Possible microplastics tweezed out of skin. How can this be tested?

@melanied, in recent years, microplastics have been found in many parts of the human body, like breast milk, the placenta, testicles, hearts, livers, and kidneys. As you said, you only have to do an internet search to find many articles from trusted, medical sources, like this one:
- Microplastics are inside us all. What does that mean for our health? https://www.aamc.org/news/microplastics-are-inside-us-all-what-does-mean-our-health (Association of American Medical Colleges)

It does sound freaky that they may be poking through your skin. I might suggest by starting by seeing a dermatologist and getting their assessment before presenting your theory. By searching PubMed database using the search term "microplastics health effects" or "microplastics health effects on humans" you will be able to find clinical specialists researching the effect of microplasctics on human health.

Your concern about potential microplastics in your skin is understandable, especially given the growing awareness of microplastics in the environment and their potential health impacts. Here are some steps you could consider to get your samples tested and to seek further help:

1. Consult a Dermatologist:
Start by visiting a dermatologist who can examine the particles you've tweezed out of your skin. They may be able to identify the material visually or through other tests. A dermatologist can also rule out other possible causes like embedded foreign objects, fibers, or skin conditions.
2. Laboratory Testing:
Material Analysis: If the dermatologist agrees that further testing is necessary, they might refer you to a laboratory that specializes in material analysis. Laboratories that handle environmental or industrial samples might be able to analyze the particles to determine if they are indeed microplastics.
University Research Labs: Contacting a university or research institution that studies microplastics could be another option. Some researchers might be interested in testing your samples as part of their ongoing studies.
3. Environmental Health Specialist:
You might also consider consulting with an environmental health specialist or toxicologist. These professionals can help assess the potential risks associated with exposure to microplastics and guide you on further steps.
4. MCI Allergy and Potential Links:
Since you mentioned having an MCI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone) allergy, it’s important to consider whether your skin reactions could be related to this or other allergens rather than microplastics. Discussing this with your allergist or dermatologist might help clarify the situation.
5. Keep a Record:
Document any symptoms, reactions, and environmental factors (such as new skincare products or household changes) that might be related to your concerns. This information could be helpful for healthcare providers.
6. Online Communities:
Sometimes, sharing your experience in online communities focused on environmental health or rare medical conditions can lead to recommendations for specialists or labs that have handled similar cases.
7. Seeking Second Opinions:
If you feel your concerns aren't being fully addressed, it might be worthwhile to seek a second opinion from another healthcare provider who might take a more investigative approach.
Your intuition about your health is important, and it's good that you're seeking answers. Make sure to pursue these steps under professional guidance to ensure you get accurate and reliable information.

I had been taking enteric coated 81 mg aspirin for swelling in my left lower extremity. I bought this by accident but took it anyway. I took more than the recommended dosage because I take 650 mg of aspirin with no problem. I took four 81 mg tabs probably 4-5 times within a week. I gave 4 to my husband because I needed a blood sample for a home PSA test kit. (I'm a retired RN.) Since he's a sissy about getting stuck I was hoping it would thin the blood to make this process easier. Within a few days of this he started getting a rash on his face. Specifically where he nicked himself shaving and it was progressing up the side of his face. The next day I started getting a horrible rash on my lower extremity and on a burn on my arm. Within 48 hours I was covered with 3 different types of rash. It became so bad I had what looked like cellulitis on my lower extremity. (I was prescribed an antibiotic.) I then had copious amounts of serous fluid weeping out of my pores. The weeping had sand like substance coming out. This is week 2 of this reaction and I just pulled a black oblong pebble out of my abdomen. I looked up all the ingredients for the enteric coating. 15 out of the 17 ingredients were some form of plastic. Including a substance they make plexiglass with. Yikes!! I have looked at these shards under a high power magnifying glass. They tend to be white and sort of crystal in appearance. If this isn't a foreign substance, than I'm the pope! This must be micro plastic poisoning! It needs to be addressed. Perhaps the ulcerations on peoples lower extremities aren't just from poor circulation. Maybe it's years of ingesting plastic from the enteric coating? Still picking pebbles out 10+ days later!!!! Don't say scabies. I already looked into that and have been treated even though it was a maybe.

@colleenyoung I have been looking up all kinds of microplastic studies. When it comes to skin it's pretty much non existent. What does one do if it's unprecedented? The Dr. at the ER didn't said, "Cellulitis." and my NP thought it was scabies. I'm pretty much a shut in and don't come in contact with many people so how would I get scabies? I considered a dermatologist but I can't afford it. I have a jar of pieces that my skin expelled. Any takers? Believe me. I presented my hypothesis and all the healthcare providers looked at me like I had 3 heads.

@rezahosseini Kept a diary. Went through all the things that are new. The only thing was 81mg enteric coating aspirin. My husband and I have rashes nearly at the same time. (Still do 2+ wks later.) The ER doctor said "Cellulitis. Hang IV Keflex." My NP said scabies. I'm basically a shut in and don't come in contact with many people. I was considering a dermatologist and the closest on is 1 hour away and I can't afford it. Or any of the above you have suggested. I have a jar of pieces my skin has expelled. Any takers?