Is in retail. Seasonal. Because the holidays are when they need extra people to handle the crowds. And there are already crowds here in Maine as the leaf peepers are traveling the East by bus and by sea. I punch in and I have a customer in front of me until I punch out for breaks. It never ends.
In answer to the many reader inquiries; I, too, think the rash and irritation is caused by chemicals on the clothing and other items that I am touching with each customer. A great deal of the merchandise is imported (much to the dismay of workers here in Maine who have had the fiber mills shut down due to lack of work here in America) and who knows what is being used in foreign factories.
The rash did in fact begin to develop when I worked four days with a day at the greenhouse between. Two long days retail, greenhouse (a brief spot of happiness), two more long days retail. Followed by noticeable redness on both eyes on Tuesday. Followed the next morning by swelling. Those four days were days #2, #3, #4 and #5. Yes, I have only worked 5 days. And had a rash for 4 of them.
The rash began in the corner of my left eye on Wednesday of last week--I rubbed it with my fingers while I worked.
I never rubbed my right eye but it is much, much worse. Raw and bruised looking. Like it was scratched and scraped raw.
I have always been sensitive to chemicals and fragrances. All the products I use are scent free and as plain and soothing as possible. Even these simple creams and soaps make my rash burn. It takes quite awhile for the burning to stop after I apply something to the super dry skin around my eyes.
As to why I am doing this seasonal job ---at this point I think it was sheer stupidity -- all this for a good discount?? I am wondering if there is any "good way" to get out of this but this employer is very difficult when it comes to "letting go".
Sometimes the things you think you might "like" to do, are just not right. And, sometimes your body tries to let you know it's unhappy with the choices your brain makes.
I hope it all gets better for you. I, too, am highly sensitive to perfumes and heavy creams. I can't change anything without getting a rash/breakout. sigh.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I hope all this passes soon. In an effort to relate to what you are experiencing, I went back to work at a school after my husband died. I was sick for 6 years. I picked up every bug the children brought to school. I quit working there 3 years ago and haven't been sick since. It was so wonderful to not be sick! Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read of your eye problem, are they feeling a bit better today?
ReplyDeleteHope all is well soon.