TOXIC BATHTUB - CHEMICAL BURN OR ALLERGY?

[zzdust]

I have taken two baths in an old tub. The original glazed veneer has been scrubbed away from abrasive cleansers over the past eighty years. What is left is a rough, porous porcelain surface. It is my theory that this porous surface has absorbed chemicals over the years so that they are now thoroughly embedded. Within just a minute or two of sitting in the tub I develop a very painful burn in a roughly 5-inch square area where my buttocks rest on the tub. The resulting burn is very red, sensitive to the touch, and weeps clear fluid. After the first bath, I reasoned that there may have been some residue from cleansers I used on the tub - again assuming that the porous surface retained some of their active agents. (It's ironic that the more I clean the tub the more I toxify it.) At anyrate, two months later, after the tub should have been "cleaned" of any chemical residue from 60 or so hot showers, I took another bath and received another painful burn. I should note that several days earlier I did use Drano to clear the drain, and some may have once again absorbed into this area. But several days of hot showers - you would think - would have washed away even this caustic substance..? So, what's causing the burns? Chemical residue from cleansers? These old tubs also leach lead, I might add. Or, do I have an allergic reaction to the gritty porcelain, perhaps? Not too surprising, I have no reaction on my feet when I shower, nor does any other part of my body become so affected when in the bath. Thanks.

[IMCULTEC]

Well...zzdust, it would appear that everytime you SIT in your tub, your problem seems to manifest itself.
As you mentioned. Cast-Iron tubs and porcelain steel tubs DO leech lead. It is reportedly a national problem.
A worn or well-aged porcelain tub can expose the porcelain sub-structure to skin and can irritate the skin due to its inherent structure, and additionally so, if your water is chlorinated, which most city waters are, if not Fluoridated, as well.
Chlorine is an oxidizer and can be a causitive irritant to the skin. Cities often treat their waters with Chlorine or Chloramines and depending on the mg/l used and how close you are to the injection points, can determine how much your exposed to.
By-the-way, DRANO is not recommened on Porcelain. Its an acid. It deteriorates and discolors many types of surfaces. Your stoppage is probably due to a hair/soap/scum mat. Just use a 1/4" cable to clear, call the plumber, or use a drain-opener that is NON caustic. I would recommend RE-GLAZING ( re-surfacing) your tub, at some point in time. Otherwise, don't sit down. Take showers only instead with carbon filter at showerhead.
Good Luck.

[IMCULTEC]

Well...zzdust, it would appear that everytime you SIT in your tub, your problem seems to manifest itself.
As you mentioned. Cast-Iron tubs and porcelain steel tubs DO leech lead. It is reportedly a national problem.
A worn or well-aged porcelain tub can expose the porcelain sub-structure to skin and can irritate the skin due to its inherent structure, and additionally so, if your water is chlorinated, which most city waters are, if not Fluoridated, as well.
Chlorine is an oxidizer and can be a causitive irritant to the skin. Cities often treat their waters with Chlorine or Chloramines and depending on the mg/l used and how close you are to the injection points, can determine how much your exposed to.
By-the-way, DRANO is not recommened on Porcelain. Its an acid. It deteriorates and discolors many types of surfaces. Your stoppage is probably due to a hair/soap/scum mat. Just use a 1/4" cable to clear, call the plumber, or use a drain-opener that is NON caustic. I would recommend RE-GLAZING ( re-surfacing) your tub, at some point in time. Otherwise, don't sit down. Take showers only instead with carbon filter at showerhead.
Good Luck.

[zzdust]

Thanks, Dr.. I am going to test the water with a comprehensive H20 kit, perhaps this will yield some results and/or chemical culprits. I'll post what I find for your edification.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You've got me.  I have never seen or heard of a case of someone getting chemical burns from material absorbed into a bathtub surface.  I suppose you should start by consulting someone who knows about the metallurgy of bathtubs.  Maybe a plumber.  In the meantime, try showering and wearing flip flops while you're standing in the tub.....

Sorry I can't say more than that.

Dr. Rockoff