Uncovered: Victoria's Secret bras are 'harming women'

One of the world's most recognisable lingerie brands has caused rashes, hives and permanent scarring, according to a potential lawsuit by American women who claim they've experienced very uncomfortable symptoms.

Attorneys are filing a 'class action' lawsuit - one brought by a number of people - against the company that makes the hugely popular Victoria's Secret bras.

"I had the welts ... very red, hot to the touch, extremely inflamed, blistery. It itched profusely," said Roberta Ritter, who describes herself as a longtime Victoria's Secret shopper. "I couldn't sleep, because I was kept awake by itching.I was just utterly sick," she added.

Ritter, 37, filed a lawsuit against the company on May 14 in relation to the Angels Secret Embrace and Very Sexy Extreme Me Push-Up bras she said she bought.

But the Ohio resident isn't alone in her complaint. Her lawyers said dozens of other women have contacted them with similar claims involving a number of the intimate brand's collections. Many seek to be a part of the potential legal action.

"I was floored. I thought, 'I have to come out with this. The can of worms has to be opened because it's not just me, it's other people as well,'" Ritter said.

The medical website medhelp.org also features numerous complaints against the underwear company.

"I, too, had an awful itchy, red splotchy rash from the Secret Embrace bras," one poster complained.

A Victoria's Secret spokesperson admitted the company had received direct complaints from customers, but added the bras remain on store shelves.

The company said it is investigating complaints and released a statement that said, "We are sorry that a small number of people have had an issue and we want to help them determine the cause.Customer safety and satisfaction are always our primary concerns and we take seriously any issues our customers may have with our products," the statement continued.