializes in OB, Cardiac.

Why is my steth giving me a rash on the back of my neck? Am I allergic to the material or is the rubbing just irritating my skin? I wore if for 3 days straight (12s) & have had a bad rash for 3 days off now.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

Is it made out of latex?

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It could be sweat and rubbing or it could be a problem with the latex tubing. I use a steth cover to keep the tubing intact. After years of wearing it around your neck it can either start breaking down the tubing making the tubing sticky and gross, or the tubing starts getting hard and inflexible and it affects the sound. Since I have a sorta pricey scope I can't afford to be buying new tubing every few years. Scope covers also keep your neck from getting sweaty and rashy - just make sure to wash the cover.

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Specializes in OB, Cardiac.

i'm not sure if it's made of latex or not. i didn't think i was allergic to latex though.

ya, i'm def going to buy a cover....& wash it every wk!!! :)

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

My guess would be heat and perspiration. Do you have a pocket large enough to carry it when not in use?

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Specializes in nearly all.

Just remember the steth cover is another possible route of contamination. I have several so I can switch out several times a week or even more than once a day if I need to.

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