Allergic to bra

[Catherine145]

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.  

[Deeds]

You could try washing the bra in Cheer Allergy Free Detergent and see if that helps?

[PlateletGal]

Walgreens also makes and sells a perfume/dye free detergent.

Good luck !

[max3333]

I have experienced a reaction between my breast implant (cancer) and padded bra which  I wear.  Soooo, seems to me you may be right.

[Lila0228]

I've noticed the same thing with one of my Victoria's Secret bras. For some reason the fabric they made it with was just really itchy. It drove me nuts... I buy a lot of bras and only buy them from Victoria's Secret and only this one made me itch. You could always try a different one and try it on in the store to make sure it's not itchy.

Another suggestion is if you haven't washed it yet try that, because most new clothes/fabrics have chemicals or starches or whatever on them when they are brand new.

[allergic1]

I too have had an allergic reation a Victoria's Secret bra (Body By Victoria Demi) .  I only seem to be allergic to the cups.  I recently tried a Vanity Fare bra in a very similar style and the same thing happened.  I always wash my bras prior to wearing and still have a problem.  I wish rthese companies would really list ++ALL++ the ingredients in their clothing, as I am very allergic to latex. I'm tired of having to go on Prenezone.  Does anyone have a suggestion???  I wore the same style of Victorias Secret bra for 4 years without a problem, they have to have changed something.

[morgan95]

i get that to sometimes to either get a different one of try a non alergenic washing solution. or if u have never washed it maybe it was something in the store that touched it and your getting a reaction from it?

[my4shopp]

It is very odd.  I have never had allergies, and have worn VS bras for years.  I also developed rashes from the new line of "Secret Embrace" bras (Angels).  I returned them just last week and they were kind enough to exchange them for the new Biofit and the Body by Victoria.  They do not itch at all when trying on.  The rash appears the next day after wearing.  Body by Victoria gave me a rash, though not at pronounced as the Secret Embrace fabric.  Biofit has not given me a rash.  Both claim to be composed of nylon and Spandex.  It is a mystery.  I am soaking them as we speak to see if it could be some kind of chemical.  I had washed the Secret Embrace bras but that did not help.  I hope is it is chemical.  If it were latex allergy, I think I would have rash from my underpants as well.  I do not.  I wonder if it is specific to VS bras?

[Vickik97]

I too, have never had allergies and have worn VS Body body bras for years.  Recently, I purchased both the Secret Embrace and the newer style Body Ipex bras.  I had such bad reactions (red, blotchy, hive type rash especially where the underwire touches - that itch like heck!).  Even after not wearing them for days, the rash didn't go away and actually seemed to gete worse!   I finally went to my MD and he has me taking Prednisone.  Such disappointment!  I loved these bras.  Guess I'll have to go back to the ugly cotton/type bras.  Too bad I can't take these back to VS.

[lunamars]

The same thing happened to me. It started with a Wonderbra- one I have owned and used for at least a year. I developed a red hive like rash after wearing it. I attributed this reaction to a mamogram that I had the day before. I laundered the bra and used a different style for a week or so and when I went back to the wonderbra the same thing happened. I threw the bra away and went to Victoria secret and bought a new one. I don't remember the style but it had foamy padding in it like the wonder bra. The same thing happened- I returned it the next day! I wonder if there is some way that the foam padding could be responsibe even though t doesn't touch the skin directly. I think this could be true because the bra that I bought was lined in the same material as the straps and the straps did not cause a reaction- only the cups!!!  

[cames63]

OMG - Same thing happened to me! I bought two VS IPEX bras (NOT CHEAP) and broke out in a rash (cups only) so bad I had to be on prednisone too!  This is an outrage.  VS needs to know what their bras are doing to women. I'm hoping my breasts do not scar from it. It's NASTY!  And you absolutely CAN and SHOULD return them to VS.  I am!

[Karie78]

I bought a VS Ipex bra and I broke out in a red blotchy rash, where my bra strap is it is raised of f my skin just a lil and only in one spot. I'm totally freaked out by it. It looked like it was going away so then I put on a VS bra the was padded I think it was the secret embrace and now the rash is back again. These bras aren't cheap so I'm pretty annoyed at the fact that I paid so much for them and I keep breakin out in a rash no matter what style I wear.

[Vickik97]

Update:  Rash finally went away.  I haven't worn any VS bras since.  Other manufacturers bras are fine (had to go buy all new ones!).  I contacted VS and they asked that I return the suspect bra for evaluation.  Although it's been a few weeks, I haven't heard anything yet.  They did offer me a $25 gift card.  But then I received a "Release and Settlement of Claim" form which they wanted me to sign.  NOT!  I didn't realize they wanted me to sign such a form when I agreed that the gift card was a nice gesture.  After paying $90 for the doctors visit, prescription fees and time off of work, I don't think I should sign anything yet.  The rash took about two weeks to completely clear (after taking the Prednisone regime).  I heard VS started sending their work to China - I wonder ..........

