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Itch Alert from Polyurethene and VOC, Volatile Organic Compound
Last Thursday, I experienced the most severe itch attack I have ever had. You may have read some of my posts here under "Unexplained Itching". With the discovery of a new topical, I was thrilled with my ability to catch the itch early and prevent suffering.
In the afternoon, Jay was using polyurethane to repair cabinet doors as we are finally remodeling the kitchen. I stepped in for a chat and left to begin my Connect "work" in the office. In about 15 minutes, I was attacked with itching on the surface and inside my body. I had trouble breathing and was right next to sobbing in pain. While I tried to find some immediate help from topicals and other prescriptions, Jay was trying to get hold of my dermatologist.
We decided to do what we could and wait for her to arrive as the last couple of times we went to ER, they were willing but unable to help. The diagnosis was wrong and the medication provided did not help. So.....we waited for Dr. Anderson.
As we were talking and she was making notations ..... she asked what I had been doing and Jay told her that I had been in the kitchen trying to be helpful. The word Polyurethane was mentioned and her eyes widened. Yes, we could smell the fumes and yes, the itching started within about 15 minutes. I was also at the vomiting stage from discomfort. Every inch of my skin.....torso, scalp, arms, legs, abdomen, chest, and back clamored for attention.
I am now on day four with some itch relief and very little sleep. That graduated prednisone keeps me hopping during the day and permits some tortured sleep at night.
I will also begin light therapy again starting tomorrow. It has been helpful before. I just want to make sure that if you encounter this situation, you will remember to stay away from Volatile Organic Compounds of which Polyurethane is one.
First came the Prednisone, my least favorite tablet, and Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream covering my entire body. And since I was unable to sleep, I began to do some research. And although it does appear to have been the instigator, there is no 100% answer.
May you be safe, protected and free from VOC.
Chris
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@artscaping Oh my gosh, Chris. I am always careful with anything that has solvents. It's good that you posted your story. I do remember that when I did the staining and varnishing of our oak staircase with polyurethane that we had the windows open and the ducted kitchen exhaust fan running. I had a throw away brush and was wearing gloves so none got on my hands. Then we closed the windows and went away for the weekend. When we returned a couple days later it was all dry and very tolerable and we aired out the house. With my art work, I always varnish my paintings outside and leave them in the garage to dry overnight.
Are you getting better? Maybe an epsom salt bath will help as it helps detox through the skin. All you need to do is soak at least 20 minutes. My doctor advised me to do that and it helps you absorb the magnesium from the epsom salts and the body need magnesium for the detox process.
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1 ReactionJennifer, thank you for noticing my post. I was totally unaware that polyurethane would be such a horrible health issue. Jay feels terrible because he knew about the potential but didn't think my "itch" condition would succumb so quickly and so completely. I am better today.....with the medication and a trip to the light cabinet for phototherapy. Yes, I have some Aveeno Bath treatment and will try that tomorrow. I don't know if it has magnesium or not. I will check. I also went for an MFR session today and that helped.
When I stepped into the light cabinet I noticed that my scars from appendix and cesarean surgeries were very inflamed and itchy......and of course, I had scratched them until they bled. The appendix scar happened when I was nine years old. I was told that any time you have something like that, the polyurethane goes right for it no matter how old it is. So, I am trying to get that under control tonight.
Also tomorrow....I have an appointment with the hand surgeon. Hopefully, he will give me some good news about how well that recovery is progressing. Whew......what would I do without you? I will check in with you tomorrow with good news.
May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris
PS. I do have a faint memory of having a reaction of some kind when I was putting a circular wooden stairwell together in a house, we were building. Hmmmmm???????
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2 ReactionsOh Chris! Oh my gosh I’m just seeing this post for the first time and sitting here with my mouth open. I can’t even imagine how awful this must have been for you! And I had no idea of the sensitivity to VOCs that some people can have. I know I can’t be around strong smells, air fresheners, solvents, etc.s, because my sinuses instantly react and I’ll get a sore throat within 20 minutes from drainage. But never a skin and body reaction.
I sure hope you’re improving daily and this all settles down! Thank you @jenniferhunter for giving Chris some beneficial information to detox with the epsom salt bath!
Sending some positive thoughts of clean air, puffy clouds and a no-reaction day!! Air hug!
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2 Reactions@loribmt @artscaping If I am in a new building with new carpeting, etc, it makes my face turn red and puffy, and my ears will be bright red, hot and itching. I'll have a horrible headache, exhaustion, and asthma breathing issues. I didn't used to be this sensitive, but that changed as I got older. Some of it is caused by VOCs in adhesives and glues, and there is also formaldehyde used in glues and in processed woods like plywood or particle board. I bought a book about safer building materials before we had our home built. Because they had to use plywood for floors, I sealed it with Safecoat first while the house was under construction and before pre-finished hardwood flooring was laid. We only have hardwood and tile flooring and used formaldehyde free insulation and it makes a big difference for my health.
When I was in art school in oil painting class, a lot of people were using turpentine for brush cleaning that was open all the time, and I had horrible headaches. Even using paint thinner bothered me, but to a lesser degree, and I stopped painting in oils for years because of it. When I found out artists had safer solvents and were using walnut oil to thin oil paint instead of a solvent, I was able to paint in oils again. I keep my odorless solvent capped all the time anyway, except when cleaning at the end of the session, and then all the paper towels with solvent on them are sealed in a plastic bag. I also have HEPA air filters that also have carbon granules that absorb VOCs and clean that from the air which is the next best thing if you can't open a window. I will use the air filter when I'm painting too.
Would anti-histamines would help your itching? I also use a clear Caladryl lotion which helps itching. Itching is the low end of the pain threshold. Maybe some ice packs would deaden that response if it's really bad.
Chris, it's my turn now to wish that you will be safe and protected today.
Jennifer
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2 Reactions@artscaping Chris, OH MY! Actually seeing this, in addition to your description, is unbelievable. You poor thing. I'm so sorry that you experienced this dramatic reaction. Your post surely may help someone else in the future.
I hope your system calms itself soon, and Jay is keeping you distracted. Sending you strength and powerful vibes of healing, my dear friend. ❤
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2 ReactionsThanks, @rwinney, Yes this has been a doozy. I am better today. Am sticking to the treatments and medications for the "big itch" right now. Just returned from my hand surgeon and everything is pretty much ahead of schedule on that end. Those exercises and MFR really work. I am reading more about this VOC stuff.
Just remembered another episode from the 70's. While at the college, all of the counseling and student services staff decided to upgrade our offices during summer break. We painted, laid carpet, added lounge furniture, window treatments, etc. etc. It took about four days and I was only good for 1 day because of the fibers, glues, paints, and other VOC elements. Hmmmmmmm. Guess I didn't pay attention then. I will now.
May you have joy and contentment.
Chris
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2 ReactionsSo sorry I missed seeing this discussion. I was unaware that polyurethane could have such a terrible affect on some people. Hoping the medications and treatments get you back up and running (or walking quickly!). I'm definitely more cautious of chemicals than I used to be when I was younger.
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2 ReactionsWhat is MFR treatment? I was recently diagnosed with Grover’s disease and have had the insane itch and burning especially at night for more than 3 months making it impossible to sleep. It sounds like perhaps some relief from MFR. what is that May I ask?
Good evening @candaceaudick, welcome to Connect. Is this your first post? I hope you are finding significant information from other patients and mentors.
You are concerned about Grover's disease and that is an active group. They share many of their daily tips and hints. You want to know about MFR...myofascial release therapy. We have fascia throughout our bodies. It is sometimes referred to as connective tissue.
I am going to include some links now so that you can read about MFR yourself. Here we go. This is the connect page for MFR.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
This link will take you on a journey with the fascia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW0lvOVKDxE&t=86s
Here is the internet site managed by the developer of MFR, John Barnes. It also includes an MFR therapist locator.
http://www.myofascia.com
You are welcome to ask any question you like. There are quite a few users on Connect. I, personally, have two sessions a week with two attendant "expert" level therapists. I have been struggling with SFN, (small fiber neuropathy) for about 10 years now. I have also had two TKR surgeries and a reverse shoulder replacement. MFR took care of pain, swelling, scar tissue, Bakers cysts, and thoracic spine surgery.
What medical issues are you dealing with now? What brings you to Connect?
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris
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1 ReactionMy concern is not Grover’s disease.
My interest is in Senile Bruising, almost covering my legs from the knees down and I would like to hear from anyone that has had success removing the bruising.