In a new class action lawsuit, dozens of women are claiming that Victoria’s Secret bras have given them painful, unsightly rashes. One of the plaintiffs, Roberta Ritter of
Formaldehyde is considered a probable human carcinogen by the EPA and is also a known allergen. Though people often associate the chemical with embalmed specimens in jars, it is actually found in many everyday products.
“Formaldehyde is the big thing these days,” says dermatologist Susan Tillman Elliott, consulting physician to the Center for Laser Surgery in
Rashes caused by formaldehyde in clothing usually occur in high friction areas like the inner thighs (“trouser dermatitis”) and could very likely appear underneath the tight underwire of bras. Formaldehyde allergies can be confirmed by a patch test. Elliott says the chemical is usually removed from clothing after a few washings
Victoria’s Secret has stated that they do not use formaldehyde in their bras. Some countries have banned the use of formaldehyde in textiles, but it is still legal in the
Granted, there are other ways bras could cause a rash, from underwire irritation to a condition known as Rubber Accelerator Bleach Syndrome, suggests Elliot. Rubber accelerators are chemicals used in the manufacturing of rubber, and many people, such as surgeons and nurses who wear rubber gloves, can develop an allergy from frequent exposure. Washing the rubber products only makes the reaction worse: “If you wash rubber-containing things with any kind of bleach, you change the component of the rubber,” says Elliott. “Folks can use the underwear fine at first, and then they wash it and the chemical change happens.”
Despite the complaints and threatened legal action, Victoria’s Secret is still keeping the bras on its shelves. Maybe they’ll finally start paying attention after Heidi Klum gets a rash—or maybe they’ll just airbrush it out.
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Image: flickr / angel with horns
November 12th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
[…] Why Are Victoria’s Secret Bras Causing Skin Rashes? [Discover] […]
November 12th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
[…] In a new class action lawsuit, dozens of women are claiming that Victoria’s Secret bras have given them painful, unsightly rashes. […]
November 14th, 2008 at 3:26 am
Hi my name is Nehy Reyes and i have the same rash and itch problem and the problem started right after i bought my last bra “ANGEL” by Victoria Secret and is giving me a bad skin rash too, i have no idea why i got this rash until i read and listen on the news that other women had the same problem as i.
Sincerely.
Nehy Reyes
ladynehy@yahoo.com
Hollywood,Florida
November 15th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I have been suffering from severe rashes caused by Victoria Secret bras. I suspected there was something in the fabric. Keep me posted on the class action suite.
November 15th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
I am also suffering from the severe rash caused by the Very Sexy Bra Line. I would like to me notified about the class action suite. My daughter bought this bra as a gift, she paid $60 for it.
November 16th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I don’t understand some thoughts that run through everyones mind, I get it every one is money hungry and that is a way of life. Secret Embrace has been out for maybe two years and all of a sudden you start itching. Why not two years ago when the bra came out, why now, when the economy gets bad. OOhh you need a cash cow, no savings. I know what I am allergic to and what I am not allergic to. I used a soap that smelled really good, felt soft when I put it on suppose to be good for your skin and it broke me out. Shit happens and I am smart enough to stop using the soap. I met someone who told me they had a rash under their arms(armpits) from a bra. Stupid is what I wanted to call her, why is her bra under her arm and not on her boobs.
November 17th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I also have had this issue for over two years…been to doctors and dermotalogists. My doctor gave me powder to try and relieve. Didn’t work, went to a dermotalogist over a year ago who told me to stand in front of a fan before dressing. Recently went to a new dermotalogists and we are trying something else. On next visit I plan to take this article. I am going to buy some new bras. All I have is VS bras and a fortune in them.
November 18th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
To the Fed up Jones lady, I actually did have this rash about 1 1/2 -2yrs ago, and saw my doctor twice for it and also had other tests scheduled, until I stopped wearing this bra, now I never thought anything about it, and therefore had never known that it was happening to other people, I am not looking to sue like some people, but these people do deserve to at least be reimbursed for missed work and doctor’s appointments!! I am glad to know that something is being done, even it V.S. didn’t know about something wrong in the fabric. My rash was everywhere my bra sat, including on my back!!
November 19th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I’m having the same problem! Over the past few weeks one of my nipples became red, swollen, itchy & painful in spots. When I started self-medicating with Neosporin & covering the area with a bandaid, the area begin to get better; without the bandaid the flare up begins again. I only buy my bras from Victoria’s Secret & the 2 being complained about have become my favorites, so I wear them more than my others. I went to my doctor yesterday & she is having me try some steroid cream for “dermatitis” to see if it takes care of the problem.
I would love to know how to become part of this lawsuit if it ever makes it that far. I don’t feel like rubbing cream on my breasts 3 times a day for the rest of my life or wearing a bandaid to cover my nipples inside my bra, just because I choose to wear Victoria’s Secret. Their bras are the best, but the least they could do is pull these off the shelves or reformulate the fabric!!1
November 19th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I’ve also had an itchy rash past year since bought Barely There bras from J. C. Penney, and have seen Dr. for and got different ointments to try. Since seeing about Victoria Secret Bras, have quit wearing those bras (all same style, made in Indonesia). My rash is greatly improving since quit wearing those bras. Shame, because I really liked them otherwise. Any long term affects possible from this?
November 21st, 2008 at 9:05 pm
I think the rubber accelerator point is interesting because people wash bras with bleach often. I am surprised that US hasn’t banned formaldehyde in clothing since other countries have given that it’s both a carcinogen as well as a cause for allergic contact dermatitis.
Deb
Skin Rash Info
www.itchyskinrash.net
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 pm
I also bought a bra from Victoria’s Secret #o8385732 BBV Padded UW. I purchased the bra at Chapel Hill Mall in Colorado Springs. I broke out into a rash on my back and shoulders.Cannot get rid of it. I’ve had it for about a month now.If theres anything I need to do keep me informed;with the law-suit. Thank you! When I returned the bra I had no problem they gave me my $48.33 back no problem;no hassle. It was amazing no one was aware of the rash. The manager said I am the only one that returned the bra. My husband happened to see this on abc news.
November 25th, 2008 at 4:18 am
I have been experiencing painful rashes towards the front of my armpit. Well I always wear this certain bra from victoria secret. so i stopped wearing it for a couple weeks and wore just my other bras which some were VS bras as well and the rash cleared up. So I thought it was ajust a coincidence so i put the bra on again…i got the rash once more in the same spot. It only happens with this one VS bra..none of the others i have fron there bother me just that one
November 25th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I feel vindicated hearing about other women having the same/similar problems. I have been suffering from a ugly rash under my right breast for 1 1/2 yrs. I have seen doctors who recommend I make sure my skin is dry after showering and use Neosporin, etc. before I put on my bra. I have a considerable investment in Vicotria Secret bras. I have 4 Angel bras, 2 Embrase, 1 Very Sexy, 10 IPEX bras. I would like to know how to get involved with the lawsuit.
December 5th, 2008 at 12:29 am
I have worn VS bras for many years but I bought several new bras in April 2008. In May, I started to experience a rash that was concentrated around the bra area but also had expanded to various other parts of my body. I went to several doctors only to be put on different medications and creams. The meds would help but it had many other side effects so I started with a dermatologist and an allergist. Medications changed but nothing really made it go away. It has been extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing at times because of the itchiness. Not to mention a woman doesn’t look very sexy with red, blotchy sometimes scabby breasts. It was great to hear this story.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
This is to “Fed Up Jones.”
I am sorry that you are so disgusted with people being money hungry…but, we that have a rash, have a legitimate complaint. Here’s my story:
I developed dime-sized lesions on my breasts and traveling around my back. The burning and itching was so terrible, I could barely stand it. After figuring out it was in the exact shape of my bra, I stopped wearing it. Then I decided to contact the Victoria’s Secret company myself. I wanted them to warn others of this possible reaction.
After a few days, several reps from VS called me and took my info. They requested I send the bra to them for testing. I thought better than just handing it over for them to possibly destroy it. Then the claims specialist informed me that it was my skin’s fault and none of their own. Later, after some digging of my own, I see that this has been brought to their attention, on several occasions.
I gave them every opportunity to right the wrong. They saw fit to blame the victim. Am I wrong to want them to own up and stop the sale of this harmful product?
I believe that the only way they are actually going to listen, is if we speak as loud as we can, collectively.
And, I am not rid of the disgusting scarring on my breasts and around my torso…they need to understand that this is not acceptable for me to have to live like this for the rest of my life…through no fault of my own.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I have had problems with lesions on my breast for about a year. I like so many others did not know what to think or what to do. I was wearing a mixture of brand name bras so I did not think of the bra as being the culprit. I first thought of my skin care, then of my deodorant, than my laundry detergent and on and on. It was insane. I had 2 nickel size boils on my breast most of the time and would often have fever on them. I use natural products so I was putting witch hazel, non talc powder, and washing with unscented all natural soap. This would help to clear the problem but as soon as I would get rid of one spot another would appear. I thought that maybe that the laundry detergent had gotten stuck in the fabric of the bras so I went out and bought several fruit of the loom bras and hand washed them in natural soap. the lesions started clearing - after about a month they were all gone. I can not tell you of the problems this caused but I will abbreviate. My mother in law has Alzheimer’s and we were trying to get her help, we were going through a business restructure, my youngest was leaving home and all I could think about was the pain of these boil on both of my breast. Now very interesting I was wearing several different bras by VS body by Victoria being the newest. So after this story broke I took all of VS bras and put them in a bag and stored them as I am extremely angry if they knew about this and did not warn the public. Well I missed one (must have been in the laundry with other hand washables) and accidentally wore it and when I took it off guess what…..big boil on my breast. I am getting photos of the scars and the new boil and sending it to VS. I have spent a fortune on their crapy product and they should pay me back. What is so infuriating is the denial. Women will keep wearing this bra. They should be getting a group together to find the problem and doing something about it. In this crazy world it doesn’t take much to ruin an effort someone is making to do a certain job or better themselves. Large boils that have fever on your breast thinking you may have cancer or some other horrible problem is certainly one of the things that can change the path of your life in hard times.
