Ruby Chinstrap: burns, allergies, reactions ???

Maryb wrote:...but even worse I had a terrible allergic reaction to the neoprene in it and ended up in the emergency room after only using it one night. My face got all hot, red and swollen. Ugh! Maryb

I had used the RUBY for a very long period before and had no problem. I just bought a new one ( the old one wore out) and suffered a severe reaction. I have no "latex" allergies nor have I had a reaction to neoprene in the past. My "reaction' appears to be more of a chemical burn than standard allergic reaction. Both sides of my face near the mouth, on the chin (a little as i have a beard), and on the back of my neck - left side at the hairline.

This happened the first time but I thought it was just horrible razor burn as I had shaved with a blade instead of my usual electric that day. Took several weeks to heal and prevented me from using any chinstrap. I did machine wash and triple rinse it after.

Last night I tried it again and, having not shaved in several days, had another episode even worse than before.

Anyone else had issues like this?

Tiara Medical Systems Ruby chinstrap.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Although often erroneously referred to as "latex allergy," allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common response to the processing chemicals (i.e., thiurams, carbamates, thioureas, thiazoles) found in rubber products. These chemicals can be used in the production of nitrile, neoprene, and natural rubber medical gloves. Other chemicals commonly used in healthcare settings such as antiseptics, adhesives, disinfectants, and resins can also produce allergic reactions. Known as a Type IV (or delayed) allergy, ACD is an immune-mediated inflammation of the skin that can also involve the fingernails. In contrast to a Type I latex allergy, ACD is localized to the skin (Table 1). Symptoms can take anywhere from minutes to several hours to develop and can persist for weeks. Whether individuals develop ACD is dependent upon individual susceptibility, exposure history and the allergenic potential of the chemical(s). While not life-threatening, if left mismanaged or untreated, ACD reactions can cause permanent damage to the patient/user's skin. Therefore, an accurate and complete diagnosis is essential.
The diagnosis of ACD should be based on symptoms (Table 1), medical history, and a positive skin reaction to test chemicals (known as patch testing). The patch test is typically conducted by a qualified clinician using a standard series of test allergens on the upper back. The patches are applied for 24 to 48 hours, and the skin examined 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the patches are removed. Red and inflamed skin under the patch is indicative of an allergy to the applied chemical. While not a perfect method, patch testing is a valuable tool in identifying chemical allergies, particularly when combined with a detailed medical history and symptom survey.

DocL wrote:

Maryb wrote:...but even worse I had a terrible allergic reaction to the neoprene in it and ended up in the emergency room after only using it one night. My face got all hot, red and swollen. Ugh! Maryb

I had used the RUBY for a very long period before and had no problem. I just bought a new one ( the old one wore out) and suffered a severe reaction. I have no "latex" allergies nor have I had a reaction to neoprene in the past. My "reaction' appears to be more of a chemical burn than standard allergic reaction. Both sides of my face near the mouth, on the chin (a little as i have a beard), and on the back of my neck - left side at the hairline.

This happened the first time but I thought it was just horrible razor burn as I had shaved with a blade instead of my usual electric that day. Took several weeks to heal and prevented me from using any chinstrap. I did machine wash and triple rinse it after.

Last night I tried it again and, having not shaved in several days, had another episode even worse than before.

Anyone else had issues like this?

Tiara Medical Systems Ruby chinstrap.

I use the Topaz chinstrap made by them. I didn't have a problem with the first one, but when I replace it I will make very sure to wash it thoroughly. Thank you for the info.

It may be that the first episode sensitized you to the chinstrap and now you very easily get a reaction. In any case, stay away from it and get tested.

If you want an alternative, you could try Johnson & Johnston Hurt-Free Wrap. It comes in 1 and 2 inch widths, I think. It's a bit like an ACE bandage, but has no latex. You could fashion a chinstrap out of it as some on this forum have described doing with an ACE bandage, which has latex and you should not use until you determine what's going on. I have very sensitive skin and love the J&J wrap.

Someone on here has fashioned a chinstrap out of tights (pantyhose tights legs, actually).

Wash it. My Topaz sometimes irritates me, but mostly it's the fact that it rubs on my acne and traps sweat, aggravating the acne more.

I wash mine in a lingerie bag in the regular wash. I ONLY use 100% natural organic laundry soaps, either made by me or purchased at the store.

Air dry.

Good luck!
B.

It is always possible that I just developed an allergy or they have changed chemicals.

Regardless, as I sit here my face is itching to beat the band and I am about to go nuts. lol. I think twice was enough for me so I will pass on using my Ruby anymore. No way I will consider subjecting myself to this again.

The product is solid and i am not trying to bad-mouth the company or the product. It's probably just me.

Thanks for the suggestions. Cheers, Doc