Am I Experiencing a Chemical Burn Across My Body?
I’m a 32-year-old male with a childhood history of eczema, and I have previously been a light smoker. I’ll try to be concise yet comprehensive in sharing my situation. A few years ago, I was working for a cleaning business and had the task of cleaning a commercial kitchen. Without getting into too much detail, I used a pressure washer on the hood while applying a strong degreaser known as Dynamite. During the process, my clothes became drenched in a mixture of water and this degreaser. After finishing, I returned home, took off my clothes, and thoroughly washed myself about two hours later. However, one week later, my skin began to exhibit signs of dermatitis, which has persisted to this day—five years later. I’m plagued by constant severe itching and breakouts over my entire body. Initially, I thought this was a return of my childhood eczema; however, after a friend visited recently and mentioned his own struggles with a severe outbreak of eczema on his left arm—triggered after degreaser lingered on his skin while he was cleaning a grill—I started to wonder about my own condition. I am reaching out in search of reassurance. Is it possible that what I’m experiencing is the result of exposure to harsh chemicals, leaving me with lingering effects? Is there any possibility of improvement or recovery from this situation?
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 3:30:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating and uncomfortable skin issue that has persisted for quite some time. Your history of exposure to a strong degreaser during your work could very well be related to the dermatitis and itching you’re experiencing. It’s important to consider that chemical burns or reactions to harsh substances can lead to long-lasting skin issues, particularly in individuals with a history of eczema.
Explanation
Chemical exposure can sometimes cause dermatitis, which is an inflammatory skin reaction. This can manifest as itching, redness, and breakouts, similar to what people with eczema experience. Since you mentioned that your symptoms began about a week after the exposure, it’s plausible this incident triggered or worsened your skin condition. Chronic dermatitis can occur if the skin barrier remains compromised or if there’s ongoing irritation from the chemicals used.
Next Steps
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Identify Triggers: Keep track of your skin's reaction to different products, soaps, and environments. This can help identify anything that may worsen your symptoms.
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Moisturize Regularly: Apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer daily to help repair the skin barrier. Look for products specifically designed for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
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Perform a Patch Test: If you wish to try new skin products or treatments, perform a patch test on a small area of skin first to ensure it doesn't exacerbate your reaction.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay clear of known irritants, including soaps with heavy fragrances, alcohol-based products, and any cleaning agents. Opt for gentle, non-irritating alternatives.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Treatments: You might benefit from hydrocortisone cream to help relieve itching and inflammation. Be mindful to use it as directed, as prolonged use can lead to skin thinning.
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Seek Additional Support: If your symptoms don’t improve or if they worsen, it may be valuable to explore topical or systemic treatments with a dermatologist specializing in dermatitis or eczema.
Remember that skin healing can take time, and the important aspect is to manage your symptoms while focusing on restoration of skin health. Your concerns are valid, and with the right care and attention, improvement is definitely possible.
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