Formaldehyde found in Victoria's Secret bras

I cannot believe I am just hearing about this now!  I have been to dermatologists and allergists over the past year for this itchy, painful, red rash across my back, on my shoulders under the bra straps, and on my breasts.  I have had soooo many tests (all negative) and was told that I was allergic to "something".  I have been prescribed the combination of Zyrtec, Betamethasone Dipropionate lotion, Fluocinonide cream, Atarax, Zantac 300, Prednisone, Doxepin, Allegra, Singulair, and Celebrex in order to provide relief.  I could get full on the amount of pills I take for breakfast each day just to provide some relief.  I purchased a bunch of Victoria Secret Very Sexy Push-up Bras just before the rash developed. 

I called Victoria Secret (800-945-5088) and told them I want a full refund for the bras along with reimbursement for all out-of-pocket medical costs incurred including payment for prescription medications for treatment of same.  A customer service supervisor said she will send a pre-paid package label for return of the bras in exchange for a full refund.  She also told me someone will be contacting me with 3 days regarding reimbursement of medical bills relating to this rash. 

I wear the secret embrace bras and I have been experiencing a radiating heat followed by a vibration in my right breast. I went to my OBGYN on Tuesday Nov. 4th and she said she felt firmnness, no lump. She gave me a prescription for a sonogram. I am going next week. Now I hear about this tonight when I was telling my Aunt what I have been experiencing. I can't believe it. I really hope there is no connection!

I have worn Victoria's Secret bras & underwear exclusively for over year now. I have had consistant breakouts on my shoulders, back (near bra-line), under and on my breasts, on my inner thighs and even near (you know where). They are painful, welt-like bumps that are itchy and red. I have also had terrible and consistant breakouts on my face and neck. I have been treated for all acne types--negative. Been on several treatments, changed every soap, shampoo, make-up, facial cleanser...even down to my laundry soap and bed linens. No doctor can seem to pin-point the cause of these terrible and painful rashes!!! I saw the article online tonight, and everything she described was as if she were writing a diary about me! I will be contacting an attorney regarding this issue to have my products tested for Formaldehyde immediately.

The company Victorias Secret is saying that they do not use formaldehyde in their manufacturing. Thats great. All we have to do is go to the source of the fabric(s) and material(s) used in the bras.  Who makes  these? Where in the world are the components made?  Check that out then go forward.  This could be like soap.  A soap maker can honestly say that there is no animal testing in production of a particular product. but if we look at the ingredients and source these to other companies, how many of them can say that their individual products have not been tested on animals?  

It is funny to think that I thought I was alone in the embarrassing "boob" itch I have been experiencing. When I watched the news and heard about this story I was amazed. So I am now going to get rid of all my victoria secret bras ( 9 of them) and pray that it sovles the problem. It will be a sad day because there are very few companies that make bra's in my petite size. I hope victorias secret puts a team together to figure out how this could happen and then correct the problem to prevent other people from experiencing the embarrassment! Good luck to the people who plan to take action, I plan to just be happy knowing that my "girls" may finally be happy!

Unbelievable, I have had these same itches for the last year and I even developed some bruising with the itches/rash.  Being a spokesperson for my company it's hard to not itch as someone else said, "the girls".  I had been telling my husband that it had to be the bras and he thought that maybe it was a cream or deodorant. I tried everything!  We saw this story a few days ago and I jumped for joy "I told you!".  We happily went together to buy new bras AT A DIFFERENT STORE.  He had purchased my victoria secret bras and so he felt that it was his fault for all my misery and helped me shop for my new bras.  I'm keeping the Victoria Secret bras in case we can all go on this law suit.  I haven't worn the bras in two days and my itching has decreased IMMENSELY.  You would think that expensive bras wouldn't have any problems right??

For close to 4 years I have been coping with the same issue. Been to regular doctors, dermatologists and even my OB-GYN and they all said different things. My general doctor believed the rashes/bumps were a staph infection. My dermatologist thought it was cysts and my OB-GYN didnt know what it was. When I heard about this it all began to make sense, especially when I looked through my drawer and seen only Victoria's Secret's bras. Truly scary and I am not quite sure what I am going to do at this point. I am permanently scarred.

There is nothing wrong with the bra  all bras make u itch and give u red marks 

This just happened to me but the bras were not Victoria Secret!! They were just some really cute off brand bras. I am allergic to everything in this world. I can't even try on clothes without washing them first. I used to be a cosmetologist but had to stop because I broke out everytime I did color! I had to go to specialist to make this go away and it still has not. My arm pits were really bad also.

I bet every woman wearing a VS bra who read that heading arched a brow and made with the clicky.

I'm fairly well allergic to everything so I'd be super sad if my underwear started making me sick =(

I was actually sitting at the doctor's office, waiting to see the doctor about the rash/welts on my breasts, underarms, and back,  which was still there after using Zytec, Benedryl, the combination of Zytec and Bendryl, Benedrl cream, a Steroid shot, and Aveeno Itch Cream (which did offer some relief), when the story about Victoria Secret Bras came on the TV in the waiting room.   I actually got up, stood in front of the TV, and asked the front desk receptionist if she could get the doctor.  So, now the doctor prescribed a 7 day course of Steroids to stop the rash. 

