Replies

1. 
   RTorgeson | Aug 29, 2004 06:10pm | #1

   Dave.......I get a rash when working with Cocobolo, Purpleheart and any Rosewood. What I do is when I am finished, take a shower and wash my clothes. No rash. At least not yet. I have done this three or four times. I used to get the rash on the inside of my elbows and on my neck, itched like crazy. I also vacuum the area so no dust is laying around. Hope this helps. Rod Torgeson in Appleton, WA

2. 
   jazzdogg | Aug 29, 2004 07:26pm | #2

   Dave,

   Some people develop a sensitivity to certain wood species that worsens with exposure over time. I had no reaction at all to cocobolo the first few times I worked with it, but have noticed that tremendous itching develops where the sawdust collects under my wristwatch - the perspiration seems to make it much worse. Silk oak is another example - sawdust makes breathing difficult.

   As much as you may dislike the thought, there may be certain species you're better off avoiding entirely. As soon as I notice a sensitivity developing, I avoid the species, rather than take a chance on the symptoms worsening until they're either intolerable or life threatening.

   Good luck,

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

3. 
   DANL | Sep 04, 2004 03:16am | #3

   Don't know if this would work, but to prevent itching from fiberglas insulation, I heard about rubbing talcum powder on before working. The powder fills the pores of your skin and keep the glass fibers out. It works for me with fiberglas; may work with wood dust--plus the powder would absorb the sweat, which may be contributing to the problem. And then as the other poster said, shower after work. Showering after mowing the lawn really helps me with allergies to pollen, dust, mold, etc. that are in the grass.

   Edit: There is a product you put on, a lotion I think, before handling poison ivy that's supposed to help; I think it's called Ivy Block. That may help.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/3/2004 8:20 pm ET by Danno

4. 
   DaveinPa | Sep 04, 2004 04:11am | #4

   All the woods that you have mentioned have a oil that causes a rash like poison ivy. I have more info on them somewhere on just what causes it. I had a neighbor that worked with cocobolo a few years ago and ended up in the hospital because he was highly allergic to poison ivy. Take some benedryl (?) and stay dry. long sleeve shirt and pants (jeans) is a wise choice.

   I found that link for you. (5 minutes later)

   http://www.mendelu.cz/user/horacek/toxic.htm?

   Dave in PA.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/3/2004 9:21 pm ET by DAVE6281

1. 
   jazzdogg | Sep 05, 2004 06:16am | #7

   Thanks for posting that link. Very informative.-Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

5. 
   lwj2 | Sep 04, 2004 05:07pm | #5

   Benadryl is a good idea. Be careful, it may make you sleepy. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers, or a jump suit. Goggles. Most definitely a NIOSH rated mask. Let me repeat that. Use a NIOSH rated dust mask or respirator.

   I'd avoid using that particular wood in the future.

   Leon Jester, Roanoke VA

6. 
   PlaneWood | Sep 05, 2004 05:34am | #6

   I use Ivy Block lotion beforehand.  It works.  Also a DC hooked to EVERY tool and latex gloves.  Bolivian Rosewood, aka morado, aka Pau Ferro, aka Machaerium Scleroxylon, aka Machaerium Acuteafolium, is the worst for me.   (lotta stuff called Bolivian Rosewood)

   Don't breathe the dust.  It is a sensitizer.  Fine for a month or so, then BANG, you break out all over.  Itches like hell.  Takes longer than poison ivy to go away.  Doesn't help your lungs either.

   Mean stuff if your allergic to it.  Gotta learn how to work with it.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood