Leather allergy is not caused due to the leather itself, but due to the chrome present in it. Chromium is commonly used in the tanning process, and many leather products contain chrome in them. So, people having chrome allergy can develop an rashes, blisters, redness, due to the presence of chrome in the leather product.
Other Materials which Cause Leather Allergy
Apart from chrome, there are certain materials which are present in the leather which can cause allergy. Here are some of them:
- Rubber chemicals
- Adhesives
- Preservatives
The rubber chemicals, adhesives and preservatives are all used in leather footwear to increase the durability of the product. These can sometimes cause an allergy.
Symptoms of Leather Allergy
The allergy develops at the site of contact of the skin with the leather. Some of the symptoms of leather allergy are redness, itchiness, rashes and hives There can also be blistering if the allergy is severe. This allergic reaction is also termed as allergic contact dermatitis.
How to Prevent Leather Allergy?
Here are few tips to prevent leather allergy:
- Use chrome-free leather products. Such products undergo chromium-free tanning process, where natural sources are used for tanning. So, while buying, check if the product is chrome-free
- If your footwear or other product is causing allergies, avoid using it. You can also try switching to another product.
- Check with your doctor if you have chromium allergy
If you suspect leather allergy, do consult an allergist. An allergist would be conduct allergy test to check if you are allergic to chromium or other adhesives which are responsible for allergy. Skin test and blood test are the allergy tests which are done to check for leather allergy.
