My husband recently switched from a GC2B binder - which wasn't working for him because he is too big and the control panel didn't come down far enough - to an Underworks. He complained that now, his back is very itchy, and there are some small red bumps behind his shoulders. He suspected it might be related to body hair coming in, as he has been on T for six months. Does anyone else have any ideas or suggestions?
I've found that wearing a light undershirt helps, like tank top or A shirt (some people call them wife beaters).
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This is kind of an off the wall though that may not apply but the binder is a close fitting garment and as such, anything that would normally be a minor problem may become a major problem. I always wash anything new because the sizing can sometimes irritate my skin. Excessive soap in the wash resulting in an improper rinse could be a problem and in the case of my roommate, some brands of soap caused skin irritation. Last but not least, binders use elastic which contains rubber like Latex. For some people, Latex rubber can cause a reaction.
One other possibly is if he wears the binder more than 8 hours a day, his skin may not have had time to recover from the last wearing. I understand the desire to bind however a binder isn't a great solution to the problem though it's far better than nothing.
It could be sweating or body hair. He could try using a powder like Gold Bond on his skin before he puts it on.
I found the material in an Underworks binder really uncomfortable too. Switchig to a GC2B binder was amazing and it binds a lot better too. Are you sure he bought the right size? I found this sort of tricky and even after measuring my chest correctly I had to go down a size (their customer service was excellent though). Maybe also try a full length binder even you hadn't already.
FLVNT streetwear make a similar binder to GC2B if you want to try them instead.
Quote from: Elis on May 06, 2017, 06:03:12 AM
Are you sure he bought the right size?.. Maybe also try a full length binder even you hadn't already.
Customer service was waffling on size. "I would have said 5x if you didn't just say 4x was loose". It IS a full length binder, but his chest sags below the control panel, and he would find himself suddenly trying to figure out how to inconspicuously push his nipple up into the control area.
I've always had a problem with itchy binders and it hasn't been as bad with GC2B for me, but since he needs Underworks, getting some nice undershirts to wear under my Underworks helped me LOADS when I used to use them. I also started to put antiperspirant on the most sweaty parts before I pull on the binder (for me- between and in the fold, as well as on my shoulders- for him, could be different). Underworks material is very rough and I'm sure it could irritate the skin very easily.