25-01-2011, 10:52
Unabashed rash
September 1 2007 at 6:28 PM Bex (no login)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello again,
Sorry to harp on about my skin complaints (always a pleasant subject!), but just wondering if anyone has, or knows anyone who has had, any permanent scarring from the system? I have developed a red rash all over my torso - probably a silicon allergy, but took 4 weeks to appear, which seems a little strange.
I'm sure it's fine now, but considering I have to wear this blasted contraption for another 10 weeks, am a little worried I might be permanently disfiguring myself. Not really worth £1,000...
Many thanks!
B
Author Reply
Louise
(Login Louise1982)
SENIOR MEMBER Re: Unabashed rash September 1 2007, 8:03 PM
Other people have complained about skin problems. Do you use a lot of manual suction or wear for very long hours? IS the weather hot wherever you are at the moment? I think I only read of one person who had permanent marks but other people have taken months to fix their skin after. I have worn the domes average 20 hours over last week (almost constant the last 5 days) with really quite a lot of suction. This as given me a few pimples on the boobs but embarassingly I think this may have been started as I waxed just the cleavage area (I'm being investigated for pco as I have high testosterone symptoms including body hair) then had to put the domes back on that night - Seri did warn me about too much suction causing pimples. Generally the 'footprint' left by the domes is gone by the time I put them back on.
I think to have an allergy you need to become sensitised if it is not an allergen that your body has met before which may explain the delayed response. Do the surface of your silicone pads look like they're pilling? I think the silicone is the inside stuff with like a polythene coating, so if the coating's breaking down your skin is now exposed when it wasn't previously, and again that could explain the delayed reaction. Does the rash extend below where the domes go? Is it actually on your boobs or just in a ring where they touch you?
Unfortunately I think the only way to improve the rash is going to be rest, and it may get worse if not treated. Apparently if you get 8.5 hours one night in the week but 11 hours every other night it doesn't count as a day off so maybe you could try that first and hopefully it won't set you back. After you take the domes off, give your skin a good wash with whatever bath products you used happily prior to Brava then you might want to try hydrocortisone cream, (I actually like Savlon antiseptic cream best). Someoone else said the'r skin is better if they don't wash before applying the domes, this means the oil of your skin gets on the domes and isn't good for them but is better for the skin - I agree with this but I don't know if anyone else does. When I had skin problems I left the domes off for 4 days then started again from week 1 day 1, but luckily I had only worn for about a week - if you do this you will have to start again at the beginning but I thought I'd rather restart earlier than later.
Sorry this has turned into a novel, hope it feels better, let us know how you get on x
Edit Message Delete Message
Bex
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 2 2007, 1:29 PM
Many thanks, Louise - that was just the sort of comprehensive reply I was hoping for.
I think you may be correct about the allergic reaction (looked it up on the web and the delay could well be down to the sensitisation period). Despite trying various creams and cleaning products, the rash is now all over my stomach and back and I have some blistering on my breasts... so am thinking it might be the end of the road for me. Which is a massive, massive shame after all that money, but I value my health more!
At least now I'll have a social life again... I'll think of you all when I'm down the pub at 7pm!
I haven't ruled out the idea of implants, however - though I have always managed to talk myself out of it so far. Have you ever considered this? The thing is, I wouldn't want much at all - maybe less than 200cc... do you think these would look natural?
Once again, all my thanks for advice.
Bex
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 2 2007, 4:52 PM
I don't really want implants as however low the complication rate is it could be me that has the problem and then you end up small and terribly scarred. Also you see some people with them and think "God I'd rather be small" because they look so embarassingly fake. Obviously if you keep them small this is less likely but I don't know if they'd feel real to someone else. If I really really can't get anywhere (and I'm considering two Brava cycles of 26 weeks with 4 month break, and taking herbs as well) and it really really bothers me I may look more seriously into the injectable fillers either celution or macrolane. Both of them mean that only natural stuff went in so you may never be huge but there should be less chance of them being stiff. I'm impatient to see what my Brava result will be as first I noticed bigger swelling, went up a dome size, then the same big swelling with shorter sessions and now I am actually beginning to retain something...so desperate for it to work. If I can get 2 inches from session 1, rounder and fuller and hopefully another inch with herbs and massage then maybe final inch from session 2 - I know this is optimistic!
RE Your rash:
Are your domes in good enough condition to sell? You can at least make some money back from ebay. The UK ebay seller charged £350 for new domes (even though they are only £200 from Brava) and £125 for smartbox.