December 19th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
The other thing that can be causing the rash is the actual metal underwire in the bra. This has specifically happened to me and other women. So, at this point I am taking the wire underwires out and replacing them with plastic underwire; which by the way, are very very hard to find. I finally found an internet source in Canada called “Bra-makers Supply.”
The problem with the metal underwires is that even though they are covered by fabric the metal alloy will still leach when we sweat. Plus, there is the problem that the metal alloy is also being absorbed into the body. Nowadays as we have seen, most of our clothing is manufactured in China or items that go into the clothing and the regulations are not the same there. So, who knows what is actually in the metal?! That coupled with the formaldehyde and any other chemicals creates a very real toxic environment for our bodies. Not good!
I hope this information can help some others, since I was just perplexed as to the reactions I was getting.
December 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I own a Bra Fitting boutique in Melbourne, Florida. http://laboutiquedelingerie.com. We carry Anita Bras made in Germany. They are Formaldehyde free. Please read the excerpt from thier website.
Anita Bras
Anita Dr. Helbig GmbH is a German firm founded by Ernst Max Helbig in 1886, who is the great grandfather of the present proprietor Georg Weber-Unger. Anita is noted for the manufacturing of exquisite women’s lingerie, swimwear, maternity garments, and nursing bras. A specialist supplier of foundation garments, swimwear and accessories, is a growing company with a workforce of approx. 1,150 world-wide and an annual turnover of approx. 65 million euros. Its own production sites are located in Germany, Austria, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Far East. For women who are concerned about skin irritants, or who experience chemical sensitivities, this brand will answer their needs for beautiful and irritant-free lingerie, from the thread through to the lace.
The company places great emphasis on ecological considerations so that customers can enjoy the Anita products without concerns. Particular attention is shown to constructing products from fabrics that are irritant-free. Products with a pH-value which correspond to that of skin have been awarded the seal of the International Association for Research and Testing in the field of Textile Ecology (Oeko-Tex), Standard 100. These ecologically sound clothing products are free from carcinogenic dyes, azo dyes, and allergenic dyes; pesticides and chlorated phenols; formaldehyde; heavy metals; organic chlorine compounds and biocides. Anita brings purity of product in an eco-friendly way!
Why would you wear a bra with harmful chemicals in it when there are ones made that do not contain them?
Thank you,
Valerie Lammon
December 27th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I too had this rash-noticed it a few months ago and thought that I had shingles.(Based on the symptoms that i heard of shingles, ie itchy, burning, red area under both breasts) my friend who had shingles looked at it and said that it is not shingles. that very night I saw pictures onCNN about the rash from VS Bras. I had 10 of the body by victoria full coverage uplift and realized that every time I wore one I got the rash and it looked the same. I contacted VS in Orlando and they advised me to bring them back and they gave me a full cash refund for the bras even though I had them a while and i had no receipt. I did keep 2 to have tested for the chemical substance. Dr. said that it is basically a chemical burn type reaction. Keep me posted.
thank you
Maureen
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
I agree with fed up jones . really, lets sue everyone. My kids are fruitous and lactose intolerant. I think I should sue the milk and friut companies because their product would make my teens sick. Better yet, I am allergic to animals maybe they should all be put down. What about enviromental? Pollen and rag weed cause people severe reactions. Lets burn down the woods? Where do you people stop. Get a life, the bra bothers you, stop wearing the darn thing? At least you can avoid what ails you. Alot of people with REAL health problems cant
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
I just heard from my friend about this lawsuit. I too have had a rash since the summer, I have went to the dermtologist, an allergist and they didn’t know what it was and have tried to treat it. I also had a rash for years on my inner thighs, went to several doctors and basically just have to live with it. I buy nothing but VS bras but will stop and throw out all the money I have spent!
January 7th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
This is really crazy…I too have developed a rash, where the rubber on the sides, contacts my skin. The rash has become very uncomfortable and I can only experience relief by not wearing the bra, washing the area with Cetaphil anti-bacterial soap, and cocoa butter lotion to soothe and return skin to normal! How is this? I love Vicky’s and hope that they make whatever necessary changes soon, as I would hate to discontinue purchasing from them. We’ll see…!