Could A Chemical Used To Swab Hands During TSA Test Cause Blistery Pustules?

Posted on Sat, 21 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Apr 2018 Answered on

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello my husband and I just returned from a trip to Cancun today. He was pulled aside for a TSA check, where they swabbed his hands and were scanning his abdomen belly area. Tonight he has an outbreak of somewhat blistery pustules, that we're not there prior. Could this be a reaction to the chemicals they use to swab his hands? Or could this be something that developed after us being in Cancun for seven days? The outbreak is in an rectangular area from his belly button to both sides of the abdomen down to his pelvis area.

Answered by Dr. Varinder (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Red lesions have possibility of allergic reaction to chemical used for swabing and gelly used in scabbing. There will be itching associated. I hope there is no other symptom as abdominal pain or bowel upset and fever.

Take tab levocetrizine 5 mg two times , tab prednisolone 5 mg two times plus tab ranitidine 150 mg two times.

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With regards,
Dr Varinder Joshi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng