Even the tiniest substance can give the most discomforting experience. In the long list of allergens and irritants, harmful rubber components like thiurams have become less-talked-about over the years.
Thiurams are allergens capable of wreaking havoc on people with sensitive skin. What’s more frustrating is that this allergen can be present in so many things such as gloves, tennis shoes, balloons, garden hoses, down to erasers, stretchy sneakers, and wetsuits.
HOW DID IT START?
According to a study, initial cases of thiuram sensitivity started during the 1920s. The rubber industry workers recorded eczematous reactions since they were largely exposed to the harmful material.
In the following decade, agricultural industry workers have seen a rise in thiuram-related allergy cases. Golfers, gardeners, florists, and dock laborers unloading bananas also experienced contact dermatitis back then as the agricultural industry started using thiuram-based chemicals as germicides and fungicides on farmlands, lawns, and golf courses.
By the end of the 20th century, health care workers also encountered problems with thiuram as health facilities adopted the widespread use of products made from natural rubber latex.
HOW TO AVOID
Exposure to thiurams results in two most common dermal reactions: irritant contact dermatitis (a result from prolonged and repeated exposure to an irritant) and allergic contact dermatitis (a delayed hypersensitivity reaction in which a foreign substance comes into contact with the skin).
Many products contain thiuram, thiuram mix, or have residues from thiuram sprayed on them such as animal repellent, fungicides, pesticides, cords, headphones, insulation, utility gloves, rubber bands, wetsuits, fruits, fresh vegetables, fabrics, and many others, so be sure to veer away from those.
To further avoid flare-ups and discomfort caused by exposure to thiuram, try these 5 simple tips, especially when you have a sensitivity to the known allergy.
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Buy and look for organic produce.
It’s always beneficial to fill your table with nutritious foods made under organic standards and free from any germicides. Conventional farming now uses pesticides and nasty additives. You don’t want to eat residues on your fruits and vegetables, don’t you?
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Ditch the rubber in your clothing.
When you have sensitive skin, always look for eco-conscious brands that only utilize highly organic materials to develop hypoallergenic apparel. From tops to bottoms, always choose clothing pieces free from elastics, such as latex and spandex.
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Avoid beauty products with rubber or rubber-related ingredients.
Utilize skincare, makeup products, and makeup applicators free from harmful stuff.
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Pay close attention to your doctor’s instructions.
Always consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.
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Lastly, take a patch test.
Ask your dermatologist for a patch test. Guessing game doesn’t always work when you have sensitive skin. You may be allergic to other material and not thiuram. Once you’re aware of what triggers an allergic or irritant reaction in your skin, you can easily steer clear of those components and spend days in comfort.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented on AllergyKB is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our knowledge base website is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. We highly urge everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers.
