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fiberglass insulation caused swelling, burning, and sores

It's been a week now since I installed some insulation on a job, (fiberglass batts) and the airborne fibers rested on my sweaty brow at the top of my dust mask and rubbed their way into my skin.
The irritation started almost immediately and I assumed it would go away in a day or 2.
Today is day 7 and it's actually gotten worse the last 3 days. very red, VERY SORE. Looks like poison oak. I have a deep festering sore above my left eyelid. And severe burning which has now caused a 3 day headache.
I've been rinsing it and applying neosuporin regularly but I swear it's getting worse by the hour. Anyone have any relief ideas for this?
Best Answer
3149845 tn?1506627771
Hi, the problem is that they are most likely still stuck in  your skin and now the whole area is inflamed and irritated and possibly infected from touching. Short of going to the doctor at this point some home remedies would be to put some fabric softener on the area as will help loosen the imbeded particles and then use some 1% hydrocortizon cream to ease the inflamation. Using nerosporin is most likely making it worse as is only pushing the particles in more.
Try a hot bath or soaking your face in some hot water (not hottest enough to burn your skin!!!) this will open your pores to help move them out. Then use the cortizone cream.
2 Comments
Have you found any relief ? I've been exposed in an airborne environment and although I have the rash, I've been told I'm crazy! Any info would be helpful
Going thru same. Mine has been since feb. People don't believe and think your trying to get attention or crazy. Then everyone backs away leaving u to deal with this all alone.  Even my 2 dogs are fighting the same battle with me. Hang in there. It is mentally, physically, emotionally exhausting. Maybe we can post answers we find here to share.
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Avatar universal
I have been exposed to blown in airborne insulation in my home..., doctors just look at it as severe allergic contact dermatitis. I constantly have issues with the skin on my neck, face, scalp, hands and feet. It's been six years of dealing with hell, any advice?
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Avatar universal
I'm so worried this will scar my sons beautiful face. The Google's he wore will installing roofing insulation had the insulation on them his burns ate bad looking
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3149845 tn?1506627771
Yeah its nasty stuff. I was an electrician for 20 years and had my share of also!! Thanks
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the heads up on the cream.
Strange thing- I've been a General Contractor for 30 years and have installed insulation 100+ times and never had this happen. I'll be doing my best to steer clear of the stuff from now on.
Phil
Helpful - 0
4851940 tn?1515694593
Thanks for letting us know that you are on the mend.  That's great news.

Just be cautious with the hydrocortisone because these creams can thin the skin, so apply thinly.  

If you do any more similar jobs in the future, you will have to cover your face, head and neck completely, as well as wear the eye protection, so you don't encounter this problem again.

Best wishes.
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3149845 tn?1506627771
Great and glad we could help.
dave
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Avatar universal
Thank You both so much for your responses.
I used the hydrocortizon a couple times and it seems to be doing the trick.
It's finally scabbing up and drying out. Hopefully I'm on the road to recovery.
Thanks Again,
Phil
Helpful - 0
4851940 tn?1515694593
Looking at the picture, it appears that as well as inflammation, there is some infection.

I would agree with Life360 on the way to wash your face.  Do not rub it dry, just gently pat it dry.

And visit your doctor as soon as you can to get help with the infection.

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