I have had a terrible rash, itching, scabbing, bleeding on my back for almost a year. The itching keeps me awake at night. There is considerable scarring. i’ve been changing soap, diet, everything to figure out the cause. This morning, on a whim, i decided to Google “Allergy” and “Victoria’s Secret Bra” and i was shocked at what came up! I have worn VS bras for 20 years or so. Last June I purchase two new bras–new styles because they no longer make the style i wanted. One of the styles is “BODY BY VICTORIA RACERBACK DEMI” and it is made in China. Something needs to be done. I can’t find any recent info on that class action lawsuit that was filed in 2008. Does anyone know what is going on with this now?

I am shocked but glad to see I am not the only one with this issue. I only and I mean only ware the Bombshell bra because I have small breasts and these help me not to feel like I have the chest of a 12 year old boy. However 2 weeks ago I started to get very ichy under the bra and between my breasts. A lady I work with said do you ware VS? and I replied with yes, and she said right away it was my bra! I couldnt believe her…3 days later I had to leave work and head to a walk in clinic because I was in so much discomfort and pain, they gave me two shots, and two rounds of different steroids to take. After this occured I finally started to believe her and I see all of your post for the same things. Its so strange to me I have been waring these bras for 3 or more years and now just all of a suddon they are breaking me out. well I am going to start waring a new push up I got at target last night. It wont add 2 cup sizes but maybe and hopefully my rash will go away and I wont have horrible scaring or I will be lived!!

Updating my lingerie drawer, I brought underwired per una memory foam bras from Marks and Spencers in the UK. At first I was really pleased, they were soft and comfortable but I did I immediately notice one of my breasts was itchy but just put this down to heat not the bra. However the itchiness got really intense to the extent that I couldn’t wait to take the bra off. It was under the arm and around the nipple area. I couldn’t see any rash at first, just intense itching that subsided when I took the bras off and had a shower. But months on the penny has dropped, particularly as I noticed that the problem is more related to the white bra not the black bra. I now have a small area of exama type spots and flaky skin. Funny enough it is particularly the white bra that causes the instant reaction. I am going to the DR to get it checked out as I know that some forms of breast cancer give similar symptoms but I really think that it is the material in the bra cups. If I leave the bra off the itching dies down – trouble is I threw all my old bras out!! Imagine my surprised when I googled and came across this thread and to see that it started in 08 and is still running! The bras are made in china. Anyone else have this trouble with Marks and Spencer bras from the UK? I am now having to go and find some non padded bras that have a good fit. I hope this post helps anyone else in the UK experiencing the same problems and not putting two and two together. We are not good at complaining here! I also hadn’t given it a thought as to the type of metal used in the underwiring. So will check that out too. I also initially purchased a padded bra in a different range over the internet from M&S, it didn’t fit so I returned it, but I did notice a really strong unpleasant strong chemical smell when I opened the plastic packaging. The per una bras are sold on hangers so I didn’t notice any strong chemical smel. I will take my bra back to M&S and see what they say. However, I would stress you do need to see a Dr to make sure that these symptoms are not breast cancer.

Wow, I just stumbled upon this because I was looking to find information about my rash. The rash is in between my breasts and underneath. I have been a VS customer and have worn their bras for years. I went to get a bigger size of bra (after being fitted) and bought several Body by Victoria bras at their semi-annual sale. Ever since, I have been getting this rash. I am worried it will scar. I haven’t changed lotions, medications, detergents, etc… and I never put my bras in the dryer. I am wondering if not wearing these bras will make the rash go away or if I am just stuck with it now.

I just recently purchased the Body by VS push up and I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks. I’ve had a constant headache, sweating, musty odor, rash, severe itching, and as of today shortness of breath. I contacted VS and they informed me that they have had no reports of any problems. They told me to wait for a supervisor to contact me. I feel stuck

I have the same problem with rashes and scars under and in between my breasts from Victoria Secret bras. I’d like to be apart of the class action law suit. Thanks, Marchelle

I have been having problems similar to these for over 7 years now.. It started as a red sore that itched and continue to get wose, turning into a boil that several times had to be drained.. I am still having medical problems that have continued all this time from the Victoria secet bra.. I have even had to have surgery on the area.. I have several scars under my brest due to this..

