MYSTERY RASH
More than 100 people break out with skin irritation
AN outbreak of rashes has spread across Lara, with more than 100 residents claiming they have broken out in a “hive-like” skin irritation. The source of the e rash remains a mystery.
A SPATE of mystery rashes have spread across Lara, with more than 100 residents claiming they have broken out in “hive-like” skin irritations.
The first-known rash reportedly broke out about five months ago.
Dozens of Lara residents have since claimed to have suffered “incurable” flare-ups for months, despite multiple visits to doctors and trying medical remedies.
Some sufferers say they have been forced to put up with the pain as dermatologists in the region are booked out for the next eight months.
Lara resident Mel Kranjc said her “chronic hives” came on suddenly about out four months ago.
“It’s very painful, , itchy, red and blotchy,” Ms Kranjc said. “I’ve been to the doctor about four times. They confirmed it was hives and told me to take a double dose of anti-histamine and a sterroid cream, but neither of those things have worked.”
Like many others with the skin complaints, Ms Kranjc first thought her rash was an allergic reaction to a product.
But despite a lengthy process of elimination and spending a “small fortune” on medication, she is still in pain.
“I’ve had to get time off ff work,” she said.
“It’s uncomfortable and makes me really fatigued.”
A Lara Facebook group post has hundreds of comments from residents demanding answers from authorities.
The disgruntled residents, some who have never experienced skin problems before, said no matter what medications they used, they were unable to get rid of the rash.
Some residents say the rash “disappears” on weekend trips away to other parts of the state. Others claimed their household’s water was “murky”.
The Geelong Advertiser understands water in Lara comes via the Melbourne to Geelong pipeline, which was activated more than six months ago.
Barwon arw Water chief scientist Dr Will Buchanan quickly shut down any suggestion the rash could be from the water.
“There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that the drinking water is directly responsible for the skin irritations raised by members of the Facebook group,” he said.
“We have undertaken checks on our online instruments and routine sampling results for Lara and water quality is well within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
“The water is completely safe.”
Resident Steve said he could not get an appointment to see a dermatologist until May 2020, despite his whole body being covered in a red rash for the past five months. “It always seems to flare up when I have a shower,” he said.
“I’ve never been so itchy in my life.”
Geelong doctor Dr Milan Amirgol said the rashes were likely to be an allergic reaction.
“It could be from microorganisms, like overgrown plants, fungi or different types of algae in the water, especially if people are developing them after a shower,” Dr Amirgol said.
“Or it might be environmental factors, providing that we are in the spring season, like pollen. It certainly needs investigation.”
A Department of Health and Human Services spokesman urged residents to seek medical advice.
“The department has been made aware of a number of complaints by Lara residents who have contracted skin rashes,” he said.
“Residents who are affected by an unexplained rash or any other condition are advised to seek medical advice.”