Massage lubricants causing rashes

[Love Canada.]

I've seen a lot of posts on this website about massage therapists developing rashes & sensitivities to various massage oils & creams. I was just curious how prevalent this problem is. Personally, I've used a variety of products and never had any adverse reactions, myself.

However, I have had clients let me know in advance of allergies (to coconut oil most commonly). So, even though I use massage cream normally, I keep jojoba oil available for clients.

What's your experience?

 

[First Namemitch]

I don't seem to be able to use any product regularly without developing a sensitivity. If I switch off frequently, I do okay. Even if I use jojoba oil too many times in a row, I will suddenly start itching and burning, then develop hives. I keep several oils on hand so I can switch out from day to day.

It's a rare lotion I can use at all. Oddly, though, I've never developed hives after receiving a massage, even if they use lotion or oil on my hands. That I do not understand!!! :?:

 

[Lovely:)]

I am similar to sharon, eventually I will develop a sensitivity. I have never had my clients complain of any issues with the lotion/gel/cream I have used, but then again they aren't using it all day everyday. I get the same way with soaps. If I use a soap too often at work, I get a rash from it.

 

[nick102]

I'm sensitive to many lotions with multiple ingredients. I'm also sensitve to any oil with additives (oil-dispersing) that make it easier to launder. I also can't use laundry or cleaning products with artificial scents.

I'm not so sensitive that I can't get a massage with these types of things, or use them once or twice. But working with them over a couple of days will give me a rash.

Noel

 

[Kool Shelby]

I started using jojoba oil because of all the recommendations from people on this board. I, myself, am not yet allergic to any lotions or oils, but just want to use something without all the chemicals and that is better for me and my clients. A couple of weeks ago one of my clients still had a rash on her neck and shoulders from the jojoba oil! She basically is sensitive to everything, so I told her the next time she comes in she could bring her own lotion (I think she uses Aveeno.)

 

[new001]

Wrong. Mineral oil is safe.

If you read the article it says ....
"Medicinal white mineral oils, which are pharmaceutical- and food-grade materials, are highly refined and free of all aromatic and unsaturated compounds. As highly refined oils, these products are not covered under this listing."

As far as clogging pores -- it washes off. It will be gone from clients with the next shower.

It does not carry impurieties into my skin. It does not carry compounds into my system which continue to irritate and cannot be washed off.

The skin on my hands had been ruined by all the theroetically wonderful, expensive products I used in the spa.

For highly sensitive hands it is the only thing I have found that works.

 

[bjb123]

This has been such an interesting discussion, as I have always been told the standard things about mineral oil as well, but when someone comes in who actually has a good experience with it, I can't just ignore it. It makes me consider keeping a bottle of it on hand for a client who might respond well to nothing else.

I'm reading the article in another window right now.

ETA: Finished reading it, came to the same conclusion as Hilma did -- "severely refined" mineral oils weren't included in that study. Here's another link which *did* include "severely hydrotreated" mineral oils (the industry term for drugstore mineral oil, apparently):

http://www.inchem.org/documents/iarc/vol33/mineraloils.html

That study found no incidence of carcinogenic activity in mice when the mice ate it for 2 years. The crankcase oil gave them cancer when it was injected under their skin. There is no mention of weekly mouse massage!

It looks like your link Jyoti is referring basically to crankcase oil -- stuff used in industry to lube giant machines and printing presses. Apparently -- thank goodness for Hilma's sake! -- there's quite a difference? Not trying to jump on a bandwagon either way but after my encounter w/Cap'n Jack a while back and a reminder from MelB that my beloved citrus EOs can be very skin reactive, I am trying to keep a more open mind about these things. (So difficult . . . must . . . be . . . strong . . . ) : :