How To Get Fiberglass Out Of The Skin Safely And Effectively

Even a brief exposure to fiberglass is harmful to the skin. So, how to get fiberglass out of your skin? It is essential to know the remedy as any delay can cause skin irritation and damage. Let’s look at what fiberglass is, why it is harmful, and preventive measures after it comes into direct contact with skin. Read on!

What Is Fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a type of plastic reinforced with glass fibers. The glass fibers are either arranged randomly or woven into place to create a glass cloth. Fiberglass is popular due to its flexibility, easy availability, and strength. It is sturdier and more durable than most metals. Fiberglass is weather-resistant, lightweight, non-reactive, non-conductive, and easy to mold into any shape or size.

Where Is Fiberglass Used?

Fiberglass has become an irreplaceable product in the aviation, boat-building, and automobile industries. It is useful in roofing, cladding, and making pipes and hot tubs. This versatile material is used for coating door surfaces and acts as a common insulator for homes. However, it is harmful for your health.

Why Is Exposure To Fiberglass Harmful?

Exposure of fiberglass on skin can be very harmful. The inhaled glass fibers can get trapped in the airways (1). Large fibers may restrict your upper airway, while smaller and finer ones can get inhaled deep into your lungs.

The defense mechanism of coughing and sneezing offers a degree of protection against these fibers. However, although the fibers in the upper airway can get cleared, the ones in your lungs will persist.

Here are the short-term and long-term effects of being exposed to fiberglass.

Short-Term Exposure

Direct contact or inhaling the fiberglass can cause skin irritation, itchiness, coughing, and sneezing. It can trigger asthma in case of exposure to high concentrations of fiberglass fibers. Short-term exposure to this material may lead to fiberglass dermatitis (2).

Theresa, a blogger, shared her experience of fiberglass exposure and how her sister faced severe reactions due to it. She wrote, “ “Pillows!” my seven-year-old sister exclaimed, throwing herself on top of the pretty pink piles. And then she burst into tears when she started itching. My father hadn’t even turned on the water in the cabin yet, so she had to wait for a shower to wash the glass fibers off her skin. We had no washer or dryer, so my mother couldn’t wash her clothes. It took a couple of showers and a lot of skin lotion before my sister felt normal, and she complained of itching all weekend (i).”

Quick Tip

Fiberglass dermatitis can affect the face, neck, and hands. Symptoms include follicular rashes, blisters, papules, itching, and redness.

Long-Term Exposure

Long-term effects occur in people exposed to fiberglass due to their occupation. Anecdotal evidence suggests that fiberglass causes lung irritation and may trigger asthma and bronchitis-like conditions.

Why Does Fiberglass Burn Your Skin?

Most fibers are extremely fine and can easily penetrate your skin when you come in direct contact. Instead of merely sticking to the surface, they enter the skin to cause irritation and rash. The pain caused by these splinters, also known as fiberglass itch, can be very troublesome.

These burning sensations are an indication of a severe skin injury if not attended to immediately. Therefore, it is best to take out the fiberglass in the skin, instead of allowing it to fester and form rashes.

Have you got fiberglass stuck in your skin? Don’t panic. Read on for a stepwise guide to safely remove it.

How To Safely Remove Fiberglass From Your Skin

1. Using A Tape

A dark colored tape is how to get fiberglass out of skin. It is one of the most efficient methods to get it out, just remember to clean your skin after using it.

You Will Need

• Dark-colored tape
• Flashlight
• Magnifying glass
• Mild soap

Directions

1. Examine your skin surface with the magnifying glass and flashlight to understand the location of fiberglass splinters.
2. Place the tape over the affected area and press firmly to ensure it gets stuck tightly.
3. Once the splinters are adhered to the tape, gently peel off the tape.
4. Re-examine your skin to check for the damage or any leftover splinters. You can gently rub your skin to feel for any sharpness.
5. Repeat the procedure until you get them all.
6. Cleanse your skin with a mild soap. And this is how to remove fiberglass from skin.

2. Plucking Method

Plucking is a great method, if you are wondering how to get fiberglass out of your skin. It might pinch your skin but it takes out every little particle.

You Will Need

• A pair of tweezers
• Mild soap

Directions

1. Wash your skin with mild soap and water to remove any surface fibers and dust. Avoid rubbing the area to prevent fiberglass splinters from entering deeper into your skin.
2. Under bright light, pluck out fiberglass from your skin gently with the tweezers.
3. Check with your fingertip for any residual fibers.
4. Use mild soap to wash your skin.

