Question: Hi Dr Prasanna:

I wanted to follow up on the impact of high chloride exposure for CIDP patients, particularly through skin (external). We have tested for high chloride in our water (exceeds acceptable limit 1.5x); the results were from both the untreated tap outside and the internal tap, with results high on both accounts. We live close to a major road/intersection, where our private well resides, and believe this is due to run off of road-salt. Our well is only 60 feet deep. Our septic is in a completely different area in the back of the house. Local environmental agency and health department have expressed that these chloride limits (250+) are based on taste and that only individuals with known kidney or heart issues should be concerned. However, I have been less XXXXXXX in the process of healing from CIDP onset & am forced to bathe mostly at home. Every time I take a quick shower (regardless of low temperature), my fingers tingle and my skin gets irritated. For a long time, I thought it was only autonomic damage reaction and related to thermal regulation from my demyelinating, but then my fingers are not cold anymore on a constant basis with my huge improvement through IVIG and I haven't noticed the issue at the gym on the few occasions I get there to shower. Also, the issue at home happens regardless of temperature. My husband can't even shower at the house; he showers at the gym (due to serious dermatology reaction).

We are retesting our water more extensively for cyanide (anti-caking agents) and other VOCs. Our original testing was pretty comprehensive for the metals, copper, bacteria, but the chloride was the only high level registering

We have initiated the process of tapping into city water , but I wanted to check whether there is any known connection with chloride or salt contamination irritating CIDP or other neurological, autoimmune conditions (from a neurology perspective). My neurologist said that she has not heard of a connection. I can't make sense of what is happening, my experience. I was previously exposed to drinking the water, but we use bottled water now with the test results and have installed a reverse osmosis filter on our kitchen sinks for vegetable preparation, etc,. My continued exposure/irritation is through skin.

Thank you!

Thank you. That eases my mind and I appreciate your research. I may need to address it for skin reaction, but it is good to know that it does not have an adverse effect on my recovery/maintenance of my condition.