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2006-03-10 5:22 PM

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Queen BTich
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Subject: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?

Ok, it started last September for the first time. I've had my monitor since last April. Today was the first time wearing it since Oct. b/c I've been too scared of another rash. I only wore it 2 hours today.  Around Sept/Oct several threads were started about this as some people have an issue with this. However, what others were talking about was the STRAP and the material causing their rashes. Mine is the actual monitor/receiver part whatever its called.

A Dr. friend called it Contact Dermatitis caused by the monitor and it HURTS and itches like you wouldn't believe. So the question is, what can I do to keep the HRM from causing this? I've cleaned it. Now what? Is it the type of monitor? Should I get a new one? Try a Polar?

I'm going to experiment and swap monitors with a friend to see if mines gives them a rash and if theirs gives me a rash (the rash goes away in about a week depending on how long I wore it and the severity of the outbreak).

There are welts, raised portions of the rash that aren't clear on the pic.
What it looks like:



Edited by Comet 2006-03-10 5:23 PM




(HRM rash.JPG)



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HRM rash.JPG (29KB - 63 downloads)


2006-03-10 5:34 PM
in reply to: #366819

Elite
3650
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Laurium, MI
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?

oww oww oww oww.

Don't know what to tell ya.  Have you tried body glide or even that electrolyte cream?  Do you have a known latex allergy that could be making you react to the plastic?

maybe a bigger picture would be of some help Wink

what monitor are you using? 

2006-03-10 5:39 PM
in reply to: #366824

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Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
vortmax - 2006-03-10 6:34 PM

Don't know what to tell ya.  Have you tried body glide or even that electrolyte cream?  Do you have a known latex allergy that could be making you react to the plastic?

maybe a bigger picture would be of some help Wink

what monitor are you using? 

Its not a chafing rash. It is an allergic reaction type rash. It feels very different too. Nothing like chafing.

I have no known allergies (until now?). Latex is fine and like I said, I used it all last season without any problems until the end. So I'm stumped.

I figured someone would say that, I tried to use the least obscene picture I could take. Oh, and its worse on the other side too.

Timex.

Yes, I've cleaned it!



Edited by Comet 2006-03-10 5:46 PM
2006-03-10 5:44 PM
in reply to: #366829

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COURT JESTER
12230
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ROCKFORD, IL
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
Comet

I figured someone would say that, I tried to use the least obscene picture I could take. Oh, and its worse on the other side too.

Timex.

OWEEEeeeeeeee.......so where's the picture of the other side?  

What about putting a strip of cloth between you and the strap in those areas??

2006-03-10 5:45 PM
in reply to: #366829

Elite
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Laurium, MI
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?

tupuppy - 2006-03-10 4:44 PM

What about putting a strip of cloth between you and the strap in those areas??

 the electrodes need direct skin contact to work

 

sounds stupid, but do you clean it with anything? How often were you wearing it? Since you used it all last season with no issues until the end, the only thing I can think of is that something built up on it or that you built up an allergy to it from over exposure.

You might go see a dermatologist and see what he says.



Edited by vortmax 2006-03-10 5:47 PM
2006-03-10 5:46 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Elite
2552
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Evans, GA
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
looks like contact dermatitis. You need to find a new type of pad. You might be able to alternate that type of pad with the new one.


2006-03-10 5:49 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Champion
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
One of the BT doctors can probably help more than me, but I'm always inquisitive...

Would the HRM work if you put plastic wrap over it?
(Go ahead and try while you still have the rash.)

If it works, try again after the rash has cleared up to see if it helps.
Let us know if the rash comes back...

Benadryl might help with the rash.
2006-03-10 5:49 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Extreme Veteran
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fort collins
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
That terrible rash on that hot body is a crime!!! Someone call the police!!

That rash looks horrible. If it were me I would stop wearing the HR. Maybe find another brand of hr made out of different material.
2006-03-10 6:03 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Master
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San Mateo, CA
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
Since you've been wearing this HRM for a long time without any problems, I wonder - have you recently washed your HRM strap in soap? If so, the soap could be irritating your skin.
2006-03-10 6:09 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Expert
938
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Haddam, CT
Subject: Lube up.

1. Make sure you're rinsing the strap after each use, so bacteria isn't building up.

2. Try a hypoallergenic, gentle lube between you and the moniter.  Laugh if you like, but the best water-based, gentle lube I've found is KY Jelly - it makes the monitor read better and is super-gentle on your skin.

3. My husband has a dermatological rash issue that  is similar - it comes out when it's hot or humid out (the conditions recreated underneath your monitor).  Solution?  Zinc soap or use Selsen Blue or a simliar zinc-infused shampoo to calm the rash down. 



Edited by lobstergirl 2006-03-10 6:12 PM
2006-03-10 6:16 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Coach
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Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
I think you're simply out of luck with that model. You are most likely reacting to a compnenet of the plastic. You can use some hydrocortisone ointment on the rash, but you're going to have to try different brands to find one you won't react to. Contact the manufacturers and see what kind of responses they've given to this problem.


2006-03-10 6:16 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Extreme Veteran
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Lenexa, KS
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
I had this exact same thing happen to me. It looks like in your picture that the watch is a Timex. I assume it's part of the speed / distance system. That's what I had. I used that system for 2 years, with no problem at all. Loved the whole thing.

It started as just a minor rash, but as time went on, it just got worse each time I wore it. It only gave me a rash where the actual heart rate monitor made contact with my skin. The elastic strap was no problem. It was so defined on the rash, that you could see the circles left from where the elastic strap connected to the actual heart rate monitor. It left very clear circles of no rash.

It was a raised rash that itched like crazy. It'd take me about 2 weeks for it to go away.