It’s happened to me twice and I never could figure it out. I changed laundry detergents, soap, etc and no relief. I just purchase a new bra from VS and the pattern repeated. I have thrown both bras out and not wearing them anymore. The itch everyday gets better. Will never get bras there anymore. The itch was unbearable

British Home Stores refused to believe me when I complained about intensely itchy rashes under the breast that recurred every time I wore their white Chinese-manufactured bras (bought summer 2008). They did the usual ‘no-one else has complained’ number and attempted to blame it on me. I even sent them one of the bras for testing, which they obviously could not be bothered to do. They refunded me for the bras, but I have been left five years on still unable to tolerate wearing any bra for long because the reaction I had has made my skin so sensitive. I live in England, and the medical treatment offered me was a mix of antibiotic, antihistamine and corticosteroid, which I was not so keen to use as I am a naturopath, and was convinced there was something in the bra that caused the problem, as no other bras produced this immediate and severe reaction. It is really great to read this accumulation of comments. I have also met other women who had similar problems. I wondered whether it might be the hard edge of the nylon trim that rubbed, but you would not expect a rash like a heat rash to form.

I’m 48 and had never worn VS bras before a few months ago. Within the last few weeks, I started noticing itchy spots on my breasts, especially on the sides where the “push-up” action happens and where the cups touch the breasts. There is no irritation from the band, straps, or metal fasteners. I assumed the allergy was caused by the Woolite I was using to wash the bras in, so I started to do some research on soap allergies. I’m not really an “allergic” person, so this had me puzzled. I ran across the threads on the VS allergies, and now it all makes sense! I’m just trying to figure out what it is in the memory foam that is causing this allergy. I don’t think it’s formaldehyde because that’s a commonly found resin in textiles and I’ve never had this reaction before to clothing. The VS bras that are causing this problem for me are the Body By Victoria Push-ups.

I just broke out last week around my breast area and thought what the heck could be causing this itchy, stinging, burning rash. I went thhrough the most common ideas like, maybe I ate something? but the rash is only showing up in this area. I put some cortizone on it and it feels a little better in the morning, but by the end of the day oh my gosh, itchy again. I did a search by chance on the internet and came across all of these stories since 2008! I have had these bras for a couple of months then all of a sudden – very wierd. I am going shopping tomorrow for new ones, but am disturbed by the fact that so many women have reported this issue for quite a long time and this is still continuing to be reported as happening. There must be some accountability and responsibility by the company for their product. This company needs to seriously look at their quality assurance and chemicals used in their products.

I too purchased a sports bra late 2012 and shortly after developed a rash on my right breast. I thought it was cancer. Severeal doctor visits and I never thought in a million years that it would be the bras. The rash was so bad that I had a discharge as the damage was done. I just found this page and will look further into this. I am in Canada and am not sure how many other Canadians have had issues.

I have been wearing Victorias secret bras for 20 years and never had a problem until now. I recently purchased two new Body by Victoria full coverage bras, that smelled strange upon opening package. I washed them as usual and have worn them each once and developed a painful red welt like rash under both breasts where the cup support is. This is horrible and it also created a strange odor. I am currently waiting permanent dissability and have no health insurance to have this looked at. Help!!!

I went to the doctor yesterday because I had this horrible rash around my bra strap area that itched like crazy. I was wearing victoria secret bras. My doctor told me I was having an allergic reaction to something in the elastic of the bra and to stop wearing it. She prescribed me a steroid cream in hopes of clearing up the rash. If anyone has any information on the class action lawsuit against Victoria Secret please let me nkow

I can’ t believe this problem is still ongoing with so many women aft 4 years! I, too, had problems with VS bras quite some time ago, stopped wearing them and the rashes & itchiness went away. I switched to Cacique bras sold by Lane Bryant with no probs at first. Now i’m back to having an even worse rash and severe itching. The rash left behind skin bumps, like skin tags, btwn my breasts! Has anyone else had probs with Cacique bras, too? What the heck is going on with bra manufacturers?!?