Just dropping in a link that goes over some of the problems of the case facts: http://formaldehydefacts.blogspot.com/2008/11/fci-challenges-good-morning-americas.html

   Hello , can someone show me what should I do . I too have noticed breakout from wearing the victoria Secret bras.  At first I thought it was just something that would pass, but after I hear many other women complaining too. It dawned on me . I would like to sue them too for the problems I have, as a woman we should not have to suffer from picking these bras and paying good money .    Thank you     

IMPORTANT: Please read

I had the same reaction to my new expensive Victoria Secret Bra last year and may still be having negitive results from the continued wearing. I started having rashes, soreness around the nipple area and was even woke up in the middle of the night with servere pain inside my breast. I made three trips to the doctor thinking something was really wrong.

The doctor kept telling me it could be the washing power or soap I was using. I even began washing my bra in just water. My husband agreed to start filling up water bottles at work and bringing them home for a clean rince off after my shower in case it was the water at the house.

I had to have a mammagram which showed some concern and additional test. Then had to go back in 6 months for a recheck. The recheck came out ok, I hope, and the doctor wants to see me back in 6 more months. I'm not sure if this had anything to do with the bra, but as soon as I stopped wearing the bra, no more rashes, pain, itching or waking up in the night with pain.

It's so sad that the consumers continually go through health issues due to corporate america and lack of controls.

I wish I had known about this class action law suit where I too could tell my story of pain, worry and expense.

 Alice Angelone

Are all of you wearing the same types of VS bras? It seems to me that only the Very Sexy Extreme Push-Up and the Angel's Secret Embrace are affected.  I've been using VS for about 6 years now and haven't had any problems.  I've been using the Intimissi line since it came out and haven't had any problems. I totally recommend that everyone check which models they have so when they figure out how to proceed with the case there are specific bras that are targeted and checked.  I hope you all get better!!

I want to know what is the answer. I've stop wearing the Bra, and I called the store asking for a full refund. When I return the bras to the store. How do I get rid of the bruse on both of my shoulders.

Concern

ABSOLUTELY incredible!!!! I have spent the past 4 months experiencing the same symptoms as all of you. I too, have had soooo many tests (all negative) and was told that I was allergic to "something".  I have been to my MD, two GYN's, and have been seen by three-breast specialist, as well as, a Sonogram, Mammogram, MRI, and a Biopsy Breast Punch.  I have been prescribed the combination of Zyrtec, Fluocinonide cream, Prednisone, and an Antibiotic in order to provide some relief. I am still waiting on the biopsy and should have the results within the next week. Under the advisement of one of the breast surgeons, I have changed to all cotton bras and my breasts have cleared up considerably. I have been a wearer of the Victoria Secret "Pink" bra for years. Who would have ever thought that a once reputable company would use formaldehyde in their manufacturing?  What agony and despair I have been enduring for the past four months due to that decision!  Victoria Secret…do you care???????

 

omg.   Now i know it is not me.

I am having the same symptoms, but have boughten my bras from JCP.  Any ideas as to what I can do? I have seen the DR. and was on meds also, after 2 weeks it's back.

HELLO I HAD THESE SYMPTOMS ONE TIME BEFORE IN THE YEAR 04, THATS WHY I STOPPED WEARING VS BRAS BECAUSE I BROKE OUT REALLY BAD.MY BACK WAS TOTALLY BRUISED UP,I THOUGHT THAT I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO WEAR BACK OUT SHIRTS ANYMORE. IT WENT AWAY OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME BUT I CAN STILL SEE THE FADED BRUISING STILL TODAY.LAST BUT LEAST I RECENTLY HAD A FASHION SHOW OCTOBER 31,2008 I WORE A VS LINGERIE BRA AND BOTTOM AND NOW TIL THIS DAY IM BACK WITH SAME SYMPTOMS.ITCHING ALOT THROUGH THE DAY AND NIGHT.I PUT ACHOHOL ON IT AND IT STILL ITCHES. IT ICHES SO BAD THAT I SCRATCHED  UP MY BACK AGAIN.

I have been buying VS Body by Victoria bras for years.  I did notice this past year when I purchased again that they are different and something has changed with them.  I began to get a rash specifically on the underarm sides from the front to back.  It was a daily minor rash but with this constant irritation, I couldnt wait to get home from work and take it off.  Has anyone asked it they are using something new?  I know that if I wear cheap elastic, this same irriation occurs and thats why I purchase VS bras to begin with. This years bra is not as comfortable, nor soft as the older ones.  I realize VS is constantly improving and remodeling the style of their bras, but now that these complaints are recognized by hundreds of woman, hopefully they will examine not only the chemicals found, but the materials they are using as well.