Note: This technique is effective only when the fiberglass splinters are close to the skin surface and visible to the naked eye.

3. Removing Fiberglass From Your Eyes

• Splash cold water to the eyes and let them drip dry in front of a fan.

Or

• Use a clean pulverizing bottle to splash cold water at a right angle to your eyes.

Quick Tip

Sometimes fiberglass particles are too tiny to notice. In case of direct contact, take a shower with warm water and mild soap. Use a soft washcloth to remove all traces.

You can also use shaving cream to effectively remove fiberglass from your skin. Learn how in the next section.

How To Get Fiberglass Out Of The Skin With Shaving Cream?

Shaving cream helps soften the skin and the embedded fiberglass so that you can easily remove it with tweezers.

You Will Need

• Shaving cream
• A soft, clean cloth
• Tweezers

Directions

1. Rinse the affected area with cold water.
2. Apply shaving cream generously.
3. Gently massage the cream into the skin.
4. Wait a few minutes to allow the skin and the embedded fiber to soften.
5. Wipe away the shaving cream using a clean cloth.
6. Use clean, sterilized tweezers to remove the protruding fiberglass.
7. Wash the area with soap and water.
8. Keep the area clean and monitor for any signs of infection.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following signs.

When To Visit A Doctor

• Rashes around the affected region
• Severe itching and burning sensations
• Redness or inflammation
• Swelling or discoloration of the skin
• Scaliness and skin irritations

Fiberglass is all around you. It can easily pollute the environment during the manufacturing process or disposal. The next section discusses the potential sources of fiberglass exposure. Scroll down to know what they are.

How Can You Get Exposed To Fiberglass?

Any damage to the fiberglass materials can release sharp particles into the air. While the larger fibers may settle down, the finer ones become airborne like dust. You can then get exposed to these fiberglass pollutants by breathing, swallowing, or direct skin contact.

Occupational Exposure

Occupational exposure is a common occurrence among construction workers and repairing personnel. People who constantly handle fiberglass materials while installing or removing the insulations are most affected. However, you can also get exposed to the fibers during the manufacturing process.

Non-Occupational Exposure

Non-occupational exposure can occur within your homes, offices, or schools. When the fiberglass materials get damaged during installation or disposal, the fragments can enter the surrounding air. The best way to avoid such exposure is by leaving the insulation in your walls and ceilings undisturbed.

‌You can minimize the risk of fiberglass exposure by following these simple precautions.

How Can You Limit Exposure To Fiberglass?

• Wear loose garments that can offer full-body coverage while working with fiberglass.
• Use protective gear like gloves, closed-toe shoes, and eye gear to shield sensitive areas.
• Work in a well-ventilated room. This will help reduce the concentration of fiberglass in the air.
• Wash your hands after working with fiberglass.
• Wash your work clothes separately to prevent the transfer of fiberglass onto other clothes.
• Change your work clothes while interacting with your family.
• Do not leave your food and drinks open where there may be fiberglass in the air.
• Clean the floors using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove finer particles. Avoid sweeping fiberglass dust.
• Keep a mild soap and tweezers handy in a first aid kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does vinegar dissolve fiberglass in the skin?

Yes, vinegar is a safe alternative that can help dissolve fiberglass. After taking a hot shower, you can rinse your body with diluted vinegar and wash it off with cold water to remove the smell.

Does apple cider vinegar dissolve fiberglass?

Yes, apple cider vinegar makes for a chemical-free alternative that can dissolve fiberglass particles from your clothes and body. You can wash your body with a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse to remove the particles.

How does Epsom salt remove fiberglass from the skin?

You can add Epsom salt to your bath water and wash your skin with this mix to remove the fiberglass particles effectively.

How long does fiberglass stay in your skin?

If not taken out, fiberglass can stay in your skin for a while. It could be a day or two. And can lead to infections or rashes.

Personal Experience: Source

i. Insulation – Then and Now
https://www.theresahuppauthor.com/blog/2013/05/01/insulation-then-and-now/

Sources

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Dr. Sravya TipirneniMBBS, MD DVL, AMPH (ISB)

     

Dr. Sravya Chowdary Tipirneni is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist with 7 years of experience and practices at Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, India. She is a life member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists and Leprologists and the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India (ASCI). Dr. Sravya completed her MBBS from Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences &...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for and understanding of all things related to skin, hair, and beauty propelled her to pursue a career in writing....more