If there are any pills of silicone on your domes why not pick them off squash them into one and use a sticking plaster or surgical tape to stick it somewhere like your ankle that the domes haven't touched, then stick another bit of tape on the other ankle as a control (just in case you're allergic to the tape!), if the silicone ankle comes up in a rash then there is probably no way you can use Brava but if it doesn't then maybe you just need a break then try again - I really did consider giving it up. Also if you're willing to experiement with the domes you maybe able to get a seal over a polythene bag if you use an airlock to suck quite tight but don't know what this will do to the domes. I have tried a strip of greasproof paper down the middle and that didn't seem to damage them but only did it once.
To help the rash you have now (and I really don't know how you got it on your back - are you sure it's not German measles or allergy to laundry detergent or a jumper or something?) I think you'll have to leave them off until it's gone. Just wash the skin a couple of times a day with cool water, use whatever moisturiser you've always used and wear a cotton vest instead of a bra. If it doesn't go away you may have to see the doctor...keep us posted.
p.s. I am trying some spot cream on the pimples my mega session gave me so it's not all fun and games for me either...good luck
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(Login Louise1982)
SENIOR MEMBER Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 9:57 AM
Hey Bex,
Just wondered how you're getting on..I'm getting a rash where the domes sit now and have asked for advice somewhere else so if we come up with anything we'll keep you posted. I'm just going to do 12 hour nights for a bit, give them a good wash after and use some hydrocortisone. (Interestingly it's not itchy)
Hope you're ok x
Edit Message Delete Message
livinonaprayer
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 1:05 PM
Are you using the Brava antiseptic dome cleaner and the skin prep wipes? You can sub baby shampoo for Brava cleanser and Eucerin Calming Cream for Brava Lotion, but coach told me there is no good substitute for the dome cleaner and the skin prep wipes. I used both and never had any skin problems. You might want to give it a try. When I do my next cycle in January, I'm going to find another source on the internet for the skin prep wipes instead of Brava website, but I will continue to buy the antiseptic dome cleanser from Brava. It also keeps your domes tacky.
Good luck!
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 1:48 PM
In the UK they only supply the skin prep and it's a roll-on, I've only not used it I think 3 times and never had any problem. I think my rash is my own fault as I wore them almost constantly for 5 days last week and used a LOT of suction - did touch the end of the XL domes and was up 2-2.5 inches on starting measurements last night after having the domes off for 15 hours so hope it's doing somethnig for me. I'm just finishing week 9 and aiming for 26. I'm not sure if the rash of red bumps where the domes sit is some sort of irritation or what Seri called heat acne (she advised me to be careful with long hours and extra suction to avoid this - I should've listened!), I'm not really itchy but they're not pus-filled. Any ideas how to get rid of the bumps now I have them?
Edit Message Delete Message
Bex
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 8:01 PM
Hello again!
Sorry to go awol - am in the middle of exams at the moment so everything relatively stressful. Maybe my brava rash is just an externalisation of my tired, mouldy brain.
Many thanks for all the advice. After pretty much deciding to give up and teasing the mind into thinking it would have some relief, the rash then miraculously retracted a little (amazing, the power of the brain) - so I powered through... and am powering as we speak.
Did a couple of 11 hour nights with serious skin management and rash seems to be under control where the domes touch the skin (though still very red with some blotchiness) - however, the rash over my stomach and back has now progressed to arms and legs, only very mildly, but enough to show that something isn't quite right. I think it must be a mild allergy, so just hope my constitution gets used to it over time.
To let you know what skin prep I did:
- washed breasts with soap and water
- rubbed in Eurax cream (stops itchiness) - waited to dry
- rubbed in Witch Hazel gel - waited to dry
- rubbed in Hydrocortisone ointment - waited to dry (as much as it can)
- rolled on skin prep
- stuck as much tape on as I could get away with without fear of domes falling off
- held my breath and hoped
Am now easing my hours back up again... 12.5 tonight, a bit more over the weekend (I rarely get an average of more than 13 hours a night because of work).
Will keep you posted!
Bx
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 9:09 PM
Good to know you're getting past it, if it's improving in the area where the domes contact it may well have been caused by something else as even if there was another cause just having something pressing there for hours at a time would probably make it worse.
I have a rash too now mainly top and bottom of where the domes sit, slightly down the middle but that's possibly slightly better. Kept hours low this week and less suction, and will do the same till it clears up then probably for a week after to be safe. I also found witch hazel good and using zinc cream too, hydrocortisone just made me feel all greasy and it's not really that itchy.
Hope your exams are going well, keep us posted on your skin and if you have time later it'd be great if you could do a personal program page with hours and measurements and stuff.