I cleaned that strap with everything known to man..... I tried alcohol, 10% bleach solution, and other things. I let it sit for a long time, thinking maybe there was something "growing" on it.

Each and every time I used it, I would break out nearly immediately. Even if I wore it for a quick 30 min. run, I was doomed to 2 weeks of rash.

After going a long time without using a HRM, I decided to try a Polar. I thought I was probably wasting my money, and I'd have the same problem. I haven't had any issues with the Polar Monitor at all. I've been using it for about 3 months now.

Hopefully I dont' have any issues with the Polar.

I feel your pain.....

Good Luck.

2006-03-10 7:15 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Expert
1213
1000100100
Los Gatos, CA
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
I was also going to suggest hydrocortisone to alleviate the rash....stumped as to what causes it....I have not been wearing my HRM much, just go RPE....hope it clears up soon.
2006-03-10 7:50 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Champion
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Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
Nice beauty mark below the rash. <img align='middle' src='https://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/images/emoticons/smile.gif'>
2006-03-10 8:23 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Champion
7704
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Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
Haley they have some sports bras with sections thru the bottom you can thread the moniter thru.  Either that or get a new one....you may be out of luck. 
2006-03-10 8:28 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Master
2288
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Katy, TX (West of Houston)
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?

Haley,

I got a similar rash from my Polar HRM strap, After I started washing it at least after everyother use is went away. Sometimes I just rinse it in warm water. I also hang it to dry after EVERY use, I dont stuff itin a bag.

Good luck!



2006-03-10 9:08 PM
in reply to: #366819

Champion
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Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?

It's really from swimming next to me on Gasparilla weekend.  I passed it on to you.  I'm not telling you what it REALLY is! 

 

2006-03-10 9:13 PM
in reply to: #366973

Elite
3650
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Laurium, MI
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?

lmao.

actually reminds me of this flesh eating bacteria I picked up when I was in first grade from swimming in a creek.  Except I got it square in the middle of my right butt cheek.   

2006-03-10 9:22 PM
in reply to: #366866

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Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?

O2BFast - 2006-03-10 7:16 PM It started as just a minor rash, but as time went on, it just got worse each time I wore it. It only gave me a rash where the actual heart rate monitor made contact with my skin. The elastic strap was no problem. It was so defined on the rash, that you could see the circles left from where the elastic strap connected to the actual heart rate monitor. It left very clear circles of no rash. It was a raised rash that itched like crazy. It'd take me about 2 weeks for it to go away. I cleaned that strap with everything known to man..... I tried alcohol, 10% bleach solution, and other things. I let it sit for a long time, thinking maybe there was something "growing" on it. Each and every time I used it, I would break out nearly immediately. Even if I wore it for a quick 30 min. run, I was doomed to 2 weeks of rash. After going a long time without using a HRM

This is EXACTLY what has been happening to me. Its been worse every time I've worn it, except for during my iron, that was really bad. Today was only 2 hours of wear. Thanks.

Ok everyone, again:
1. Yes I wash it.
2. It has to make direct contact with the skin.
3. I like my sports bras, I don't really care to change them. Its taken a while to build up my collection, I don't want to start over.
4. Its a Timex.

So, do you think its something on the monitor or a reaction because of me? I wonder if just getting a new Timex will be different?

Max, I knew it was you. You are the carrier of Gasparilla cooties.



Edited by Comet 2006-03-10 9:23 PM
2006-03-10 10:13 PM
in reply to: #366987

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Extreme Veteran
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Racine WI
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
Haley,

You mentioned that the rash is worse on the other side, and as with the side you photograhped, is at the point where the straps meet the monitor (is the timex monitor a long thin monitor or shorter and squarer like the Polars?). How has your back been effected? Is it showing a rash on your back also or just where the straps meet the monitor? I would think that if the strap where causing the rash (contact rash), it would also be on your back. Have you tried to either loosen up or tighten the strap and get a different fit from the strap? Do you run with your arms close to your side or away from your side (friction from your arms rubbing and adding extra pressure on the strap/monitor where it contacts your skin on the side/ribcage area) and has your running form changed from the time you bought the monitor and where not having a problem with it? Just a few thougths.... Hope that you figure out the problem and it clears up for you!

Mark
2006-03-10 10:14 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Champion
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Rochester Hills, Michigan
Gold member
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?

Hmmm.  Either a new system, or a conductive lube to buffer your skin from the offending Timex.  KY was suggested before, or my favorite tri-product, Buh-Bump.

http://www.polardiscount.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=46 

Good luck getting this one finished off quickly.  Looks positively ugh.



2006-03-10 11:42 PM
in reply to: #366819

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Lethbridge, Alberta
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
Just a guess but if you get a different monitor, it may be better to go with a different brand. The same brand is more likely to be made from the same chemicals.

This may be an off-the-wall idea but are those conductive lubes good enough to let the monitor work through a thin layer of lube-saturated cloth, like cotton or nylon? A thin, lubed cloth sleeve on the monitor might remove the contact and avoid the allergic reaction. Maybe a nylon stocking?

Good luck with it.
2006-03-11 2:32 AM
in reply to: #366819

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Expert
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Denver, Colorado
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
That pic is awesome. You should be proud. Go to the bar and show it off!
2006-03-11 8:31 AM
in reply to: #366819

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Master
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Colorado
Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?

Do you wash it? Cause I think you should try washing it.

 

(Don't hit me. I'm kidding

2006-03-11 9:07 AM
in reply to: #366819

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molto veloce mama
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Subject: RE: Gross pic: HRM rash-what to do?
ow ow ow! sorry! that looks painful. ella had contact dermititis from who knows what and we used a cream on it until it went away, but the skin was very sensitive after that. you might want to go for a while w/o any hrm until your skin has a chance to totally heal.
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