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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    507

    Silicone allergy?

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    Can you be allergic to silicone grippers on cycling shorts and other clothing? I thought is was supposed to be elastic (latex) allergy and silicone was fine?

    My grippers cause burning red marks and little red spots on my legs as well as my "hold me in" underwear and strapless bras with silicone grippers on them.

    This weekend I tried a test- took an anithistamine (nose was itchy anyway) and rolled up my grippers. The edges still managed to cause red burning lines and spots appeared. These shorts are pretty new. I guess I should get the grippers replaced. If silicone does this to me, will normal latex elastic ones will as well? Any other ideas what is causing this?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Tucson, AZ
    Posts
    4,632
    Maybe it's a sweat-related reaction. I couldn't wear watch bands or flip-flops with straps made of that stuff for a long time, because if it got wet or sweaty, I'd end up with an itchy, angry red spotty rash in the shape of whatever it was. I don't have an issue with bike shorts, but everyone's different.
    At least I don't leave slime trails.
    http://wholecog.wordpress.com/

    2009 Giant Avail 3 |Specialized Jett 143

    2013 Charge Filter Apex| Specialized Jett 143
    1996(?) Giant Iguana 630|Specialized Riva


    Saving for the next one...

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Uncanny Valley
    Posts
    14,498
    I'm sensitive to the silicone grippers too. It's been discussed here before and we're not the only ones. It's definitely worse in hot weather. Latex doesn't bother me, thank goodness.

    I just flip the grippers inside out (some of them are printed so the logos are right ways up that way, so they're plainly meant to be worn that way). It sometimes makes the shorts shorter than I'd like, but it works.
    Speed comes from what you put behind you. - Judi Ketteler

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Concord, MA
    Posts
    13,394
    I haven't had this problem, but on Friday I wore a new pair of Voler shorts. They were under my tights, and quite compressed. Within minutes, those angry red marks appeared. I always get red lines, but this was different. It went away qickly, but now I am wondering about the silicone.
    2015 Trek Silque SSL
    Specialized Oura

    2011 Guru Praemio
    Specialized Oura
    2017 Specialized Ariel Sport

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    101
    I am part of this sisterhood. Itchy. I flip up the grippers as well. I also have a latex allergy. My theory is that the silicon has latex in it. I don't know this, but I do know that I react to it.
    Giant TCR C3 :: Specialized Jett 143
    Specialized FSR :: Terry Butterfly
    Vintage Giant Road Bike :: Specialized Lithia


 

 

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