September 1 2007 at 6:28 PM Bex (no login)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello again,
Sorry to harp on about my skin complaints (always a pleasant subject!), but just wondering if anyone has, or knows anyone who has had, any permanent scarring from the system? I have developed a red rash all over my torso - probably a silicon allergy, but took 4 weeks to appear, which seems a little strange.
I'm sure it's fine now, but considering I have to wear this blasted contraption for another 10 weeks, am a little worried I might be permanently disfiguring myself. Not really worth £1,000...
Many thanks!
B
Author Reply
Louise
(Login Louise1982)
SENIOR MEMBER Re: Unabashed rash September 1 2007, 8:03 PM
Other people have complained about skin problems. Do you use a lot of manual suction or wear for very long hours? IS the weather hot wherever you are at the moment? I think I only read of one person who had permanent marks but other people have taken months to fix their skin after. I have worn the domes average 20 hours over last week (almost constant the last 5 days) with really quite a lot of suction. This as given me a few pimples on the boobs but embarassingly I think this may have been started as I waxed just the cleavage area (I'm being investigated for pco as I have high testosterone symptoms including body hair) then had to put the domes back on that night - Seri did warn me about too much suction causing pimples. Generally the 'footprint' left by the domes is gone by the time I put them back on.
I think to have an allergy you need to become sensitised if it is not an allergen that your body has met before which may explain the delayed response. Do the surface of your silicone pads look like they're pilling? I think the silicone is the inside stuff with like a polythene coating, so if the coating's breaking down your skin is now exposed when it wasn't previously, and again that could explain the delayed reaction. Does the rash extend below where the domes go? Is it actually on your boobs or just in a ring where they touch you?
Unfortunately I think the only way to improve the rash is going to be rest, and it may get worse if not treated. Apparently if you get 8.5 hours one night in the week but 11 hours every other night it doesn't count as a day off so maybe you could try that first and hopefully it won't set you back. After you take the domes off, give your skin a good wash with whatever bath products you used happily prior to Brava then you might want to try hydrocortisone cream, (I actually like Savlon antiseptic cream best). Someoone else said the'r skin is better if they don't wash before applying the domes, this means the oil of your skin gets on the domes and isn't good for them but is better for the skin - I agree with this but I don't know if anyone else does. When I had skin problems I left the domes off for 4 days then started again from week 1 day 1, but luckily I had only worn for about a week - if you do this you will have to start again at the beginning but I thought I'd rather restart earlier than later.
Sorry this has turned into a novel, hope it feels better, let us know how you get on x
Edit Message Delete Message
Bex
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 2 2007, 1:29 PM
Many thanks, Louise - that was just the sort of comprehensive reply I was hoping for.
I think you may be correct about the allergic reaction (looked it up on the web and the delay could well be down to the sensitisation period). Despite trying various creams and cleaning products, the rash is now all over my stomach and back and I have some blistering on my breasts... so am thinking it might be the end of the road for me. Which is a massive, massive shame after all that money, but I value my health more!
At least now I'll have a social life again... I'll think of you all when I'm down the pub at 7pm!
I haven't ruled out the idea of implants, however - though I have always managed to talk myself out of it so far. Have you ever considered this? The thing is, I wouldn't want much at all - maybe less than 200cc... do you think these would look natural?
Once again, all my thanks for advice.
Bex
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 2 2007, 4:52 PM
I don't really want implants as however low the complication rate is it could be me that has the problem and then you end up small and terribly scarred. Also you see some people with them and think "God I'd rather be small" because they look so embarassingly fake. Obviously if you keep them small this is less likely but I don't know if they'd feel real to someone else. If I really really can't get anywhere (and I'm considering two Brava cycles of 26 weeks with 4 month break, and taking herbs as well) and it really really bothers me I may look more seriously into the injectable fillers either celution or macrolane. Both of them mean that only natural stuff went in so you may never be huge but there should be less chance of them being stiff. I'm impatient to see what my Brava result will be as first I noticed bigger swelling, went up a dome size, then the same big swelling with shorter sessions and now I am actually beginning to retain something...so desperate for it to work. If I can get 2 inches from session 1, rounder and fuller and hopefully another inch with herbs and massage then maybe final inch from session 2 - I know this is optimistic!
RE Your rash:
Are your domes in good enough condition to sell? You can at least make some money back from ebay. The UK ebay seller charged £350 for new domes (even though they are only £200 from Brava) and £125 for smartbox.
