T O P I C R E V I E W
Ketrel
Member # 49204
posted 10-16-2012 05:57 PM
If I have a bad allergy to glycerin or parabens (not sure which), what is the best option for condoms?
Heather
Member # 3
posted 10-16-2012 06:03 PM
Well, unlubricated condoms won't usually have either of those things. Those components are about the lubricant on condoms. So, you can go unlubed, and use a glycerin and paraben-free lube from a bottle (which you'll also need regardless, as the amount of lube on a condom often isn't enough), or buy lubricated condoms which make clear they don't contain those compounds. Sir Richards condoms are one brand I can think of off the top of my head which make clear they don't.
Heather
Member # 3
posted 10-16-2012 06:05 PM
(That said, though, if you have a bad allergy -- especially since bad allergies can be life-threatening -- to anything, you're going to want to find out what it is. Particularly with those two things, as either can be found in a LOT of things. So, how about getting an allergy test soon so that you know your deal for sure?)
Ketrel
Member # 49204
posted 10-16-2012 07:08 PM
quote: Originally posted by Heather: (That said, though, if you have a bad allergy -- especially since bad allergies can be life-threatening -- to anything, you're going to want to find out what it is. Particularly with those two things, as either can be found in a LOT of things. So, how about getting an allergy test soon so that you know your deal for sure?) It causes contact dermatitis, and it's definitely glycerin or parabens. Astroglide causes the problem while their glycerin and paraben free variant does not. Also, since I can't replicate it anywhere else on my body other than my rather sensitive areas (but always can there), I'd rather not go to an allergist.
Stephanie_1
Member # 36725
posted 10-16-2012 09:35 PM
Actually the reason they do allergy tests in the ways that they do (such as they do when they perform a scratch test) they do so because A) prolonged exposure and B) the scratch which makes the skin in that area a bit more sensitized to the allergen. As someone who also has bad allergies to skin ck tact with things I know they can get worse when you don't avoid them, so it's actually a really good idea to at least try the tests so you know which for sure and know what types of products have those or that item in them. But totally your choice.
Ketrel
Member # 49204
posted 10-17-2012 07:02 AM
quote: Originally posted by Stephanie_1: Actually the reason they do allergy tests in the ways that they do (such as they do when they perform a scratch test) they do so because A) prolonged exposure and B) the scratch which makes the skin in that area a bit more sensitized to the allergen. As someone who also has bad allergies to skin ck tact with things I know they can get worse when you don't avoid them, so it's actually a really good idea to at least try the tests so you know which for sure and know what types of products have those or that item in them. But totally your choice. Well since it's definitely one of those two (glycerin or parabens), I'm avoiding both to be safe anyway. If I can get it done as a scratch test, I'll consider it for another time though, in the mean time, I'm just making sure anything I use (anywhere) doesn't have either of those two chemicals in it.