I had a very bad facial skin reaction to IPE 5 months ago. My face looked like I fell into a fire. Took me a couple months to get over it. I have cleaned the shop out 2 or 3 times to get rid of all the dust from it. But yesterday I was sanding an Osage bow, and like a dummy, I did not wear my respirator. Osage never bothered me before. Now today my face and lips look like I fell into another fire.  

I would like to find a light, thin, air tight fitting head net to cover my face and neck while sanding. It will need a hole over the nose and mouth so I can breath through the respirator, and holes for my eyes. I plan to wear tight fitting goggles from now on too. I need to find something to protect my face and neck, because I will not give my bow making. My hands are always covered with the saw dust, but it never affects my hands or arms. Just my face and neck. Can any of you guys point me in the right direction? Thanks, Roy

wow sorry to hear about that. sounds terrible. i cant really think of anything aside from the bug nets like bee keepers have to wear, aside from that maybe a hazmat hood but thats probably pushing it.lol. although there may be a  net hood for hunting you could use, i know alot of them are built to guard against bugs as well.

I don't want to spook you uneccessarily, BUT, I have heard of a guy who developed an alergic reaction to all wood dust and had to stop woodworking activities completely. Maybe you should look for a fullface safety-goggle/respirator setup? The type they use when spray painting automobiles.

Look at some face mask helmets that woodturners use.

have you considered a positive air flow face/head shield? You would have to work with an air hose attached to your head..filtered air would have to come from outside of your shop..with positive air flow you will not need an airtight seal arround your face, which is good if you wear a beard.. I have seen battery powered self contained airsheilds but they filter shop air and cost $400 at Woodcraft.  Hope you find something that works.

Think I found something that will work. And my respirator and goggles will fit right over it.
http://sandblaster-parts.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=66&product_id=1318

yep those are sorta like the hunting masks i mentioned. only theyre not the fashionable camo .lol

I'm pretty sure those head socks aren't air tight and you'll still be getting dust coming through.  I could be wrong, but similar things I've seen were meant to be worn under other PPE for comfort.

Be careful.  Sounds like you have been sensitized to something in the woods.  This can sometiems lead to really bad situations.  I'd consider a talk with a good allergist.

Dang. I have heard that sensitization usually gets worse with each occurrence. It's a hyperactive immune system response. I feel for you.

Been to the family doctor and an allergist. I get put on steroids and a special facial cream. Takes a couple weeks to get cleared up. That's why I need to find some good protection for the face and neck area. Thanks guys.

Well ya know how stupid I am?  Found out this week that it is not the Osage dust causing my problem with my face. Ya see I have these industrial strength HAND wipes in the bow shop which I have been using to wipe off my face and neck after sanding a bow. That led me to believe it was Osage dust messing me up. But haven't been in the bow shop for 2 weeks and my face got burnt up again last weekend. Was thinking what I got on my face, then it hit me. I was fishing and it was hot, so I used a hand wipe to wipe the sweat off my face and neck. You guessed it, next morning my face and neck were on fire.. So I feel much better now knowing the Osage wasn't my problem:) Here's your sign Roy, I'm Stupid.. LOL

I sure am glad you figured it out! I can't stand seeing you in all that head gear trying to make a bow.

That reminds me of an old seinfeld episode.
Glad you got it figured out Roy. Do you think it was the IPE? or did you use the wipes then?

roy glad ya figured that out BUT bro make sure ya wear a respator with that damn ipe or any type of rose wood  espically yew thats bad ****the dust from ipe will eat ur lungs up silamr to asbestos  and yew is cancr s   brock

The IPE did in fact mess me up bad and I did not use the hand wipes that day, so no more IPE in my shop. I do wear the respirator when I cut or sand.