If there are any pills of silicone on your domes why not pick them off squash them into one and use a sticking plaster or surgical tape to stick it somewhere like your ankle that the domes haven't touched, then stick another bit of tape on the other ankle as a control (just in case you're allergic to the tape!), if the silicone ankle comes up in a rash then there is probably no way you can use Brava but if it doesn't then maybe you just need a break then try again - I really did consider giving it up. Also if you're willing to experiement with the domes you maybe able to get a seal over a polythene bag if you use an airlock to suck quite tight but don't know what this will do to the domes. I have tried a strip of greasproof paper down the middle and that didn't seem to damage them but only did it once.
To help the rash you have now (and I really don't know how you got it on your back - are you sure it's not German measles or allergy to laundry detergent or a jumper or something?) I think you'll have to leave them off until it's gone. Just wash the skin a couple of times a day with cool water, use whatever moisturiser you've always used and wear a cotton vest instead of a bra. If it doesn't go away you may have to see the doctor...keep us posted.
p.s. I am trying some spot cream on the pimples my mega session gave me so it's not all fun and games for me either...good luck
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(Login Louise1982)
SENIOR MEMBER Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 9:57 AM
Hey Bex,
Just wondered how you're getting on..I'm getting a rash where the domes sit now and have asked for advice somewhere else so if we come up with anything we'll keep you posted. I'm just going to do 12 hour nights for a bit, give them a good wash after and use some hydrocortisone. (Interestingly it's not itchy)
Hope you're ok x
Edit Message Delete Message
livinonaprayer
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 1:05 PM
Are you using the Brava antiseptic dome cleaner and the skin prep wipes? You can sub baby shampoo for Brava cleanser and Eucerin Calming Cream for Brava Lotion, but coach told me there is no good substitute for the dome cleaner and the skin prep wipes. I used both and never had any skin problems. You might want to give it a try. When I do my next cycle in January, I'm going to find another source on the internet for the skin prep wipes instead of Brava website, but I will continue to buy the antiseptic dome cleanser from Brava. It also keeps your domes tacky.
Good luck!
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 1:48 PM
In the UK they only supply the skin prep and it's a roll-on, I've only not used it I think 3 times and never had any problem. I think my rash is my own fault as I wore them almost constantly for 5 days last week and used a LOT of suction - did touch the end of the XL domes and was up 2-2.5 inches on starting measurements last night after having the domes off for 15 hours so hope it's doing somethnig for me. I'm just finishing week 9 and aiming for 26. I'm not sure if the rash of red bumps where the domes sit is some sort of irritation or what Seri called heat acne (she advised me to be careful with long hours and extra suction to avoid this - I should've listened!), I'm not really itchy but they're not pus-filled. Any ideas how to get rid of the bumps now I have them?
Edit Message Delete Message
Bex
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 8:01 PM
Hello again!
Sorry to go awol - am in the middle of exams at the moment so everything relatively stressful. Maybe my brava rash is just an externalisation of my tired, mouldy brain.
Many thanks for all the advice. After pretty much deciding to give up and teasing the mind into thinking it would have some relief, the rash then miraculously retracted a little (amazing, the power of the brain) - so I powered through... and am powering as we speak.
Did a couple of 11 hour nights with serious skin management and rash seems to be under control where the domes touch the skin (though still very red with some blotchiness) - however, the rash over my stomach and back has now progressed to arms and legs, only very mildly, but enough to show that something isn't quite right. I think it must be a mild allergy, so just hope my constitution gets used to it over time.
To let you know what skin prep I did:
- washed breasts with soap and water
- rubbed in Eurax cream (stops itchiness) - waited to dry
- rubbed in Witch Hazel gel - waited to dry
- rubbed in Hydrocortisone ointment - waited to dry (as much as it can)
- rolled on skin prep
- stuck as much tape on as I could get away with without fear of domes falling off
- held my breath and hoped
Am now easing my hours back up again... 12.5 tonight, a bit more over the weekend (I rarely get an average of more than 13 hours a night because of work).
Will keep you posted!
Bx
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(no login) Re: Unabashed rash September 5 2007, 9:09 PM
Good to know you're getting past it, if it's improving in the area where the domes contact it may well have been caused by something else as even if there was another cause just having something pressing there for hours at a time would probably make it worse.
I have a rash too now mainly top and bottom of where the domes sit, slightly down the middle but that's possibly slightly better. Kept hours low this week and less suction, and will do the same till it clears up then probably for a week after to be safe. I also found witch hazel good and using zinc cream too, hydrocortisone just made me feel all greasy and it's not really that itchy.
Hope your exams are going well, keep us posted on your skin and if you have time later it'd be great if you could do a personal program page with hours and measurements and stuff.