Does anyone else suffer from what I call 'Cedar rash'?
The minute we get close to fall and xmas season, and we start working with cedar I break out in an contact rash all over my hands and lower arms. It does not hurt but it does really burn and looks horrible…

Any suggestions on how to deal with this? And yes I know not to use cedar(but we all know that's not possible for the whole season) and that rubber gloves don't work…LOL  Corinne

Plant Expert Reply: Cedar isn't a problem for me.  However, azaleas give me a rash. I usually apply benadryl gel to the areas after I have been exposed.  This keeps the itching from driving me crazy.  I have noticed that when I used Rumford Gardeners Hand Creme before exposure to the azaleas I don't have as much of a problem.  So, I have been researching ways to combat the problem.  Several things I have read suggest using a barrier cream which is an ointment that you apply prior to exposure which creates a protective layer between the skin and the irritant.  This would explain why the RG hand creme works.  I personally haven't tried any products specifically labeled barrier cream, but I read about a product called Kerodex.  It comes in 2 forms: one that works with dry irritants or oils and one that works with wet irritants.  The problem with cedar originates from the oils in the plant.  So you would need a barrier cream that protects against oils.

You might want to wear a mask when you initially prep the cedar especially when cutting it into more manageable piece.  Every time you cut the cedar, it releases oil.  Sometimes just breathing the oil can cause a reaction.  My mother-in-law has this problem with poison ivy.  Limiting your exposure to the oils should help.  If possible, it might help to prep the cedar outside.

I hope these suggestions help.  Maybe others will have suggestions that will help.