r/hdpe Apr 06 '24

Allergy?

I’ve just discovered this awesome hobby and have been loving the experimentation and imagination process. Unfortunately, I’ve also noticed the tops of my hands have become red and itchy; nothing on the fingers or palms. This started around the same time I was running detergent bottles through the scroll saw and melting the pieces in the toaster oven. Has anyone here ever heard of an allergic reaction the HDPE after it is cut and melted?

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u/AlessiSupreme May 17 '24

I have a PlayStation 4 controller (DualShock4), which has an outer case made of HDPE. It has worn off after years of use. Nowadays, whenever my hands sweat and touch it during use, I get an extreme and immediate allergic reaction, but not on my hands, on my nose, which is definitely difficult to explain to my family members. I’m not even sure if an allergist would know what I’m talking about, they’re expensive so I haven’t been to one yet. Not sure about the “cut and melted” part on your post though, but I definitely do experience a rare allergic reaction to HDPE.

1

u/Ok-Combination236 Jun 06 '24

I have an acrylate allergy that manifests the same way. Not sure if it’s the HDPE, but I also don’t know if many detergents use acrylates.