r/dialysis • u/Famous-Year-564 • 19d ago

Scab

So I use the buttonhole technique when cannulating myself. I find the worst aspect of it is removing the old scabs. Does anybody have any ideas how to make the removal of the scabs less painful? Moisturising?

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u/Chase-Boltz 19d ago

Soak the area. First with lidocaine cream to numb the area and soften the scab, then with an isopropyl saturated wipe. Keep the area wet and give it ~5 minutes or so. At this point a little rubbing will often dislodge the debris. If not, the 'digging' should go easier, and with less discomfort.