Yes Hives hives and more hives all along the parts of my body where only the bra touched it’s as if I am wearing a bra made up of huge welts and hives 🙁 I am devastated and so itchy my VS Bra goodness

I never imagine something like this will happen to me and of course not with vs products this is my 5 day in pain and I. Don’t have insurance and I can’t afford to pay a doctor visit I don’t. Know what to do I will like to sued the company because they don’t want to pay my doctor visit or treatment that I will needd. S count me in my phone # is 2534322743

I have been a VS customer for years. I have always purchased the Very Sexy underwire bras. I had discovered a lump in my right breast right along side where the wire in the bra was, but thought nothing of it until one day decided to get it checked out. Well in May of 2007 it was confirmed that I had breast cancer. I also had some lymphnodes removed as well which leaves a scar in the armpit area. I was asked by doctors and nurses what type of bra did I wear and when I told them VS underwire, everyone told me to NOT wear them! I stopped for awhile but then I started wearing them again.In the last 3 years I developed an infection in my armpit area on and around the scar. The 5 year old scar has now opened up to nasty sore and is itching and oozes with and without blood. I have to change my shirts up to 3 times a day! Here in the last year I started to develope itchiness in my right breast as well. I dont know what is going on, but to have to deal with this everyday for the last 3 years has been painful, not to mention embarissng! I cannot wear anything that shows your underarms. Everything has to be short sleeve or long sleeves. I dont know what to do. I wished I could add a picture so everyone could see how horrbile this looks. Has anyone else have expierenced what I have?

Unbelievable……..how can companies continue to take the big profits from their below standard products! I too am a very disappointed consumer who after making a Xmas online purchase has 2 chemically smelling bras!….. And……Yes of course….they are made in China! VS……..you will be the ones that loose if you don’t start listening to your consumer base! Why has there not been more in the press about this…….???????

Sadly, this isn’t just limited to VS bras. I bought some Barely There bras and a Warner bra about 5 months ago, and just a little over a month ago started having the itching and rash. Through process of elimination (changed laundry detergent, stopped using my lotions, etc). After reading this and other blogs, I have come to understand it is my bras –other women have complained of the same issues with Barely There and other brands in addition to VS. The common thread? All are made in China. I am not against China per se, just the use of dangerous (and cheap) chemicals on or in our bodies. Luckily my rash is not as bad as some folks have described, best of luck to all of you.

Yea yea add me to the list for itchy rash post wearing a VS push up very sexy bra! Dang! I love their braes, but for that price..?? It dang sure shouldn’t give me a itchy/painful red rash under and between my breasts! So I’ve done a little experiment..$10 Wal mart push up bra DOES NOT cause a rash but $60 VS bra does? DURNIT! Where’s that lawsuit? I need to sign it too!

I HATE GIVING UP THIS PINK SEXY BRA ,,, I have been very itchy only under the bra & back were it hooks together, after getting something for the itching, I called Victoria Secrets & they said they had never heard of such problems. I have only used Victoria Secrets bras for seveal years, This is the frist time I had a reaction. I love this bra, its pink lining & sexy. I hate giving it up. I only had a rash with small bumps. VERY ITCHY. I will send it back.

I had the same problem with persistent rashes after buying new bra from VS in March 2012 and Calvin Klein in Nov. 2012. Never had this problem before. I contacted VS and they returned the money and asked me to destroy the bras, which I did. I don’t think it’s formaldehyde because other people don’t have reaction and washing did not remove it. More likely a component of the foam that is used or perhaps mites that live in the foam. Two of the bras were made in China, one in Shri Lanka. The allergy is very persistent and it takes a couple of weeks until it goes away.I have a strong allergy to dust mites. Therefore, my guess that it would be nice to have someone look under the microscope at these bras to find if there are no microscopic mites in the foam. Another option is the foam or the plasticising agent (the glue) contains residues of phenol and since it is (the foam) very dense the chemical cannot be removed by washing. Don’t have any problems with older VS bras that were also made in China nor with Triumph. I am surprised that the company did not stop the use of this technology in 4 years.

