Leather Allergy

[THE BIG RED VIKING]

Has anyone ever heard of someone developing an allergy to leather more specificly veg tanned? I have been working with leather for around 4 years but only here and there, but as of recently almost daily. Well I started breaking out in hives three weeks ago whenever I handle the leather i'm have, I thought at first a latex allergy as I just started wearing gloves while dyeing but I have cut those out and it still happends even if I am not dyeing. Dr. has no idea without doing a bunch of expensive allergy test. I am going to stop for a couple weeks and see what happens, but I am thinking I may have to stop and sell everything!!! Which I do not want. I know this is a very personal question but I would appriciate any help.

Thanks

[Matt T]

Is there a new woman in your life?

...kidding. I suspect that it could be a certain finish or chemical in a specific leather you are using. Try using a different type of leather for a while, as a test?

[THE BIG RED VIKING]

Thanks Matt, I can't afford to buy all new leather at this time so I will just lay off the stuff I have for a week or two.

Thanks,

Scruffy

[Cyberthrasher]

I would second the "different leather" idea if you do lay off for a couple weeks and it goes away.

Also, if that happens, go through EVERYTHING in your shop area and see what's changed. Maybe there's something else there contributing to it.

But, in the end, all the different tanneries use different processes and chemicals. Never know what's going to be on one company's Veg-Tan and not the other. I've even had some import that came from "That" store which was tanned in urine.

Just buy a couple pieces from a known source and see if you have the same reaction. If so, move on to a different source.

[TXAG]

I've even had some import that came from "That" store which was tanned in urine.

Care to tell the rest of us who "that" place is so that we can avoid them, please??

Edited December 18, 2013 by TXAG

[Tree Reaper]

Where is the rash, all over or just on your hands?

Is it itchy, does it blister?

[Cyberthrasher]

Care to tell the rest of us who "that" place is so that we can avoid them, please??

I highly doubt everybody here will avoid Tandy.

It's actually a common additive in tanning chemicals south of the border.

[THE BIG RED VIKING]

Leather came from Tandy. This current batch of leather I got early last month and two weeks later it appeared. It started on my wrist then to my forearms, stomach, thighs and sometimes knuckles. They look like welts as in they are raised and slighty red, they don't itch to bad and benadryl makes it subside.

Thanks everyone sorry to bring up such a personal issue.

Edited December 18, 2013 by THE BIG RED VIKING

[TXAG]

I highly doubt everybody here will avoid Tandy.

It's actually a common additive in tanning chemicals south of the border.

Well, *I* do. Good to know they do crap like that...just reinforces my decision to avoid them under all circumstances.

[Rawhide]

Actually the forum director Johanna is allergic to leather if I recall correctly. I'm not sure if she developed the reaction or if it seemed to just always be...She may be able to offer some help.