Hi, I went to a dermatologist yesterday because of a red/itchy rash on my arm and he guessed (correctly!) that I had just purchased some furniture from China. He said an oil that some people are allergic to is commonly used by mainland furniture makers. 2 questions: has anyone else experienced this? And, if so, do you happen to know exactly what the oil/allergan is? Thanks!
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my goodness!!! i thought i was the only one. bought a bed, and all of a sudden my elbow had this rash, really itchy. then it spread. i went to the doc. she didn't mentioned furniture oil, all she said was stress... and it didn't even click until i read this. i had been on steriod cream ever since. it comes on and off. how did you get rid of your rash??
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Kaat
18 yrs ago
It's formaldehyde that you're having an allergic reaction to. It's commonly found in the glue used to make furniture and can be toxic if exposed to high amounts over a long period of time. Try airing it outdoors for a few days if you've got a garden or a balcony, otherwise open your windows wide to release some of the formaldehyde!
Perhaps wikipedia can give a more detailed explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde
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This is really common - has happened to 2 or 3 people I know after they bought furniture from Macau or Zhuhai. I think it can be due to a mango derivative in the wax/ laquer which can react on some people's skin like poison ivy. Apparently you don't necessarily need to be previously allergic to mangoes for this to happen.
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Thanks for your comments, everyone--very interesting!
Winter2: as for getting rid of the rash, I was prescribed a corticosteroid (in ointment form) called Medodermone. It's taking a few days to work, but there is now some improvement. There may well be better/more potent (especially oral) medications that would be more efficient so do ask your doctor...because I am pregnant, the acceptable treatment options for me were pretty limited. Good luck and I do hope you can get rid of it soon...it's a pretty miserable thing to have!
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i stop using the steroid cream when i am a bit better. doc never said anything of having to continue - aaarrrh! i should get another doctor.
no wonder i am having this rash on and off all the time!
Wishing and Hoping - do i need a doc's prescription to get Medodermone?
thanks everyone - at least i know i am not alone here - itching and scracthing like a dog!
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I have heard this a few times, its a mixture of the laquers and dyes they use.
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Winter2: I think you have to get a prescription for Medodermone, because I was given it by prescription...but then again I often see prescription meds in the shops here that seem to be available over the counter...so I'm not sure. By the way, continuous use was *not* recommended to me: I was told to use it only as long as it takes to get rid of the rash and then to stop. The doc felt that as long as I didn't touch the furniture again (they are bookcases, so that's at least possible...) I should be all right. We'll see. A bed, of course, is trickier--good luck!
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It is not formaldehyde, but the lacquer used to paint the wood, It is insect-derived, and highly allergenic. Plenty more (including formaldehyde) can give you allergies, but this is what your doc was referring to when he asked about furniture.
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