I haven't started hormones yet so I've been wearing a stuffed bra. I've been using some soft socks to stuff my bra when I go over to friends house however I recently came out at work and I've been wearing gender-affirming work attire this past week. My friend suggested I try out inserts instead of using socks. I bought two pairs of Lingerie Solutions inserts from Wal-Mart. A pair of water Push Up Pads and some silicone enhancers.

However I noticed that when I wear the silicone in contact with my skin I started developing a read rash after about 4 hours and its starting itching incessantly and becomes very irritated. This doesn't happen with the water pads and I'm using the same bra for both. Putting paper towel between my skin and the silicone helps a lot but isn't a very good solution, I didn't cover it right today and the parts that made contact started turning red within an hour.

Is anything I can do about this? Am I probably just allergic to silicone? Are there alternatives? I was eventually hoping to upgrade to breast forms since it might be a little while before I start HRT.

It could possibly be an allergy, I have difficulty with most synthetic materials and have to avoid polyester and even have to wear gloves when I ride my bicycle or I get some pretty nasty rashes

Hi Lizzy, Welcome to Susan's. Lizzy we can't say for sure if that is the case since were not doctors, but if your having that type of reaction I wouldn't come into contact with what is causing the reaction. I look forward to seeing you around the site. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah

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I have the same problem with adhesives. Can you coat the area between the silicone and your skin by, perhaps, pasting a layer of microfiber cloth to it?

Allergy to latex and silicone is pretty common. One reason most hospital workers now wear nitrile gloves.

As LordKat said put a barrier between your forms and your skin, treat the rash with 1% cortisol cream.

And the best cure? See a therapist and start on HRT!! Most of us have a rather pleasant reaction with profound swelling in the boob area

Well since you seem to be allergic it might be advisable to use only good materials...
there are tutorials on selfmade breast forms with grain, like rice, and a few layers of pantyhose .
You could wash the pantyhose beforehand.

hugs

Quote from: LordKAT on May 15, 2015, 03:29:24 AM
I have the same problem with adhesives.

I hear you on that, when I had my shoulder worked on the adhesive tape gave me some nasty rashes that took quite awhile to clear up

Yes I used to get that problem too with some types and brands of breast forms.  When I was still working 8 to 5 I purchased small soft cotton women's handkerchiefs and used those as a barrier between my skin and the form.  I found the cotton handkerchiefs were easy to wash out and they were comfortable too.  The type of bra I wore had been professionally fitted for me though so everything stayed in place very nicely.

Thank you to everyone who responded. I ended up getting some Jersey knit material and sowing some little pouches to put the silicone inserts into. I'm using them for the first time today and so far so good. They're really soft and breathe really well and so far no rashes!