Fabric Allergy | New York Allergy and Sinus Centers

Have you ever experienced skin irritation after putting on certain clothes? You may be allergic to the fabric. Symptoms include allergic contact dermatitis (redness, scaling, and itching), burning eyes, and chest tightness. Fabric allergies are mostly caused by formaldehyde resins and para-phenylenediamine. These synthetic ingredients make fabrics waterproof and resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage. Even some natural fibers are treated by formaldehyde resins, so it’s important to be knowledgeable about the companies that make your fabrics.

Fabric Allergy Diagnosis

If you believe you may have a fabric allergy, an allergist can perform an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis. An allergy patch test can identify which fabrics or chemicals irritate your skin. The test takes about two days to confirm the diagnosis. If the results are positive, your doctor will develop a treatment plan for you.

Fabric Allergy Treatment

The best treatment for fabric allergy is avoidance; however, it may be impossible to avoid all fabrics that cause an allergic reaction. Often, people who are allergic to formaldehyde in fabric can tolerate clothing that has been washed many times. You should look for clothing that’s only lightly treated with resins, such as pure cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic. For more severe allergies, your allergist can prescribe a cortisone to soothe your symptoms related to allergic contact dermatitis. Also, over-the-counter medications can treat burning eyes.

For concerns about a fabric allergy, visit the allergists at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers. With access to the latest allergy testing and treatment, we can diagnose your allergies in one of our six convenient locations throughout Manhattan and Queens: Murray Hill, Midtown, Upper West Side, Chelsea, Upper East Side, and Glendale. We see both pediatric and adult patients and can accommodate for same day appointments.

Call (212) 686-4448 to book your appointment today.

Textile contact dermatitis | DermNet NZ

Author: Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer.

What is textile contact dermatitis?

Textile contact dermatitis or clothing dermatitis can be defined as skin manifestations caused by wearing clothing and/or other fabrics that come into contact with skin. The source of the skin problem may be the fabric itself (i.e. reaction to textile fibres) or more commonly a contact allergy to the chemical additives used in processing the fabric, e.g. textile dyes and finishing agents.

Textile dermatitis

What causes textile contact dermatitis?

Textile fibre can be natural, synthetic or a combination of the two materials. Natural fibres include silk, wool, cotton and linen. Synthetic or man-made fibres include rayon, nylon, polyester, rubber, fibreglass, and spandex. Although all fibres can cause irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, it is rare for them to cause allergic contact dermatitis.

Allergic skin reactions to clothing is most often a result of the formaldehyde finishing resins, dyes, glues, chemical additives and tanning agents used in processing the fabric or clothing. Cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported for the following fabric additives.

• Formaldehyde resins used in fabrics to make them wrinkle-resistant
• Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) used in textile and fur dyes
• Azo and anthraquinone based dispersal dyes. These dyes are loosely bound to the fabric structure and can easily rub off onto the skin. They are rarely used in textiles nowadays
• Flame retardants [tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (13) and 2,3-dibromocresylglycidyl ether]

Other contact allergens that may be incorporated into the fabric of clothing and cause contact dermatitis include chrome, cobalt, latex and rubber accelerators.

Metallic fasteners and elastic in clothing can also cause contact dermatitis where they are in contact with skin. Metallic stud fasteners on blue jeans are a common cause of nickel dermatitis.

What are the symptoms of textile contact dermatitis?

Textile contact dermatitis is typically characterized by delayed reactions such as redness, scaling and itchiness. The symptoms may appear within hours of contact with the material, or sometimes a reaction may not be seen until days later.

The areas of the body most often affected are the crooks of the arm, backs of the knees, armpits, groin area and buttocks; places that are in most contact with the clothing. In addition, the dermatitis may worsen with constant rubbing by the fabric against the skin and by sweating in hot/humid environments. Sometimes the friction from clothing can cause a condition called intertrigo. In some situations the rash can become secondarily infected with yeast or bacterial organisms.

Who gets textile contact dermatitis?

Textile contact dermatitis is more common in women than in men. This is most probably because women wear more “fitting” and colourful clothing. Anyone may be affected but people with atopic dermatitis or sensitive skin are at greater risk. Other groups of people that may be at greater risk include obese or heavier individuals and those that work in hot/humid environments such as bakeries, restaurant kitchens, foundries and laundries. Textile contact dermatitis is a significant problem for workers in the textile industry.

