Kintsugi 3 - About lacquer (Urushi) and rash caused by lacquer

Hello. Today, let's talk about lacquer and rash caused by lacquer. Lacquer is widely known for its beautiful finishes and as a material used in traditional crafts, but care must be taken when using lacquer, especially allergic reactions and rashes to lacquer. I find it difficult to react easily. Before enjoying Kintsugi, let's take proper precautions first.

Characteristics of lacquer

Lacquer is a resin extracted from a plant in the sumac family that is extremely durable and provides a beautiful finish. Lacquer is widely used in traditional Japanese crafts, furniture, tableware, and decorative items. However, lacquer is known to cause contact dermatitis due to its main ingredient, urushiol.

Symptoms of rash caused by lacquer

People who have an allergic reaction to lacquer may develop a rash when they touch it. Symptoms of a rash are as follows:

1. Skin redness: Contact with lacquer may cause skin redness.

2. Itching: A typical symptom of a rash is itching. I get quite itchy.

3. Skin irritation: The affected area may become swollen and irritated.

4. Blisters: Blisters may form on the affected area. I had a lot of blisters and the water that popped out stained the sleeves of my clothes.

Preventing rash due to lacquer

If you think you may have an allergic reaction to lacquer, it is important to consider the following precautions:

1. Avoid touching lacquer: Be careful not to touch lacquer products. Be especially careful when using lacquered tableware.

2. Wear protective equipment: When handling lacquer, protect your skin by wearing gloves and long-sleeved clothing. By the way, natural rubber passes through lacquer, so we recommend nitrile rubber gloves.

3. Careful cleaning: Wash your hands carefully after handling lacquer items. If lacquer residue comes into contact with your skin, there is an increased risk of a rash. Wash immediately with salad oil or olive oil, then rinse thoroughly with soap.

Any kind of oil will do, but be sure to have salad oil on hand as you will also use it to wash your brushes.

4. See a doctor: If you develop symptoms of a rash, see a doctor as soon as possible. Appropriate action is required.

My Case

I was wearing nitrile rubber gloves, but without realizing it, the lacquer dripped down my arm and elbow and stuck to my skin. At that time, there was no way of knowing what would happen next.

The first thing that happened was two days later. There were bruise-like marks on my arm, probably lines with lacquer, and I thought I had hit my arm somewhere.

Then, 3-4 days later, the line started to swell. The part where it was most sticky started to look like a cut from a jizz. No pain or itching yet.

It didn't really affect my daily life, but after 9 days, my entire arm became swollen and blisters appeared, and the liquid from the burst blisters began to stain my long-sleeved clothes. It's quite itchy.

On the 10th day, I thought it would be bad so I went to a dermatologist. Basically, it is a natural recovery, but I was prescribed medicine to speed up my recovery.

• Internal medicine

  • Fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets

  • prednisone tablets

  • teprenone capsules

• ointment

  • Dermovate ointment

  • Single zinc oxide ointment

    • Apply it on gauze and stick it on top

    • Use olive oil to peel

This will heal in about a week.

Rashes caused by lacquer should be taken into account when enjoying lacquer products. By knowing if you have an allergic reaction to lacquer and taking precautions, you can safely enjoy your beautiful lacquer products. Appropriate knowledge and caution are essential in order to enjoy lacquer safely.

There was more inflammation than I expected, and the blisters and itching were severe. Let's all enjoy Kintsugi with perfect protection.