In reply to Datsun310Guy:
The whole thing is madness to me. Somewhere in Italy or Brazil they destroy a beautiful hillside and cut big chunks of rock away. Cut them and polish them. Put them on a big boat and ship them halfway around the world. Then they truck them all over the country to get cut and polished then installed in someone's McMansion to make poor relatives envious.
It's insane, who the hell thought up the idea to polish rocks and put it in your house anyway?
I blame the Romans.
I have a severe case of sweaty feet and will also break out in a itchy rash if they stay wet. I wear a Keen waterproof shoe every day, it that does a outstanding job of keeping my feet dry. It's a low top shoe and breathes very well.
I would think something like that and a pair of gaiters like mentioned above, would be the ticket. Something like this that would be above the bottom of your apron but not allow the water to run into your shoe.
These are on Amazon for about $13.
As I read thru 3 pages of comments, I also thought that standing on grating to lift you out of standing water is the best solution.
Leg gaiters 2nd option.
You mentioned Crocks. Is that actually reasonable - or does the necessary PPE mandate steel toe (even instep) shoes?
In reply to OHSCrifle:
I understand what you guys are saying with the grates. I don't think that eliminates any where near enough water to allow me to wear a breathable shoe.
Steal toes are not required.
Seems like you have a pretty good handle on the manufacturing/cnc sorts of operations. A nice change of venue would do you well, and I am sure there are local machine shops that are hiring.
In reply to 93gsxturbo: I don't like that idea at all.
Life is to short to be miserable at work. Ask me why I don't work in a foundry any more.
In reply to 93gsxturbo:
I'm not miserable. The bosses are good. While the pay is low on my personal scale, it's not bad for the area. And for the first time in my life it's nice to actually feel stable. Itchy feet are not really that big of an issue to have.
Three pages in and no one has suggested either a jet pack or suspending yourself from the ceiling? I'm disappointed in everyone.
Is there any opportunity to block the spray from getting on your feet? My company sells curtains and strip doors, and we make a lot of them to block overspray. Perhaps some strategically placed clear PVC screens to isolate the spray?
Now, I know this sounds stupid, but how mobile do you have to be? If you stood in a box to keep your feet dry, even a long one that allowed some movement, would that be an option?
I got a case of hives from an allergic reaction to a weird German beer once. It was the only allergic reaction I ever had, and the itchiness in my feet made me want to cut them off. I certainly hope you find a solution, that sounds totally miserable.
This is the it worked for me disclaimer.
Similar symptoms. I completely cured it with a high soluble fiber diet (soluble fiber was the key.) Paired with a once a day high dose probiotic supplement 100billion bacterial count. Also Omega-3 supplements twice a day. Then apple cider vinegar supplements with each meal. After a month rashes were gone for good. I had them for years. I am at work so I can't go into more detail but if you want more info let me know
In reply to drsmooth:
Sure, whenever you get time I would love more info.
Changing my diet made an immediate impact and for the most part it's controlled. But it was very miserable for a couple years until I found someone who wasn't just throwing WAGs around to see what stuck.
In reply to Nick (Bo) Comstock: When I am home tonight I will write up a proper reply and send you some links. It took me years to find the right combination.
bearmtnmartin wrote: Barrier cream and moisture wicking socks with the roomiest boots you can handle
This is probably your best option.
I'm really not sure what you think a barrier cream is going to do? It's not a contact issue. I've not tried it on my feet but did when it was on my arms (I was thinking it was a reaction to a chemical I was using at an old job) and it did nothing except exacerbate the itching.
The moisture wicking socks are a good idea, except I'm seriously skeptical about their effectiveness. I burn through at least a pack of regular socks a month due to the boots being a half size too big. I don't want to spend a ton of money on something that may only be marginally better. I've not had good experiences with products claiming to be wicking or breathable. In my experience it's all marketing hype.
I second the chest or hip waders idea, with thick wicking socks.
OK, weather is getting hotter and I started having some troubles last week. I bought some wicking socks over the weekend and today my feet were soaked before lunch. I noticed no change from the regular socks I have been wearing. I'm thinking that even though the socks may be wicking, they have no where to wick the moisture to being completely enclosed in a rubber boot.
What I'm doing now is taking three pairs of socks to change into when I first notice the moisture/itching. I put a hefty amount of foot powder in the boots when I change them. That seems to keep the worst of the itching at bay. Who knows when it get up to over 100 this summer.
Hmm. Consider a topical lidocaine cream? Could numb the areas enough that you wouldn't notice the itching. But it definitely sounds like you're in a tough spot. I would talk to your OHS person to see what they can do for you. If your PPE is causing issues, this needs to be addressed.
In reply to penultimeta:
It's a really small operation. There are only the owners. I'm sure they would be willing to try anything that I think would help.
I just can't come up with anything.
Hit up David Blaine and ask him to teach you to levitate?
Just trying to come up with a suggestion that hasn't been said so far.
Have you tried 2 layers of socks, a thin wicking liner sock (silk or wool) and a thicker wicking sock on top (merino wool)?
In reply to klb67:
No, but like I said, what good will it do if it has no where to wick to?
In theory the liner sock will wick the moisture away from your foot to the outer sock layer, keeping your foot more dry for a longer period of time than with just wicking socks. I know hikers debate the benefit of wicking socks with more modern wicking wool like Marino, but I think there is some benefit based on my experience wearing wicking liner socks while hunting. If you have time to change socks, you might find additional benefit doing so halfway through your shift. Stick to good wool or other wicking materials and avoid cotton.
What about a full body suit or waders with a battery powered fan to circulate air either into, or out of the foot area?
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