What can I do to get formaldehyde allergy relief?

There's lots of things you can do to get relief from an allergy, but one of the most important things you can do is to stay away from the things you are allergic to.

Also, keep in mind the formaldehyde is possible carcinogen (a carcinogen is a substance that can cause cancer), so you should try that much harder to avoid it whenever possible.

The EPA says this about formaldehyde: "Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions."

Be sure to carefully read labels of any products that you normally use or come in contact with. The EPA also offers a list of tips for reducing your level of exposure to formaldehyde, which is commonly found in housing and building materials.

As for itchy skin, many over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams should provide itch relief (but be sure to read the label, because I don't think you can put the cream on broken skin).

If you're concerned at all about your reactions, then you should see your doctor.

After 18 months of a feeling lousy and having a mystery rash, a patch  test finally proved I am allergic to formaldehyde. (Dec. 2007)

Products: There are 'safe' products. I only use Cetaphyl wash and lotion - vaseline works too. I use Aveda rosemary mint shampoo.

Clothes and materials: These are another problem. I can't wear anything that has been sprayed with formaldehyde and most things have been sprayed (including orgainic cotton and hemp that I've bought). I limit my materials to acrylic, acetate, and nylon. This is tough, but it's been a year and I'm finding sources.  I can find acrylic sweaters and skirts - pants are tough.The LLBean nylon pants with the zipper that turns them into shorts are 'safe' except for the zipper. (Note: acrylic, acetate, and nylon do not absorb. I wash everything in ammonia when I bring it home from the store. It hasn't ruined anything, yet.) This from someone who used to wear all natural fibers!

Furniture and cars: Anything that is material is probably sprayed with formaldehyde. I have an acrylic blanket that I keep handy, but you might ride in someone's car or have a business meeting and find a few days later you have the rash. 

Bed sheets: I found cotton/bamboo sheets that are 'safe' but went back to buy more and the newer products do give me a rash. Guess the formaldehyde distributor's got another new contract. I use my own sheets at hotels.

Until formaldehyde use is legislated I think folks like us will have problems.

It's been a year. My life is simpler - after all I have very few products and very few clothes. No fashion diva here! I still have flare ups, but can usually trace it back.

Good luck to you.

I have the same problem.  I had it pretty much under control until I had some dental work recently and my hands started to flare up again.  Now everything is effecting them and they are steadily getting worse.  I wear white cotton gloves when I go anywhere and at work to limit what I touch.  This worked last time and I cleared up really good.  An occaisional flare up but no cracking and such.  I had to be very careful of creams for itch as most contain formaldehyde and I am also allergic to petroleum.  I use a lot of Burt's Bees products and other organic soaps, etc.  Still have to really read the labels as a lot of "all natural" products still contain releasers and such.  I spent about 9 months on prednisone.  Wow not a good drug!!  I also took 3 different allergy pills, 2 am and 1 pm.  I weaned myself off of everything and was doing really good till now.  Look for a natural hand/body cream, keep your hands clean and dry and good luck!  I can't believe I finally found people like me.  I buy a lot of clothes at second hand stores and wash them 2 times in hot water before wearing which helps also.  Good news for my pocket book I will never own a new car, want new furniture, new carpet or pretty much anything new again!!

I use alot of Boots products.  They sell it at target.  You can get makeup and bodywash and nail polish and lotions.  My rash improved alot since I switched.  Still looking for a good shampoo though.  It's a tough allergy especially since they say it's in indoor and outdoor air!!!  My dr gave me a prescripton cream to use.  I find it hard to reading all the labels b/c there are so many different names for it. 

I saw a specialist and they gave me brands that I can use that do not have formaldehyde.  The brands are Cliniderm(shampoos, conditioners, creams) and nature clean (shampoo, body wash, conditioners, household cleaners like dish soap, laundry detergent etc.)  The chemicals to look for on products are DMDM hydantoin, Quaternium 10 or 15, Methylchloroisothiazolinone abbreviated(MCI/MI). 

Hope this helps

I was recently told that I am sensitive to formaldehyde and formaldehye resins.  My dermatologist said clothing from Eddie Bauer, Banana Republic are mostly okay.  Best to stay with all cotton otherwise.  Your dermatologist can access the Contact Allergen Replacement Database of the Mayo Clinic to get a list of skin care products that are okay.  Pharmaceutical Specialties, Rochester, MN has a line of products (Free & Clear shampoo, Vanicream lotion, etc.) that don't cost an arm and a leg.  I agree with the person who said Prednisone is one bad drug!

I found out I had a formaldehyde allergy half-way through nursing school. Talk about hurt hands! I wash my hands constantly at work and have permission to bring my own soap, but have had a hard time finding a safe liquid soap. Thanks for all the product tips!

Don, mo-zyme is a vitamin made here in the US that will clear the aldehydes out of your system.

Dr. Fulk