[allergic1]

Thanks for the update.. I too have doctors bills and prescription fees, due to VS bras.  Do you have the number and/or address to VS?  What bra did you buy in place of VS?  I'm still looking and I'm very nervous about another reaction to even another brand.

[slarnerd]

I am so glad to see that I am not alone in this.  I have contacted VS secret corporate to demand they take the bras back.  They sent an email promising to have someone call me.  I am still waiting weeks later.  I plan to call next week.  

I too had an awful itchy red splotchy rash from the Secret Embrace bras.  Actually, I have not worn them for over 2 weeks and I am still peeling everywhere the bra touched my skin (straps, back, breasts) - it is like the aftermath of a serious sunburn.   The itching was so bad that I had trouble sleeping at night for days.  I have never had an allergic skin reaction before.  

I finally went to the dermatologist a week ago.  She prescribed a cream, Cloderm, and it seems to be helping.  She said that a lot of chemicals, including formaldahyde, are used to shape and form these bras and that they can trigger bad reactions.  

I plan to insist that VS return the full retail cost to me - either by cash or a merchandise credit (for pajamas - I will never wear their bras again).  I won't sign any release. I would suggest anyone else likewise afflicted do the same.  I am actually an attorney so I could be a real pain in the neck to them if they don't play by the rules, treating the customer as they should.  

Has everyone's rash cleared up completely?  I am really freaked out that I am still peeling.  

[my4shopp]

My rash(es) did clear up eventually.  There is no scarring, which I was concerned about.  I took the bras back to the store and they were willing to exchange them.  I did not ask for return as I have always worn VS.  I tried 2 other styles--Body by Victoria and Biofit.  The Biofit are fine.  The BBV  caused a rash.  I exchanged them in March for Biofits and was told that starting April 1, VS would no longer allow returns/exchanges on worn bras after 30 days.  

Interestingly enough, I received an email from a rep of this website asking if I would be willing to be interviewed by a TV station in Cleveland--an investigative reporter is doing a story on this issue.  It is scheduled to air May 21.  You can view it on their website--WOIO in Cleveland--under investigative reporter.  The reporter told me she is interviewing a couple other women on this issue.  It will be interesting to see the outcome.  

Of note, I was pleasantly surprised the local VS store was willing to exchange the bras.  I took photos of the rash because it was so pronounced and I was ready to take it to the next level if they gave me a hard time.  I also went to a dermatologist and he biopsied it.  Results were  indicative of a virus.  The more I think about it the more I wonder what the heck this is all about.  Stay tuned.

[Vickik97]

I was also contacted by the investigative reporter in Cleveland and have subsequently been interviewed.  I also heard back from VS regarding the bra I returned.  They state I should "stay away from the bras that bother me".  That's ALL they said!  They also asked that I sign the Release and Settlement of Claim form (which I will not do) in order to receive a $50 gift card.  They originally offered me $25 and now it's up to $50.  I won't respond to them until after the television report airs.  Maybe we'll learn more once more people get involved.  

I need to find out the cause of this horrible rash.  It's bad enough I needed to pay medical expenses, purchase new bras to replace the three suspect ones I bought from VS, and lose many nights sleep because of the itch and burning.  I still have two more bras I believe caused the rash - one is a new style Body by Victoria and the other is Angels Secret Embrace -both made in China.

I no longer have the rash and all the peeling is over.  I don't believe this would have cleared up without medical intervention.....even though I stopped wearing the bra once I saw the rash, it continued to spread and get worse.  This is quite the mystery.  

[abgullah]

I had the same reaction to the VS ipex months age and thought it was detergent or something-I never wore the bra again. Then I recently bought 2 maidenform bras- one padded and one not. The padded one caused the same intensely itchy, burning rash as the ipex, I am still recovering a week later. The nonpadded one did not cause a reaction. I am a doctor and believe this to be contact dermatitis. However, I don't know what the inciting agent is. All I know is the reaction was severe and this should not go on - eventually someone will have a severe reaction.

[annaray]

I went to VS for the first time and bought the IPEX bra. It was for my bday, I have always wanted to go but just couldn't bring myself to pay that much for a bra. Well I done it and I was very disappointed. The first week I started itching really bad, even after washing. I broke out in hives and itches until there was near blood. Sounds gross, but I had a reaction to SOMETHING in th bra.

I called the store and spoke to someone, and she was very rude. She informed me I could bring the bra back, but she would have to mark it as damage and give me only store credit. I told her she NEEDED to mark it as damage because I reacted to something in it, and I was polite in saying I did not want a refund, but rather an exchange. She also informed me that she wore IPEX all the time, and she found it strange that I was telling her I had a reaction to it, because she has yet to hear of it.

I have not worn the bra in over a week, and after going through a tube of Benedryl cream, the itching has nearly stopped (thank goodness). I took the bra back, and looked despretley for another. One associate walked off and stopped helping me because she didn't understand what I was saying. Another associate finally helped me find another bra. Since nearly all the bras were made of the same material of the IPEX, I didn't want to chance it so I bought regular cotten. We'll see how well it works.

