MG I don't think it's a reaction to the dressings, because I'm allergic to sticking plasters and it usually welts up right underneath/next to the particular bandaid/plaster and not elsewhere, kwim?

Amy, I'm guessing they would swab down a larger area - I think they use chlorhexidine rather than iodine-based thingies in surgery - but it's possible there's something iodiney underneath the steristrips as they are all brown. But I'd expect that would result in a rash nearer the wound like yours was.

I'm only taking codeine, paracetamol and a tiny bit of voltaren, highly unlikely to be one of them...have noticed it's started itching on my back again, so I'm thinking I'll have to take myself to the Drs tomorrow, just for advice on best anti-histamine or what to use with the other stuff I'm taking. Getting nervous now, I'll want to take more codeine for a comfy night (still can't lie down with any great ease) and I'd hate to think it's just going to make me itchier! It's a comfort that it would probably welt up if it was an allergic thing. No other symptoms, but I had horribly itchy/weepy eyes for the first couple of day which I put down to a morphine-histamine reaction. Thanks for taking the time to reply.