Metol-safety of use-Barry Thornton

[dancqu]

Please tell me; this doesn't sound like metol
sensitivity, does it?

Seems unlikely But? Many years ago I had an all
over rash which I later attributed to metol. See my
first post this thread. I was OK, just this rash. Paid
it little attention. It faded away. Dan

 

[jgcull]

>>>It faded away<<<

How long did it take? Ugh - this isn't one I can pay little attention to. Monday I'm showing up at the dermatologist's office to beg to be seen. (We do have another, and I don't know why but business seems to be especially good for them. Long waits!)

It probably isn't the developer's fault, but the thought of going in there with the however-slight chance it will make things worse keeps me out of the darkroom. And I have a print exchange due. This is miserable!

 

[2F/2F]

The allergies vary with the individual and other factors, and usually don't occur until one has had repeated exposure. I had no problems until about two years after I started with photography. Then I started getting mild bumps in the same spots every now and then. Each time it gets worse too. The older doctor (UCLA dermatologist) I talked to was familiar with this, as, of course, lots more people used to work in darkrooms so these complaints were not all that uncommon. He said, like poison oak and poison ivy, you become more allergic the more exposure you get.

Simple solution: just wear gloves. It has worked so far with me!

 

[dancqu]

>>>It faded away<<< How long did it take?

Couldn't say. I felt quite well and the doctors had
no idea of what it was so I snuck out of quarantine.
No problem but thought I should have it checked.

BTW, since then I've spent years doing darkroom work
without using gloves or tongs. No problems. Dan