How to Relieve Itching Caused by Fiberglass

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Fiberglass is widely used in various forms as an insulation or lightweight building material, both in the industrial and domestic sectors.When handling it, you risk getting splinters stuck in your skin, causing irritation and intense itching (contact dermatitis). [1] .If you regularly or occasionally come into contact with fiberglass, you will have this problem.However, with the right steps, it is possible to relieve itching and irritation.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Treating Symptoms Due to Contact with Fiberglass

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  1. Fiberglass can cause intense itchy skin, so it's normal to be tempted to scratch.However, this can cause the fibers to stick further into the skin, making the problem worse [2] .
  2. Immediately and carefully remove any clothing you were wearing during contact with the fiberglass [3] . Keep them away from other clothing and personal items and wash them separately.This way, the fibers will not spread and make the irritation worse.
  3. If you see, feel or suspect that your skin has come into contact with this material, you should wash the affected area as soon as possible.If you already feel itching and irritation, use a mild soap and warm water [4] [5] .
    • To help remove the fibers, you can very delicately wipe with a sponge.
    • If fiberglass gets in your eyes, wash them with water for at least 15 minutes [6] .
  4. If you see them sticking out or under your skin, you can try to gently remove them yourself [7] to prevent irritation.
    • First, wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water (if you haven't already).
    • Sterilize tweezers with isopropyl alcohol, then use them to remove the fibers [8] .
    • A magnifying glass can help you locate smaller fibers.
    • If you see fibers but can't remove them easily with tweezers, sterilize a sharp needle with isopropyl alcohol [9] .Use it to lift or break the skin covering the fiber.Then, remove it with sterile tweezers.
    • Gently squeeze the affected area to help blood and germs escape.Wash it again and apply antibiotic cream.
    • If you see fibers embedded deeply in your skin, see your doctor and don't try to remove them yourself.
  5. After washing the affected area, apply a good quality cream to hydrate it and relieve irritation.For more relief, you can also use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Observe and Prevent Cross Contamination

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  1. Remove all clothing worn during contact with the fiberglass and separate it from other clothing items.Wash them as soon as possible, by yourself.This will help keep the remaining fibers from spreading and causing irritation.
    • If there are a lot of fibers left on your clothes, soak them before washing to dissolve and eliminate them.
    • After washing any clothes that have come into contact with the fiberglass, schedule an empty wash before doing your usual laundry.You will eliminate all the fibers that have remained inside the washing machine and prevent them from compromising other items of clothing.
  2. If you were working with fiberglass when you came into contact with it, be sure to clean up any loose bits left in the work area as soon as possible.This will help you avoid having another reaction.
    • Remove them with a vacuum cleaner rather than a broom (which can send particles into the air).
    • While cleaning, wearing clothing, glasses and a protective mask or respirator will prevent particles from contacting your skin, eyes or lungs [10] .
  3. Coming into contact with fiberglass can be painful and irritating, but the symptoms should fade quickly with the right treatment.However, if the itching and irritation persists, seek medical attention [11] .
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Prevent Irritation Caused by Fiberglass

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  1. Whenever you work with this material or know you will be exposed, wear protective clothing.Long sleeves, pants, closed shoes and gloves will help protect your skin from the fibers [12] .Try to cover as much of your skin as possible.
    • Putting on a respirator or mask will also protect you from inhaling airborne particles [13] .
  2. If you handle fiberglass, the work area should be well ventilated, so that the material does not remain in the air, stick to skin or clothing, or be inhaled [14] .
    • Separate the clothes you use for work from others.
    • When handling fiberglass, do not eat, drink, or smoke, or you risk accidentally swallowing or inhaling the particles.
    • If you notice that the fiberglass irritates you, stop working and treat the symptoms before resuming.
  3. After handling fiberglass or exposure, shower as soon as possible, even if you don't notice any irritation or itching. This will help eliminate any fibers remaining on the skin which will not cause any reaction at the time [15] .
    • If you don't notice any reaction at first, taking a cold shower will remove the fiberglass particles from your skin.The cold water will also keep the pores closed, ensuring that no residue remains inside them [16] .
  4. If you are unsure of your symptoms or are unsure whether contact actually occurred, talk to your doctor.
    • Over time, someone may develop some sort of tolerance to fiberglass, so the irritation stops having the same initial effect.However, this does not mean that skin or lung problems cannot occur, so always handle it with care [17] .
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Warnings

  • Fiberglass isn't necessarily classified as a carcinogen, but that doesn't mean it can't cause skin and lung problems. [18] .Always handle it with great care.
  • Symptoms caused by fiberglass exposure usually don't last long, and most people don't have to worry about occasional contact.However, if you work with or expose yourself to it regularly, you should take extra care, read all safety data sheets that come with the material, and speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. [19] .
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