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Allergic to bra
I recently bought a Victoria Secret padded demi bra. I am also dieting so when my top began to itch I originally associated it with the fact that everything was shrinking. I spoke with my sister and she told me that she had the same reaction to thier bras. Is it possible that I am allergic the bra? The entire breast itches not just the area around the band....what ingredient in the padding would cause this reaction? I was curious since it seems that several brand are copying their materials.
Here it is nearly 5 years after the first post. I just recently started suffering from a hives-like rash on the cup area of my breasts. One was caused by a Vanity Fair tshirt bra, the most recent (right now) is a Playtex tshirt style bra. The first one ended up in the trash, the second is headed in the same direction. It has to be either formaldehyde or the polyurethane in the cups. I am fine in the straps, back and underwire areas. The most recent bra was made in Thailand.
I had two episodes of allergic reactions to Victoria Secret bras. After visiting a dermatologist and doing tests they confirmed that I am allergic to Cobalt (metal). When my rush cleared I got wire free bra, from VS again. After wearing it for a day I got another allergic reaction. Not sure what in the bra is causing the rush, but it is localized just around my breasts that are covered by the bra. Now I am looking for a cotton bra that would fit and provide support. Hard work. Staying away from VS though. Anyone had similar experience and can recommend good cotton bra?
I bought 3 Aerie bras about a month ago. This one padded one that I love, and payed 40 dollars for is now causing those red itchy, burning hives that you guys are talking about. I think it might be the same thing! :(
I have been experiencing bra allergies for over 3 years now. Mine began with some very pretty Bali bras, not VS.
I went to a family doctor, ob/gyn, breast specialist, dermatologist, and an allergy doctor before I got relief from the huge red welts and severe itching. Not one doctor along the way could tell me what was going on. All of them wanted to invite their peers into the examining room to show them my huge, swollen, literally-beet-red, itchy breasts.
I had to research my problem myself, using the internet. Steroids and double doses of antihistamine's were the only products that gave me relief.
For almost 2 years, I wore only thin, cotton bras that were sold at Target. I never had a problem with them. However, Target stopped carrying that bra. So for the past two months I have shopped everywhere for bras. I have purchased, and returned, upwards of 18 bras in the past two months! Every single one of them caused a reaction, including two types that did not contain cups but were made of a spandex-typed material. Bali, Maidenform, Vanity Fair, and others. Every single one of them gave me the welts and rash! I suppose I am forever intolerant of whatever is in them or on them now -- formaldehyde?
The major points I'd like to make are these:
This problem is not isolated to Victoria Secret. There is something in many companies' foreign-manufactured bras that causes severe hives in some people.
Once you have this problem, you may find yourself with a new, lower threshold of "tolerance" (or intolerance?) to the offending chemical or fabric (whatever that offending product is). That intolerance may never go away.
Many doctors do not know about this problem. Even after I reported back to my doctors to tell them what I discovered on the internet -- and that my hives only return if I wear non-cotton bras, they seemed incredulous. Not one of them has ever seen or heard of this problem outside of my experience. And I live in a suburb of a large metropolitan area. These doctors see many, many patients. In other words, up to now, a lot of us are kind of on our own with this problem.
I went to a family doctor, ob/gyn, breast specialist, dermatologist, and an allergy doctor before I got relief from the huge red welts and severe itching. Not one doctor along the way could tell me what was going on. All of them wanted to invite their peers into the examining room to show them my huge, swollen, literally-beet-red, itchy breasts.
I had to research my problem myself, using the internet. Steroids and double doses of antihistamine's were the only products that gave me relief.
For almost 2 years, I wore only thin, cotton bras that were sold at Target. I never had a problem with them. However, Target stopped carrying that bra. So for the past two months I have shopped everywhere for bras. I have purchased, and returned, upwards of 18 bras in the past two months! Every single one of them caused a reaction, including two types that did not contain cups but were made of a spandex-typed material. Bali, Maidenform, Vanity Fair, and others. Every single one of them gave me the welts and rash! I suppose I am forever intolerant of whatever is in them or on them now -- formaldehyde?
The major points I'd like to make are these:
This problem is not isolated to Victoria Secret. There is something in many companies' foreign-manufactured bras that causes severe hives in some people.
Once you have this problem, you may find yourself with a new, lower threshold of "tolerance" (or intolerance?) to the offending chemical or fabric (whatever that offending product is). That intolerance may never go away.
Many doctors do not know about this problem. Even after I reported back to my doctors to tell them what I discovered on the internet -- and that my hives only return if I wear non-cotton bras, they seemed incredulous. Not one of them has ever seen or heard of this problem outside of my experience. And I live in a suburb of a large metropolitan area. These doctors see many, many patients. In other words, up to now, a lot of us are kind of on our own with this problem.
I recently bought a new Chantelle bra and now have a horrible red itchy rash also. I can't believe the first post is from 2007 and it is now 2011 and we are still having to deal with these horrible products! I'm hoping the rash will go away soon, but I am taking the bra back. It was made in Tunisia.
I have been suffering from welts and severe itching since I bought these two lovely Vanity Fair 'Beautiful Benefits" bras in February 2011. I have treated myself with Gold Bond Medicated Powder, which was no help. I put a medical tape under my breasts and then put the bra on, which helped under that area. I finally went back to my prior bra's this week and the rashes are going away. Searching the internet I found a Chinese company that makes several padded bras. I don't know if they make Vanity Fair.
http://www.globalsources.com/ They might be willing to discuss the subject with a doctor or a lawyer.
I'll keep an eye on this site for future posting. I'm looking for 'healthy' bra manufacturers so keep us informed. Padded may be out of the question. Thanks, ladies. MJB
http://www.globalsources.com/ They might be willing to discuss the subject with a doctor or a lawyer.
I'll keep an eye on this site for future posting. I'm looking for 'healthy' bra manufacturers so keep us informed. Padded may be out of the question. Thanks, ladies. MJB
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