[JZ957]

I just watched the news story on the Victoria's Secret bra.  I did not realize this was my problem until I saw this report.  I have been wearing Victoria Secret bras since I can remember.  Over a year ago I noticed a very itchy rash as well.  I thought maybe it was my gaining weight and being to warm.  I went to the dermatologist this past summer and then again to my regular doctor in March. Nothing either one of them has offered has helped clear it up.  Neither they nor I considered it could be an allergic reaction to the bra.  The only non Victoria Secret bras that I own are sports bras.  Other than going out to buy new bras (which I plan to do tomorrow), what is working to get rid of the rash?  I have tried Cortizone, Benydryl, Tea Tree Oil (this has helped the most with the itching), allergy medicine, a prescription cream that my doctor had ordered, etc.

JZ957

[msredboot7]

I cant believe it, I have been suffering with this itching for the longest time and never put 2 and 2 together.  I used lotion at night, aloe creme thinking God knows what......why are my (breast) soo itchy!!!!   I always cut tags but I checked one of my VS bras and it said "made in china" so that is it, Bingo, finally hearing this on the news explains why I been itching so bad, actually going crazy at work with this., especially on the side where I had radiation years ago from breast cancer.
thank you Action 19 for aiiring this last night........sign me
finally relieved in Cleveland

[gail101]

Ladies;

I am Gail Strickler, Associate Director of the Institute for Textile and Apparel Product Safety (ITAPS) at Philadelphia University www.****.us . At ITAPS we are conducting a research project looking at the potential toxicity of a wide range of chemicals that are applied to textile and apparel products.

On this blog site I have noted that many of you have reported rashes and other dermatological problems associated with bras you have purchased.   With a view toward gaining a better understanding and identifying specific problems associated with these items, I would ask that you to send us, via e-mail, information that would identify and classify the product.  

Please provide us with the Brand Name, the RN#, or possibly the ID#, the country where the product was made; this should all be on the labels in the bra.  Also, if you can remember, where and when you purchased the item.

Finally, we are requesting that you do not send any clothing materials.  All we need is the identification information.  

We will then purchase samples and conduct our formal laboratory analyses to determine what, if any, potential toxic chemicals or allergens are present.  

We would be happy to send you the findings when the study is completed.

Please send the information to me, via IM through MedHelp. Just place your cursor over my nickname above and then click on Send Message.

We look forward to hearing from you,

Gail

[angelina26]

How about we take photos of our rashes.Stand in front of VS stores and show thier customers what they are in for.And how,and what VS is doing for our problems?That would be a wakeup call

[slarnerd]

I took the bras back to my local VS store (not the same one I bought from).  I told them that the bras gave me a horrible, itchy rash and that I had been to a dermatologist who believed that it was caused by a chemical used to form the bras (maybe formeldehyde).  I further told them that I called corporate about it and corporate told me to take them back to any retail store for merchandise credit.  The sales associates were all very very nice about it.  I decided to get pajamas with my credit and then, after talking to the manager, decided to try the biofit bra which has a different fabric and form content.  I am happy to say that the rash did totally clear up - the solution was a week or so of Cloderm cream (prescription steroid cream) and wearing a bra as infrequently as possible, followed by weeks of heavy cream (Palmers cocoa butter).  The Biofit has not caused a rash and I have worn it a few times.  

When I initially called the corporate number on the VS website, I was told that the website and the retail stores are totally different companies.  I was then given the corporate number.  I called them and talked to an indifferent man who told me that i should take the bras back to the store and tell them about the rash, that they would certainly return them for credit.  That is just what I did.  I would suggest the rest of you do the same -- if the salespeople do not do just that, ask for the manager.  If the manager does not honor this - ask that he/she call the district manager right then and there - you talk to them on the phone there if necessary.  If they fail to do the right thing, ask for their supervisor's number and so on.  I am glad that I didn't have to go there at all - but I would have.  Even though you have been caused great discomfort over this - remember, it is not the salesperson's fault or the manager's.  

Finally, I would still not sign any release or waiver.  If I turn up with some weird issue in the future related to this, I would like my rights preserved.  

[my4shopp]

When and where did you see the news report?  I was told by the person who interviewed me (in Ohio) that it would not air until May 21.  Has there been another report?

My dermatologist told me there was nothing that would "cure" the rash.  As I mentioned, he did biopsy the rash and found it to be some sort of virus.  It goes away, but takes a week or two.

I  found the Biofit to be fine.  It is the only new style that has not caused the rash.  In summary, I have tried two styles of Body by Victoria, Angels secret embrace and Infinity Edge  One of the two style of Body by Victoria was made in Sri Lanka, all the rest were made in China.  Biofit is also made in China.  

Does anyone know how to get ahold of Gail at ITAPS?  Her email address did not come across.