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Avatar universal

possible mold? allergy

I've just started working in a high-rise office, but I'm not there every day right now, but will be in a few weeks.  I notice (only on the days I'm there) that my face begins prickling after 1-2 hrs, and is burning (like sunburn feeling) by noon.  Last week my one (inner) ear began throbbing by the end of the work day, in addition to the face/throat irritation.  On the following day (when I'm not at that office), my face is all red, except for the area right around my eyes (like sunburn). I originally thought it might be due to air fresheners in the vent system, however I did not notice any fragrance the last time I was there. I am sensitive to some cleaning products/perfumes. I concerned about reporting it to a supervisor or outside agency, bec of being a contract worker, and I'm worried that I will lose my job. Advise if possible. Thanks
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Avatar universal
Sorry I never got back to you - Luckily this temp job assignment ended a few wks after my posting.  My A&I dr said that this was chemical dermatitis. Just walking into the ladies room on our floor, people had all these potpouri, scented candles, and the liquid soap was so heavily perfumed.  The floor that I worked on had 200+ people in small cubicles, and of course prob all of their personal products, scent, etc - maybe not enough fresh air for that # of people.  Other days of the week I was in a tiny classroom with 8 other people, and the instructor had  very strong cologne on, and when he began class in the AM, he shut the door, and I noticed my face start stinging, which continued all day.  After the job ended, I saw a dermatologist who I could not return to, bec her office was also a face spa, and they were doing facial peels? etc there, and my face stung terribly while waiting to see her!  It took from April until September for the redness of my chin nose and cheeks to die down.  I did use calamine under my makeup, which at least acted as a barrier, under makeup, and I also used one of the Neutragena makeups (no longer available) that was like clay (also a good barrier).  And I had to use a basic unscented soap like dr. bronners unscented bar, or neutragena bar (unscented) to clean my face from any oil 2x / day, bec even my own oils made the face redder.  It was such a nightmare, and now I will never work in such a setting again, because of this happening.  I can't believe that there aren't any regulations against workers or employers bringing in chemicals or air fresheners, when so many people cannot tolerate this.  In Canada there are regulations.  BTW, my doctor did prescribe this 800.00 metronidazole lotion, which I filled, and used briefly, but did not help.  Just seemed like my face needed neutral air.  Thank you for your help.
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Avatar universal
Hi,

If other people are also having similar or relatd symptoms, then this definitely needs to be looked into.

Let us know about how you are doing and also keep us posted about the latest - air quality check reports etc.

Regards.
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Avatar universal
I also forgot to mention that, in the 3-4 times I've been to that office, I learned that at least three people have either complained of the air quality or have filters at their desks, bec. they feel the air is "not clean".  One complains of continuous runny nose since she's been working there, and freq illness..
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Avatar universal
Thank you - I'm in the process of reporting this to the local osha office, and they will be checking the air quality I guess in the office. I am not sure of the sunlight exposure. Do you mean w/the fluorescent lights or sunlight through the windows in the high rise? The reddened areas on my face seem to be very sensitive to everything right now - even the cold air in the AM. I'll remember to try the sunscreen tomorrow (forgot today), and I need to get some calamine. Waiting to see my dr next week. - Thanks again.
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Avatar universal
Hi,

How are you doing now?

Let us know if you have any mprovement inyour symptoms withthe sunscreen, calamine lotion and on avoiding sun exposure.

Keep us posted on what your doctor advises.

Regards.
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Avatar universal
Thank you MD - I'm awaiting an appt w/an A&I that I saw 3 yrs ago, but can't get in for another 1.5 wks. I'm considering going to a dermat. in the meantime. In resp to your questions it's mainly the exposed areas of my face - upper cheeks/nose - the burning sensation started about 2 hrs after entering this office for the first time; and then my throat started feeling irritated later in the day.  The one inner ear started throbbing the next week, however it went away within a day and a half of not being in that office (I'm just there one day/week mostly right now). I believe it's something in the air that I'm sensitive to, or something being used in the office.

I did not know about the UV in highrises - are you referring to the amt of light coming in through the windows? I'll try the sunscreen just in case, since I'm prob more sensitive now, and also the calamine. Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Hi,

Does the rash that you describe appear only on areas which are exposed or inner areas as well?

The symptoms you describe bring out some kind of hypersenstivity or allergy to either Ultraviolet radiation or some other environmental factor at the location.

UV radiation is higher in high rises than at the ground. You must see your doctor/dermatologist to find out if this could be cause. You may also try to use a good sun screen and protection from direct/indirect sunlight.

This may also be due to allergy to some irritants in the air as you described. Your doctor may be help you there too.

Meanwhile, you may try to use some anti-allergic medication and calamine lotion to decrease the intensity.

Hope this helped. Let us know if you have any other queries and keep us posted on your health.

Best regards.
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