Medical Questions » Skin Questions » Question No. 890
| Question: | I have a very itchy rash on my arms after putting insulating batts in my ceiling, and it' s driving me batty (ha, ha)! What can I do about it? |
| Answer: | Insulating batts are usually made of fibre-glass that is loosely spun. Tiny slivers of glass fibre can easily break off and penetrate the skin to cause pain, irritation and inflammation. While the glass remains, the rash will persist. With time, the body will reject the tiny pieces of glass, but until then, irritation may be intense.
Secondary infections may develop in some areas, and these will require antibiotic treatment.
Various anti-itch and anti-inflammatory creams can be prescribed by your doctor, but unfortunately time is the usual cure. Anyone dealing with uncoated fibre-glass should wear protective clothing, and eye protection, to prevent this problem. Coated and sealed fibre-glass as used in boats and car bodies is quire safe unless it is cut or sawed, when the dust produced may cause irritation.
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