Rash from fiberglass insulation?

[Concerned Father]

My son has broke out in a rash each time we have visited my parents cottage that is partially under construction. The basement has fiberglass insulation on the studded walls. My concern is that the fiberglass particals may have got into the air or couch and are irritating his skin at each visit. Benedryl has helped somewhat, but the rash persists. Hydrocoritsone 1% cream and frequent lubrication over the following week helps to clear the skin.
Are you familiar with this sort of issue with fiberglass insulation? I am hoping this is the problem, because it would be a relatively easy cure, finish the basement with drywall.
They do have a lake there also, but his rash started before we got in the lake this last week end.
Thank you for your help!

[npdore]

I think I may be experiencing the same thing.  I am finishing my basement and developed a rash strictly on my chest and back.  It's been 3 days now and it's still itchy.  I recall having a minor reaction a few weeks ago, but now I seem to be more sensitive.

[branny72]

i have a rash as well, my job requires me to insert insulation in oven doors, i have only worked there a short time and did not have the rash before. i wear protective sleves and gloves and i am still getting tiny bumps on my arms hands and chest .

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It would be advisable to consult an allergy specialist and talk to him/her in detail about your symptoms.

This would help in coming to a probable diagnosis and in also deciding what investigations need to be done to come to a confirmed diagnosis.

Till you get an appointment it would help to take oral antihistamine or antiallergic medications and to apply calamine lotion on the rash. Keep the area clean and do consult a specialist at the earliest.

Let us know what your doctor advises and also how your son is doing now.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

[denivit]

I recently broke my foot and began having sporadic skin reactions such as itching, burning and severe swelling in various areas - hands, arms, face.  As the days went on, this swelling progressed to my tongue and throat and landed me in the hospital twice.  The reactions have gotten more severe and more sudden each time.  I now know it is the fiberglass in casts and splints that caused my allergic reactions.  Insulation is a known entitiy that causes harm  but I never realized that fiberglass is a common component found in other everyday items.  Does anyone have any information on other sources of fiberglass items?
Regards,

[dmgross]

I recently breathed some dust from fiberglass insulation and my throat became very sore and my sinuses have swollen...I have noticed this before and usually wear an organic vapor mask { 30 dollars at home depot}  I was visiting a friend on a construction site and while talking to him he pulled  a piece of fiberglass down..thats all it took.  I have small bumps all over the back of my throat and dificulty breathing usually this lasts about a week....any ideas on what to take to help?

[weezin]

my cheeks are red and itchy/burning at the same time.. please tell me the best way to sooth them. i just tried a cold shower and it worked for about 20 minutes. this is not cool to be allergic too. damn. haha, yeah i'll probably just end up waiting it out because this topic is dead. but please help if read in the near future. thanks

[pooter1129]

i just started working with fiberglass and i have a rash and is there anything i could put on my self before going to work.i itch very badly and will i get used to it or do i have to quit my job.pattie

[Nicole197698]

Those of you with rashes, #1 I would recommend calling your pharmacists or even seeing your pharmacists if the rash is in a place that can be easily seen.
#2 Use aloe vera gel and Hydrocortisone 1% cream. (this is what my pharmacist recommended when I called her about fiberglass rashes on the arms and yes aloe and the cream are safe on the face too)
For those of you with it in your mouths, throats, my suggestion is milk but call your pharmacist first to double check.
For those that work around Fiberglass, wear long sleeves, long pants, long socks, boots if possible, face masks (to protect your nose and mouth), goggles (to protect your eyes) and long gloves to protect your hands (even gardening gloves are better than nothing).

Nicole197698

[allergic2everything]

My dad had the issues you have mentioned and he went to an allergist. The Dr. told him it was not an allergic reaction to the fiberglass.  Fiberglass is made up of a small "sliver" type material that is released into the air and lays on the skin. Once the person begins to sweat or takes a hot or warm bath or shower the "slivers" enter the skin. The fiberglass pieces then become stuck under the skin and cause itching and a rash. My father was told the best way to avoid this is take a cold shower for about 5 minutes to rinse all fiberglass from the skin. The key is to not expand the pores of the body once exposed to fiberglass.   I hope this will help you some.

[Straybeat]

I shot fiberglass for a couple of years making everything from boats to sleepers and hoods for semi's. Our trick for the itch was to rinse off with acetone (nail polish remover). We actually had coffee cans full of it sitting all over the shop to dunk our arms into. It immediately "melts" the fiberglass and gives you instant relief, then you can wash off with soap and water to remove the acetone. Just be sure to try a small patch first to be sure you're not allergic to the acetone and make matters worse.