The burn???

[awilson500]

I was just woundering about the burn and itch

that I feel after I clean my tank, really I feel it any time I put my arm in there. Is this just me or is it normal.
I only check for nitrite, nitrate and ammonia all readings are always good.
The tank is doing really good other than the burn that I feel.

 

[alix2.0]

hmm, sensitive or dry skin? sometimes if my skin is dry the saltwater makes me itch, but ive never been "burned".

 

[phelpz]

I have the problem too.
If I dont wash my hands/arms right aftr they get pretty itchy and start to burn.
My hands and arms do get pretty dry from the salt water though.

 

[awilson500]

good it sounds like I'm not the only one....

I never really thought myself as having sensitive skin.

 

[cleve_seahorse]

I always feel that in winter...eventhough I moisturize every night....I attribute it to winter dry heat , not enough humidity/....ps...I have my arms in my tank every day....bristle worm hunt..,hehe

 

[rockette]

Well the pH of the system is rather basic, correct? >7 is basic. Anything greater than a pH 8 will cause minor skin irritation. If most saltwater tanks are a pH of about 8 or so, there's your reason right there. Wear long gloves next time.

 

[rtspeed]

its common don't worry about it.

 

[h3b]

yeah it happens to me but my arms get blood red if I don't wash and soap them and my skins not sensitive. i think i may be allergic to the salt I use.

 

[stdreb27]

My roommate had the same problem, every time he worked in his tank he'd have a reaction to the water. They do sell gloves so your arms don't get wet. (you can get the ones made specifically for aquariums, or look at your local feed store and get the ones vets use for checking horses I don't think those have powder on them)

 

[awilson500]

thanks everybody

 

[mcbdz]

It is also possible to have allergies to things in the salt. There are lots of people allergic to shell fish, this is a common allergy to iodine and we have that in our tanks. If I was having this issue I would just use the gloves. If it is an allergy it could get worse with repeated use.

 

[sepulatian]

It doesn't effect me at all. It could very well be an allergy that you were not aware of.

 

[t316]

Originally Posted by stdreb27
http:///forum/post/2542864
or look at your local feed store and get the ones vets use for checking horses I don't think those have powder on them)
okay stdreb...that was not a visual that I needed this late at night

 

[stdreb27]

Originally Posted by T316
http:///forum/post/2544516
okay stdreb...that was not a visual that I needed this late at night

(not to go too far off but) Seriously they are disposable shoulder length gloves. It is a wierd sensation btw, I wonder what the horse thinks.

 

[keri]

Sometimes i feel 'stung' immediately upon putting my hand in the tank, but I have very dry hands (and work with cats that scratch!) so often have minor nicks that the SW stings....I also feel itchy after having my arm in there.

 

[t316]

Originally Posted by stdreb27
http:///forum/post/2544527
(not to go too far off but) Seriously they are disposable shoulder length gloves. It is a wierd sensation btw, I wonder what the horse thinks.

I know exactly what you are talking about (I grew up on a farm). The horse(well in my case it was cows) thought....WHOOAA MAMA.....LETS NOT DO THAT AGAIN

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by T316
http:///forum/post/2544534

I know exactly what you are talking about (I grew up on a farm). The horse(well in my case it was cows) thought....WHOOAA MAMA.....LETS NOT DO THAT AGAIN

This girl did not grow up on a farm, but she knows what you all are talking about

 

[t316]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
http:///forum/post/2544537
This girl did not grow up on a farm, but she knows what you all are talking about

Sorry Sep, I forgot my manners and was getting carried away in the moment of reliving my childhood

I have no idea why you are feeling the burn so bad. I do feel iritation, but usually only on a scratch on my arm or cut, just like when you go in the ocean. If anything, this should be like a healing. Isn't salt water good for cuts, bad skin, etc.?

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by stdreb27
http:///forum/post/2544527
(not to go too far off but) Seriously they are disposable shoulder length gloves. It is a wierd sensation btw, I wonder what the horse thinks.

Speaking from experience....They are not fond of it. It is actually quite a delicate area for them. Their rectums tear easily and many a horse has died and vet sued for improperly doing them.
Now I know that is TMI!!

OK I can't help it. Cows exams are like playing in the mud...horses like playing with golf balls
Now that should end this thread...sorry
The gloves do work though and they are inexpensive.

 

[sepulatian]

LOL alrighty then, back to fish we go (........trying not to get a visual of the previous posts) so, put on long gloves if the saltwater bothers your skin.