infection from wood

[caretaker]

I have been sanding down some wood on the bench sander and have a nasty rash come under my watch strap from the dust.
The wood was something like gonciler wood that I use for turning, I can't remember the exact name as I have hovered up the label.
Would Germalene antiseptics cream be all right to put on.

 

[9fingers]

I can't imagine it would do any harm but an anti-histamine cream such sold for insect bites and allergies might be better.

Good Luck

Bob

 

[CHJ]

Reg, you really need to make a careful note of the exact names of any wood you are handling, if you are getting a reaction then you could be on the way to getting over reactive to a specific chemical in the wood, knowing which species and possibly which specific quinones are causing the reaction allows you to check on other related species and allow avoidance for a while until reaction calms down.

 

[PowerTool]

Reg - from what you've written,I would guess it was goncalo alves ?

Like this

Andrew

 

[caretaker]

I think the idea of keeping a note would be good, will hang up a pad and paper in work room.
I have put some Germolene on, It dose not itch but is very red, I have taken to putting my watch on my right arm for the time being.
No more woodwork till it go's down I think.
Yes that was it goncalo alves , well done Andrew, don't tell me it's poisonous.

 

[9fingers]

It is listed here with other problem woods

http://www.hobbywoods.com/wood_toxicity.htm

Bob

 

[motownmartin]

Hi Reg, my wife had an allergic reaction to hedge cuttings of Leylandi and she took some anti histermine tablets, its something thats prescribed for allergies, when I had an allergic reaction to Peanuts they gave me quite a few tabs and they do take away the itching.

 

[dickm]

Certainly sounds like something where antihistamine cream would be the best bet. Just one word of caution - some of the more recent anti-histamine <pills> seem can occasionally cause problems. The active ingredient Lauratidine gave my wife all sorts of difficulties. The old standby Pyriton seems pretty safe though.

 

[George_N]

Certainly sounds like something where antihistamine cream would be the best bet. Just one word of caution - some of the more recent anti-histamine <pills> seem can occasionally cause problems. The active ingredient Lauratidine gave my wife all sorts of difficulties. The old standby Pyriton seems pretty safe though.

Pititon is ok but it can make some people very drowsy (including me) so be careful about taking it and operating machinery, driving etc. I have found desloratadene (brand name Neoclarityn) to be much better, though I haven't suffered from allergic dermatitis so I don't know how well it it will work for that. If it persists I would recommend you go and have a chat with your GP.

 

[White House Workshop]

As a slight aside, how many other people wear watches in the workshop? From about the age of 11 I was taught "no loose clothing, no ties, no long sleeves unless well tied, nothing near the hands that could interfere with work, including watches and or jewelry" and so on. I have to admit I don't take my wedding ring off, but my arms are always clear.

 

[dickm]

Pititon is ok but it can make some people very drowsy (including me) so be careful about taking it and operating machinery, driving etc. I have found desloratadene (brand name Neoclarityn) to be much better, though I haven't suffered from allergic dermatitis so I don't know how well it it will work for that. If it persists I would recommend you go and have a chat with your GP.

Interesting; it was clarityn that really badly affected my wife. As you say, pyriton can make you drowsy, but doesn't seem to have that affect on her. Guess it's a matter of experimenting with care to find what suits you.