Do leather sofas cause skin rashes, blisters or any kind of skin allergy?

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   Vellurposted 12 years ago

   Do leather sofas cause skin rashes, blisters or any kind of skin allergy?

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   LilaDaleyposted 12 years ago

   We have a leather sofa set and have no issues with skin irritations.  I have severe sensitive skin and sit on our sofas often and no problems.
   
   What makes you think there would be an issue with skin irritations from a leather sofa?

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      frogyfishposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Some individuals have an acquired propensity to chemical sensitivities, and leather with its tanning, dye and protective chemicals is able to produce skin irritations in these ultra sensitive individuals.  Be glad that you do not have this problem.

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      Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Glad that you have no skin irritations when you sit on leather sofas. Happy for you. Thank you.

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   frogyfishposted 12 years ago

   Basic response, yes they can.  However, the qualification is that the leather tanning and chemical treatments or dyes are the usual culprits in  eliciting 'rashes or allergy'.  This can happen with any leather including wristwatch bands - which I cannot wear for long, or risk 'breaking out' under the band area.
   If you are suffering from alleged 'leather sofa allergies' a tightly woven throw might be used when you sit on the sofa to prevent skin contact with the leather..  It is also possible that outgassing of chemicals in the leather might be problematic in addition to the skin contact/absorption.  This will gradually lessen and be less of a stimulant for allergy, but might take several years to lower reactivity problems.  Old leather will have outgassed enough and probably be less likely to produce symptoms.  Different leathers might be greater or lesser producers of irritations depending on chemicals used on them.

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      Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That is informative, thank you.

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   teresapelkaposted 12 years ago

   Leather furniture doesn't 'breathe' like other pieces, this could irritate the skin.

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      Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You are right leather does not breathe, this could be one of the reasons. Thank you.

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   Express10posted 12 years ago

   While there are people who are severely allergic to common things such as dyes and tanners, it's also possible that the person is reacting from something else, possibly someone's perfume or lotion that rubbed onto the sofa or there was a visitor or family member who had a skin condition that left things on the sofa that can cause problems for others.

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      Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That is also possible, thank you.

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   teaches12345posted 12 years ago

   We have leather furniture and have enjoyed it for over ten years.  Very durable and comfortable - also easy to keep clean.  The only issue I've had with leather furniture is that, after a good while,  it does tend to absorb your body heat and reflect it back to you.  This is good if you are cold, but a little uncomfortable if you are warm.  I imagine this is what could cause skin irritation.

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      Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Oh yes that could be the cause too, thank you.

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   unvrsoposted 12 years ago

   If the sofa is very used and dirty, it can even be the home of very small animals known as dust mites. These animals feed on the dead skin of humans and can live anywhere in the house, including the clothes, pillows, blankets and sofas.

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      Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Well, that could be one of the many reasons. Thank you.

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   Jackie Lynnleyposted 12 years ago

   It would be my guess that other than the answers you have here already that someone with very sensitive skin may develop a rash or blisters sitting on leather too long with it making the skin moist and open to irritation. It seems germs may cling more so to leather too than cloth surfaces which could further inflame irritation. But just a guess!

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      Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Germs could be the culprits. thank you.

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   MindbodyandFood4uposted 12 years ago

   I have been sitting on a leather Ekornes couch for 8 years with no issues and a leather couch from Italy 10 years before that. My daughter used the old Italian couch for years and to my knowledge no one has had a problem. I would be sure of your vendor and make sure its a quality made product. There is a lot of furniture coming out of China and it could have inferior chemicals in the dye process that could have possible irritants. If this is the issue you may want to check with the manufactor before you purchase.

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      Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for this piece of information.

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    Shawnte87posted 12 years ago

    I would assume so, if you have an allergy to leather.

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       Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Okay, that is a thought. Thank you.

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    Blond Logicposted 12 years ago

    I too have a leather sofa and have had no problems with it. However, I have read that some that were made, in China, had chemicals applied to them to stop mold growing. Many people reacted badly to this and I believe they traced it back to the manufactures. Whether this has been stopped I can't say.
    Therefore, it is possible, the problem isn't the leather, it is the chemicals that have been applied.

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       Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Oh yes this could be one of the problems, thank you.

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    HealthCanadaposted 12 years ago

    Allergies are caused by foreign proteins entering the body
    A rash from leather use is normally caused by the chemical stains that the leather goes through to become 'shiny'.
    I recommend not sitting around on leather naked, or in short pants or shirtless, as the skin can easily be irritated from heat radiation and human sweat leaching the finish into the body through open pores.
    -HC

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       Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Good advice, thank you.

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    tillsontitanposted 12 years ago

    It is always possible someone will have an allergic reaction to something, anything, but in general that is not the case with leather.  If someone in the family already has an allergy to leather than certainly any leather furniture is not a good idea.  While I've never had a leather sofa I have had leather seats in my car and have never heard of anyone having a problem.

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       Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Yes that is a vital point, thank you.

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    tirelesstravelerposted 12 years ago

    We are allergic to just about everything and we did fine with our leather couch:)

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       Vellurposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Great that you are doing fine with the couch!!, thank you.

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    savannah01posted 12 years ago

    You may visit www.clearclinic.com for significant information on skin care.

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    enggmodelsposted 11 years ago

    Leather chemicals used as synthetic substitutes. syntans manufacturers in india. Syntans are used for retanning of leather processing to produce leathers
    
    To know more Please click below:
    http://www.zsiviraindia.com/syntans.php

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