I bought 3 victoria secret bras(body by victoria,no wire,made in india). At the begging I had not connected this to the bras.The longer I wore them the worse the itching,redness,pain,scarring. My detergent is all natural, have been to the doctor and allergists. I wash well and after each use. I could not find my receipt so I was looking for a replacement online for another brand. None of my other clothes itch, of course my first clue. I wanted to warn others.If the company is willing to do this to customers,what about employees? I will never buy anything from VS again.!And the price………painful.

I live in Toronto. In the summer I purchased about 4 bras from VC. For the first time… I started wearing them. Then about 4 months later I started to get a horrible itchy burning sensation on my boobs. It was so bad that I was waking up at night. I we t to my dr and she suggested I look at my bras. So my husband googled VC and found this info. I stopped wearing them straight away and all the redness and iitcyness went away. I was so surprised that such a big popular store has this problem..

Thank God I found this. For years I thought it was just me. I’ve been buying VS bras for years and I’m sitting here at work about ready to pull the damn thing off. I have discoloration and scarring from years of wearing thier bras. I’ve probably spent thousands of dollars and still have this problem. I just got a new one a few weeks ago and the odor from wearing it only a day or two is unreal! I’m not a sweaty or smelly person anyway….this is all new to me. How can we go about getting refunded for thiese shitty bras???

I too, like @Jamie, have not gotten a rash, but my Fabulous by VS bra REEKS after wearing it for one day. Its almost like a horrible case of body odor. At first I thought it was just the bra making me produce more sweat, until I decided to do some research and found multiple complaints about the smelly bra. I read that when the padding it against the skin, the heat causes the smell. There was also comments about VS shipping their bras overseas and using formaldehyde to preserve the fabric, and this is a possible reason as to why so many women are experiencing rashes. With how much each of those bras cost, this is just ridiculous. I am the 172nd person to comment about this and yet NOTHING has been done. Horrible, just horrible.

I have had my VS strapless bra for about a year now and I decided to wear it under a strapless top for the 1st time. The next day I noticed an itching on my back and the area just under my armpit while at work but didn’t think anything of it. When I got home my back was really itching badly.. As I pulled off my coat I reached back to scractch this afwful itch and felt my hand fill w/ a watery liquid. I knew I didn’t scratch that hard, so I went to take a look in the mirror. I found two 5 inch blisters running across my back along my bra line, And although scratching had popped the blisters they refilled with the watery liquid immediately and they itch like crazy. I have had to stay in my bedroom as I can not put a shirt or bra on due to the itching and fabric rubbing on the oozing blisters.I am concerned about healing and scarring and trying to figure out how to go to work w/o wearing a bra until it is something that can even be considered. Who knew a sexy bra could cause such issues and discomfort???

I got my first VS bras in May and started the same rash stuff and changed detergents to no avail the rashes wouldn’t stop. I have been to a dermatologist and told to do the hydrocortisone cream and allergra over the counter. Welts on my shoulders and under my breasts. I have the pictures to prove it. Funny thing is everytime this occurred I was wearing VS Bra. All this time I thought I was going crazy and it must be stress or something in my environment causing this. I never connected the dots but I have been wearing the Daisy Fuentes and the rashes have disappeared all together. So glad I know my cause. I guess I will continue shopping Kohl’s for my Bras.

I would like to join the lawsuit against V.S. I recently began wearing new V.S. Bras and have developed a rash exactly where the bra touched my skin. I can’t sleep at night sometimes because I wake up itching like crazy. I can’t believe this company is letting this happen after all these years of complaints! If anyone can give me more information about pursuing a lawsuit against V.S. Please let me know.thank you very much!

I haven’t gotten any rashes, but I have noticed that all of the bras I bought from there recently started to have an acrid, nauseating smell to them after about a day. Even after washing them several times it won’t go away. Is anyone else noticing this?

This is insane…..I’ve spent MONTHS trying to figure out what is wrong with my skin….I’ve worn VS bras my entire life–Purchased the “showstopper” bra at the beginning of this year and started getting rashes under my arms and on my breasts this summer–at first I thought it was the heat but when it persisted into the fall I knew it was something else….I ve changed soaps, laundry detergent, lotion, perfume and have been to the dermatologist 5 times…All the same diagnosis-used cortisone and liquid Clindamycin but nothing works–It always comes back and burns like fire….I even started researching breast cancer to see if I had a misdiagnosis for Paget’s Disease!!! Does anyone know how to get in touch with lawyers in this class action suit?! This is ridiculous!!

