Skin rashes and formaldehyde (methylisothiazolinone)

[IamPaulsMum]

I'm starting this post to help anyone who is suffering or know someone suffering from an unexplained skin rash. After 2 years of red burning, itchy skin on my arms I sought advice and tested positive to being allergic to Formaldehyde. Thought that as it's carcinogenic that it would be a doddle to avoid but I've been stunned to find that methylisothiazolinone which contains Formaldehyde is in so many baby products, skin products including shower gels and cleaning products.

It has taken me over a year for my skin to recover and I just hope my post will save others particularly children from this unnecessary discomfort. When products say they do not contain parabens they usually contain methylisothiazolinone (MIT). Initially my symptoms were a mystery to skin specialists and I ended up taking loads of steroids - so frustrating.

Hello my name is Robert. I was just diagnosed with contact dermatitis due to formaldehyde. I would like to know more about your experience and what you have done to suppress this condition. Please email me at [email protected] Thank you.

I strongly suspect that this is what sets my daughter's eczema off. Now try and avoid it as much as possible

I had patch testing completed last February and discovered what I'd long , that I was allergic to common ingredients. It turns out that I'm allergic to preservatives, including MIT, BIT and Sodium Benzoate. These are found in any liquid products, from washing up liquid, detergents, make up, hand wash, conditioner etc. Unfortunately for me, I'm also allergic to essential oils and fragrances, so I can't even use any of the solid forms of shampoo etc produced by Lush and other small producers as these contain oils and fragrances. The only product that I have found OK are simple pure soap bars.
I have to use Loreal Elvie shampoo and conditioner (only the brown ones though), which still contain preservatives but seem to have the lowest amount of any shampoo I can find. This means I have a reaction (with me it is itchiness and breakouts/ boils), but it is the least than with any other brand.

I had even considered setting up a website which allowed you to search for products without specific ingredients that you are allergic to, as this does not seem to exist already. Unless anyone has come across one that does? Would you be willing to pay to access this type of site? I am struggling to find another way of funding this site as manufacturers would not pay to be listed.

There are dozens of website that already do it. Such as www.cosdna.com, type Pantene for example, select your shampoo and not only do you get a list of ingredient but also a traffic lights colour scheme on their safety www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_928e13368.html

All free of charge.