Allergies to Neoprene

Anybody else allergic to Neoprene?  When I wear my waders during the winter or neoprene socks during the summer, my feet have a MAJOR allergic reaction.  We're talking swelling, oozing, the whole nine yards.  Unfortunately, the dermatologist has said either find an alternative to neoprene or find a barrier to wear that keeps my feet from the neoprene.

Any ideas?

Michael

Have you thought about a wader liner that is made out of "Gortex"?????

Nope.  Didn't know that they existed.  With my luck and allergies, I'll probably be allergic to Gortex also but it's definitely something to check into.  Cabela's or other sporting good stores I'm guessing.

Thanks!

Michael

I recall that some people use sealskin socks but I'm leery as some have mentioned quality of craftsmanship.  I suppose it's worth a shot.

Michael

They have dive skins and socks made from Lycra the have a barrier to restrict water flow but they are not very warm so you will need to layer underneath. All the Gortex waders I have seen have neo feet.

Sorry to hear about the allergy Micheal!  I can imagine how uncomfortable that must be!  I was intrigued enough to take a few searches on the net, but didn't find much information on any sort of cure.

One thing that stood out prominently is that there are several chemicals that are used in the processing of neoprene and they could cause reactions.  So if you haven't done a specific test for neoprene allergies, I would go for that first just to be certain.  If it's for some reason not the neoprene itself, you may be able to try alternate manufactures who may be using different chemical treatments.

Only other useful bit I saw would be to maybe coat your feet in vaseline as a barrier to the neoprene, but I am doubtful that it would be 100% effective.

For my farmer johns I cut out the booties and just wear water shoes usually.  But I was thinking of buying some neoprene socks, since its too freaking cold in the winter to have wet feet on a Hobie!

I've been wearing neoprene wetsuits for abdiving for years without any problems. then last year i bought a new wetsuit.   every time i where it, i break-out in major itchy rash. my buddie pick it up from the dive shop for me becausE he gets a big discount. that day we met up at the coast for diving and i showed up about 1 1/2 hours late and he was rightfully pissed-off. i dove in my new wetsuit for the first time and had the rash that night and everytime since. i assumed that he had drug my new wetsuit through the poison-oak while waiting for me that day. he swore up and down that he didnt. i vowed revenge. finally after 8mos of diving/fishing in, and washing out that wetsuit, it stopped giving me a rash. i think it was some new chemicals from manufacturing that did it. my buddie says that was probably it. try washing it real good. maybe with hot water.

That sucks!  I hope the cure for you is as simple as washing it a few times!  Do you have enough room to wear just regular socks to insulate you feet from the booties?
  Why is it only your feet that have the reaction and not your whole body?  If it were me, I'd like to know that.
Hope it works out for you.

Troy

Is it only your feet,

Does your skin contact the neoprene itself,

most neoprene is lined already with nylon,

just thinking about it,

have you ever worn a full wetsuit, if you did, did all your skin react?

It does sound as if processing chemicals more than the neoprene itself might be the problem,

There are different processes for making neoprene, also some hi-tech linings

http://www.nemowetsuit.com/material.php

Might be something out there that works. 

Good luck, being allergic to neoprene would just absolutely suck for me,,,,

Am I missing something?  Are you wearing bare feet insidee your waders?  I'm not allergic to neoprene, but that just sounds uncomfortable.

I don't know about anyone else but I ware a couple pairs of socks in mine and I don't think my feet ever come in direct contact with the neoprene.  The nice thing about wader is that you can hop into them with warm comfortable clothes on.

Brian

I had the same problem with a particular pair of boots. First time I wore them I had a similar reaction. Wore them a few weeks later and the same thing happened.
Six months or so I wore them again, same reaction. I just tossed 'em. It didn't happen with any other footwear I had.
I am only assuming that a chemical reaction would penetrate socks through condensation and heat vapor. You could try turning them inside out and washing the hell out of them with a lot of hot water and soap.
Can you wear a wetsuit??
One time I forgot my booties on a CCCCOLD Tahoe morning in March. I got a cheapo pair or plastic waders from Raley's for about $8. Cut them just below the knees. Put on 2 thick pairs of socks, then the 'plastic socks' from the waders, then the wetsuit. My feet stayed warm and dry. If you can wear a wetsuit then something like this might work for your feet.

Some info on neoprene allergy:

http://www.scuba-doc.com/otherderms.htm

http://www.andymcleod.com/neoprene_wetsuit_alergy.htm

http://tinyurl.com/2m9zgo

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1440-0960.2006.00228.x?journalCode=ajd