I am so happy to have found this site. I’ve been wearing VS bras for years. A couple of weeks ago I started to get really itchy, burning sensation on my breast. It itches so bad I scratched my whole chest leaving welts and scars. About one week ago it started around my bikini area. I only have VS undies and bras so I now know for sures it’s the brand. Thank u all for posting. I’ve been going crazy changing soaps, detergent, and changing the bed sheets. I will continue to use cortisone cream and not VS anymore.

I had gone to vs and bought bras and panties. I noticed a rash in between my legs a couple of days later. Than i experienced survere itcing that lasted for months. I went to so many doctors they could never find anything. They would perscribe cream (anti itch). I could not sleep at night I kept taking showers to try to get rid of it off my skin which in turn started getting raw from showers. I would bag my clothes and sheets and wash them everyday. Never than relating it to vs. I went back again and got more bra’s. I was trying them on in the dressing room by the time i got home the itching was horrible. I thought I was going crazy. I never really wore vs bra’s. So I feel that it definitley was related to there bra’s and panties. It took me months and many doctors visits till it finally went away. No one could find anything wrong they did not know why this was happening. I felt like i was going crazy. Than when i stopped buying there bra”s and underwear i noticed it stopped after a few months. Thiswas a terrible experience for me and my family. I was living off of no sleep and had a job and two kids to take care of. When I spoke to other people this has happened to. I did’nt feel so alone. I racked up doctors bills. Thank god for insurance.

I have experienced what others describe on three occasions over the past 4 years. The first experience I developed a rash and a quater size blister which took months to heal. I contacted VS and they said it was not there bra, but sent me a $50.00 gift card in exchange for sending the bra and signing a legal document stating by accepting the gift card I would not be able to take any legal action against them. Of course I did not send back the bra and or utilize the gift card. I was left with a scare, I did however continue to wear a different brand (Pink) which did not have an effect until about 6 mos ago. I had purchased a new pink bra and the first couple of time I wore it I was fine, Then one day an itchy rash began to develop and it was the same area as before. I immediatly stop wearing the bra. I continue to wear my old bras and just this past week I developed a itchy rash and a blister twice the size as the last one in the same exact spot. It is painful and I know it will leave and awful scar just like the last time. I went on line and wanted to see if other people were still haveing isses with VS and you current today there are still postings of this happening to women everywhere…. And still VS has not done anything…. I will be seeking legal advice I am not sure the long effects this could possibly have.

I have been sick over what was causing my painful sores. It all makes sense, since it began after a bra fitting and purchase for a new push up bra to wear with my mother of the bride dress. It rash seemed to be slowing down, until after the wedding on saturday when within hours new sores appeared, and the pain has just begun. This rash is like nothing I have ever seen before. They react to meds in that you can’t seem to do anything to heal them. Burn, pain, itching, stress….it truly does make you sick.

OMG I cant believe this, I found this web page and I now know that it was the bra. I have purchased and worn only VS bras, panties and perfumes etc for many many years and I had developed a paintful itchy red rash excatly as everyone else described. at first I thought it was bug bites, I went to doctor 3 times and to no avail. I now know that this was the bra.

I can’t believe that after wearing the new Pink multi-way demi all day, I was shocked to find blistering rash along the bra line. I’m returning it tomorrow and will question why they don’t pull the product off the market! I asked my sister to take pictures of the rash on both sides of my body for proof. I bought this bra few months ago thinking the design will come in handy when I wear a spaghetti strap shirt.

I too have permanent scars under my boobs. I’m so disappointed I contacted VS to let them know and they didn’t even bother replying to me. I can no longer wear bathers without the scars on show. I’m so disappointing in it.

