Hydraulic Fluid Allercic Reaction

[Captgb65]

Was working on my BX 25 on Monday trying to reattach the backhoe. Well things didn't go well, it took about 3 1/2 hours in 92 degree heat. During the process I attached and reattached the hydraulic hoses several time resulting in getting fluid on my hands and arms. As it was so hot I used rags to wipe the sweat off of myself and excess fluid on that backhoe.
That night I broke out in a bad rash on hands arms and legs. My face swelled up so much I looked like a different person. Went to Dr. Who said it was contact dermatitis from exposure to something. It is getting better now but I wanted to know if anyone has had a similar experience. Thanks.

 

[tmajor]

As far as I know, contact dermatitis, only effects the areas, which were touched (in contact with the culprit). Many things, will effect the throat and face. Hands and legs, ... I'd look elsewhere.

 

[tmajor]

Have you eaten anything out of the ordinary? Started any new med.s? Had any dental issues?

 

[GAFarmer2]

I actually have had a similar experience. My fault, though. I was wrestling with hooking the hydraulic lines back up to a dirt pan, and after about an hour, I finally got em hooked up right. Went on about my business...a is well.

Next morning my whole chest was covered in a rash and hives. Turns out, where I had been mowing with the rotary cutter before hooking up the pan...covered in poison ivy (in the woods). My work gloves did a good job of protecting my hands, and my jacket kept it off my arms. But I had my jacket unbuttoned because I was sweating. And where it rubbed.. yeowch!

May be time to start wearing PPE!

 

[Captgb65]

No, no, and no. The only thing different on that day was exposure to the hydraulic fluid. Go figure.

 

[tcreeley]

If I get motor oil on the back of my hands and leave it for 5 min. or so I'll start to feel a burning sensation. Nothing bad but I never had that when I was younger. I figure it is from spilling oil on myself changing the oil filters on my truck over the years and having it run down my hand and in my sleeve.

 

[Captgb65]

I thought of that too. The area I was working in was mostly pine needles, gravel and dirt.

 

[TMGT]

I've had similar issues with different oils during hot day when I'm sweating and my pores are open. Not to the extent you described but usually break out and sometimes get a rash.

 

[N2DFire]

Interesting reading on the MSDS. I'm not super familiar with Kubota equipment so I took a guess on the fluid your BX would use.
http://www.kubota.com/assets/safety/pdf/msds/KUBOTA%20SUPER%20UDT2%203_1%20GA.PDF

If that's not the right one you can look the correct one up here
http://www.kubota.com/safety/SafetyDataSheets.aspx

Are you by any chance known to be allergic to Sulfer?

 

[Captgb65]

Thanks for the info. I don't think I'm allergic to sulfur, never had an issue.

 

[tmajor]

Thanks for the info. I don't think I'm allergic to sulfur, never had an issue.

You can develop allergies, at any time, after having been exposed to something, before. The only thing, that I've had any experience with, which you can be allergic to, the 1st time, is Echinacea.

 

[mrmikey]

Were they bought rags? I've had a tingling sensation using them to wipe sweat from my face and was thinking it's a fungicide been sprayed on them, heaven only knows where they come from, I probably don't want to know..............Mike

 

[Coyote machine]

I buy the box of shop white color 'rags', I can't recall their brand name, maybe Scott? They do a good job of removing grease and oil, or similar things. Combo of heat and oil on one's skin could certainly cause a rash like reaction. I wipe off my hands, arms, a lot whenever I get anything that doesn't belong there on them. I also use Go-Jo or similar with pumice or similar to get stuff off my skin ASAP. Many times I wear gloves to keep the crap off my skin too.
There are lots of nasty chemicals in any oil, dino or synthetic. Best to not let it get on your skin- why risk exposing yourself to things meant to be in anaerobic containers like your transmission?

 

[Captgb65]

Its now Saturday, 6 days since my episode started. Everything has cleared, swelling, rash, itching, and general malaise. Dr. thought poison ivy, prescribed treatment for it also. I've had several bouts it before, this was different. That's why I figured hydraulic fluid. Anyway, my future plans are: dispose of all rags and clothing used or worn that day, give the BX a good bath, wear better protection when working with fluid, (gloves, long sleeves and long trousers) clean rags, and wash thoroughly after exposure. Oh yea, most importantly, I learned the hard way, removing and re-attaching my backhoe. Thanks for all the tips and info. Be well.