Rash In School Similar to Poison Ivy Rash
A school in the Pittsburgh area, Sto-Rox Middle School, had a number of faculty and students suffering. Eleven faculty members and nine students seemed to get this rash that seemed similar to poison ivy rash. What is interesting is that the Allegheny County Health Department found traces of benzene in the atmosphere at the elementary school which was next to the middle school.
The health dept didn’t see this as the cause of the rash both due to the low degree of benzene in the air as well as the fact that the rash appeared on parts of the body that were covered. Fortunately, they will be testing the air inside and outside the buildings which seems to be important.
Benzene has been seen as a human carcinogen that can cause leukemia, respiratory irritation and aplastic anaemia. Certain chemicals are known to cause both rashes as well as asthma and respiratory issues for some of the population.
If you are concerned about the air quality at your child’s school or work place, speak to authorities to see if any testing has been done. We are exposed constantly to petrochemicals, pesticides, herbicides, metals and other environmental factors that can result in allergic rashes such as rashes and more severe health problems.
.
My friend gets rashes around pesticides and I think people may call something a “rash from stress” when there could be a chemical rash instead. But I do know some people have stress induced hives. Something in the air can cause a rash but is that from breathing it or it touching the skin? Like with a hot tub rash I thought it’s coz it is on contact with your skin. But maybe the skin rash from hot tubs is also because of inhaling the chemical that treated the water.
Not all schools even inform parents about rashes. There was a lice rash in my daughter’s class and they didn’t even tell us. Kids play on play ground so they should test areas near schools for chemicals, radon and dangerous chemicals that cause rashes and sever problems. Just my opinion.
Camp rashes also go around and they don’t always tell parents. Impetigo rash is known to be a problem at some sleepover camps.