I have just experienced a similar allergic reaction to a Bali garment (a body shaper). It caused a very bad, very itchy, burning and aching rash around my waist/abdomen/back. Because I’ve had allergic reactions to medications a couple of times in the past, I recognized the signs of an allergic response (the area of skin that had the rash was hot to the touch, a dead giveaway of allergic inflammation) and so I didn’t think it was shingles, but I was pretty sure it came from my clothing–and it turned out I was right. I’ve been patch-tested and it’s the formaldehyde resin that is the culprit…and I tried the Bali shaper on again and the rash started to come back almost immediately, so it was definitely the cause. Apparently, some garment makers use formaldehyde resin to make garments waterproof and/or wrinkle-resistant; it’s also used on elastic bands, and to keep a fabric’s shape stiff. But a lot of people are allergic to it. So even though I didn’t get my allergic reaction from a VS bra, I thought I’d let people know that other big-name lingerie manufacturers are also using this chemical, and on garments like body shapers in addition to bras. Beware!

I have red, elongated welts in my bra line, an waist line. I just could not figure out what was going on??? Two Dr. appts.—- inconclusive. Just given a some medication, and sent on my way. The reds welt lessen, but come back with a vengence!! I am SO extremely happy that I came across this issue. It explains a lot. No more VS. I do not have scars, but the welts are horrible!! I wish I could share pics. Maybe that would help other women explain their horrible issue.

i recently went to the semi annual sale and wore the very sexy push up by victorias secret. i didn’t know the secret was formaldehyde a toxic carcinogen. i have welts, rashes and the appearance of a burn in the form of the bra.this is insane. the itching is unbearable and im scared of other health issues this may cause. i would like to join the class action lawsuit. does anyone know how to go about this?

I recently purchased several bras from Victoria Secret this month. I have developed a very painful red elongated rash along the bra line. I am in pain and it is itchy. I have noticed this problem with VS bras of all types has been brought to light since at least 2008! Why isn’t something being done about this? I plan to join one of the class action law suits and I would recommend every woman on here does the same. This is painful!

I too experienced the same thing, while at Myrtle beach this past week I wore my bathing suit and when I came home later on that night my inner thighs and pubic area was red, irritated, and severly rashed. It hurt so bad that I could not lay down or go to sleep. I thought it was just me until reading these blogs!

The padding in my VS VerySexy bra leaked and my breast came in direct contact with the oily fluid. I’ve developed a terrible itch and rash all over my breast and down my stomach. It’s been about a week now and it seems to get worse everyday.. I would also like to partake in the lawsuit! I have several photos and the leaked bra for evidence.

OMG!! I’ve developed a rash from the VS VerySexy bra too! I called VS and they said there hasn’t been any similar reports. What a liar!! What’s being done about this? Does anyone know?? I’m so scared now.. it’s been about a week now and it seems to get worse everyday..

My daughter and I have used victorias secret bras and underwire all our lives. We moved to ca in May, 2008 and opened a vs charge and purchased all new bras and underware. Within a few days to a week these horrific symptoms occurred. We started experiencing red, excoriated, painful, itcy, scales skin, which has since hardened and scarred leaving discolored lesions all around our breasts and panty areas. We are literally disfigured. We have tried many creams. Nothing works and the damage is done. Just notified vs after looking this up on line. We have suffered since 2008. We thought it was our skin. Didn’t research it until now. Sadly, we are scarred. I’m devastated. She is only 22 and it looks horrible. Mine is horrific also . I contacted vs and they are calling me back. I will seek legal Counceling. This needs to be taken care of. We re being exposed to some harmful chemical. I would agree that Formaldahyde will cause these symptoms. We are taking photos of our entire bodies and the damage and all our items which are several thousands of dollarsd

couple months ago i bought the “PINK” collection vs bra. My skin started to itch after wearing it for 6-7 hours. I wear the same size bra all the time. But this particular bra gave me bad scar from the blister and rash.

I too get these rashes under my breast after wearing my VS bras. Its very painful and red. At first I thought since I am big breasted may be due to sweating, but when I put on another brand of bra I dont seem to get them. I have always loved VS bras they seem to fit me better than any other brand. But since last year getting the new ones this is a constant issue with the rashes. I did a search about the rashes and came upon this sight. This is really scary…

I have been going back to doctor who couldn’t figure out what was wrong only I have the rash along my underwear line as well! At first, I thought it was shingles! The bras and underwear were new from Victoria’s Secret and so were the nightshirts. They all seem to cause my skin to do this when all my old pairs ne er caused a problem. I ordered them from USA and had them sent to me in Australia.