Victoria's Bandage Allergy

Read about Victoria's experience with a bandage allergy

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7/22/20241 min read

Victoria Chang, Seoul, South Korea, Chadwick International Class of 2027

Q: What allergies do you have?

A: “I am allergic to bandages.”

Q: How and when did you find out you had an allergy?

A: “I first noticed it when I injured my leg. I remember having to wrap it with a bandage because I still had a swimming lesson in school. It happened back in 8th grade just about a year ago.”

Q: What’s the biggest allergic reaction you’ve had?

A: “The worst allergic reaction I've ever had was when I removed the bandage from my leg. As I peeled it off, my skin tore, and I noticed some rashes around the area where the bandage was. It was really painful, like my skin was on fire. I went to get help from a dermatologist.”

Q: How has your allergy shaped who you are today?

A: “Honestly, my allergy isn't as severe as some people's allergies. It mostly affects my daily life when I use a bandage. But, just to be safe, I make effort to avoid situations where I might get hurt, thus avoiding bandage use as much as possible. And if I do end up needing one, I make sure it's a specific type recommended by a dermatologist.”

Q: How has your allergy affected your daily life (what precautions do you have to take)?

A: “Personally, my allergy hasn't really changed who I am. I don't often need bandages, and even if I do get injured, there are plenty of other types of bandages I can use that won't effect an allergic reaction. It's not a concern for me, but it does make me a bit more cautious when performing certain actions. I try to avoid getting injured because then I won't have to use bandages.”