After swimming for 10 years with no problem, I recently developed a bad reaction to my goggles. Every time I wear them the skin around my eyes (and other parts of my face) swells and turns red, itchy, and scaly. I went through allergy patch testing at the dermatologist's, and they diagnosed an allergy to two groups of chemicals, Thiuram Mix and Carba Mix. These are rubber accelerators used to turn raw rubber into rubber products. I tried latex-free googles - it didn't help. I also tried Swedes, and I still get a reaction, although not quite as bad (maybe from the strap and nosepiece?) I tried a bungee cord, but it didn't help, probably because the chemicals are found in most elastics. I have tried to contact TYR and Speedo to see if they make any goggles that don't use these chemicals, but so far I've only gotten the email equivalent of a blank stare.
So, has anyone ever heard of or experienced this? Any ideas on what might work? I read older forum discussions from ~2008 where people complained of similar issues, but no one seemed to have a solution. Thanks for your help! For the chemists out there, these are the specific chemicals I'm trying to avoid: tetramethylthiuram monosulfide, tetramethylthiuram disulfide, tetraethylthiuram disulfide, dipentamethylenethiuram disulfide, zinc diethyldithiocarbamate, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, and diphenylguanidine.
I remember that sometime in the mid-80s, there were goggles with no rubber or foam around the edge. The plastic eyepiece was directly on your skin. They were the fad-of-the-day for racing. There was a plastic piece between the eyes around a string (if I recall correctly). I cannot remember the strap, but assume it must have been an elastic of some sort, but I am sure that you could probably find another way to secure on your head. I did a quick search of Speedo goggles and it does not look like they make anything like that today. Maybe another manufacturer?
I remember that sometime in the mid-80s, there were goggles with no rubber or foam around the edge. The plastic eyepiece was directly on your skin. They were the fad-of-the-day for racing. There was a plastic piece between the eyes around a string (if I recall correctly). I cannot remember the strap, but assume it must have been an elastic of some sort, but I am sure that you could probably find another way to secure on your head. I did a quick search of Speedo goggles and it does not look like they make anything like that today. Maybe another manufacturer?
