What causes sudden rashes around implanted defibrillator site?
Patient: I have had an implanted defibrillator since 1998 and had the device replaced successfully in December 2013. Within the last 2 hours, a sudden rash has appeared around the device implant site. The area itches extremely bad and is hot to the touch. I have never experienced any problems in the 16 years of having an implanted defibrillator. Can you please help me? Doctor: Hello,  I have gone through your query and it seems to be an allergic reaction. I would recommend you to apply topical steroid like cortisone cream on the affected areas twice daily and take antihistaminic like tablet Cetirizine once or twice daily depending on the intensity of itching.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Take care  Regards, Dr Asmeet Kaur Sawhney, Dermatologist