Diagnosis by performing special allergy tests, i.e. patch tests, may involve testing against a number of different chemicals due to the many potential allergens that may be present in the fabric. It is often very difficult to determine the exact cause because textiles nowadays have been manufactured using a cocktail of dyes, resins and other substances. Also, clothing is not labeled with a list of chemicals it may possess.

See individual contact allergens for patch testing recommendations.

What is the treatment for textile contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis should clear rapidly once the offending fabric/clothing is removed. Over-the-counter creams and ointments containing mild topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone 0.5-2.5%, may be used to help control itching, swelling, and redness. In more severe cases, a prescription steroid cream may be required, as well as oral antibiotics if the skin becomes infected.

What should I do to avoid textile contact dermatitis?

If you suffer from textile contact dermatitis the best way to prevent any problems is by avoiding all clothing or fabrics that contain the allergen you are sensitive to. Sometimes this will be difficult to do as textiles are treated with a concoction of chemicals and dyes that are not individually identified. Some steps you can take to reducing contact dermatitis reactions include:

• Wear clothing that is made out of natural fabrics such as cotton and linen
• Wear clothing that is light coloured as these will contain less dye
• Wear loose fitting clothing in hot/humid environments
• Avoid clothing that is labeled “non-iron” and “dirt-repellent” as it is likely these have been chemically treated
• Avoid clothing marked “wash separately” as this implies dyes easily bleed from the fabric

Your dermatologist may have further specific advice, particularly if you are highly sensitive to particular textile allergens.

What to do if your clothes make you itchy or give you a rash.

If a wool sweater makes you itch, or if polyester pants give you a rash, you may have what’s called textile or clothing dermatitis. It’s a form of contact dermatitis. Your skin is reacting to the fibers in your clothes, or to the dyes, resins, and other chemicals used to treat what you wear.

What Causes It?

Since clothing is in close contact with your skin most of the day, it’s no surprise that your shirts, pants, and undies can cause skin problems.

Any kind of fiber can bring on a rash, but you’re more likely to get textile dermatitis from clothes made with synthetics such as polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex, or rubber. They don’t breathe as well as natural fibers, and they make you sweat more.

Often the source is the dye or other chemicals in the clothing. Formaldehyde resins used to make garments wrinkle-free or dirt-repellent can cause problems. So can dyes, glues, and chemicals used to tan, or create, leather. If you’re allergic to nickel, you might get a red, itchy reaction where your blue jeans button touches your skin. It has its own name: nickel dermatitis. Jewelry with nickel can cause it, too.

The combination of tight-fitting fabric and sweat can irritate your skin as it rubs against you. Doctors call this less common condition irritant dermatitis. It may look a lot like textile dermatitis, but the cause is different.

What Are the Symptoms?

Look for redness, scaly skin, or itchy areas. Sometimes they pop up within hours after you put on your clothes, or they may take days or weeks to appear. Some people can wear the same item for years before a rash breaks out.

Symptoms often begin in the folds of your skin or other areas that make contact with your clothes and what’s in them. That includes:

• The crooks of your arms
• Behind your knees
• Armpits
• The groin
• Any place where your clothing is tight

Who Gets It?

Women are more likely to have it because they more often wear tight-fitting clothes. So are obese people when they overheat and sweat. People with atopic dermatitis, a skin disease that affects mostly children, are also more likely to get textile dermatitis.

Where you work also matters. People with jobs in hot and humid places, like a bakery, have greater odds of dermatitis. If you wear latex gloves on the job, your hands may get irritated (which would be irritant dermatitis) or you may become allergic to the latex itself. That’s allergic contact dermatitis.

How Can I Prevent It?

The first thing is to stop wearing the item that bothers you. Your skin will most likely clear up within a few weeks. You can also:

• Wear natural fibers and loose clothes to help cut how much you sweat.
• Choose light-colored garments with less dye in them.
• Avoid items labeled “wash separately.” They’re more likely to bleed dye.
• Don’t wear clothes that say wash and wear, permanent press, no-iron, or dirt repellent. They’re likely to have chemicals that irritate your skin.

How Do I Know What Causes My Rash?

It isn’t easy to figure out if your skin problem is caused by irritation or an allergy, if it’s your clothes or the chemicals on them. Some clothes are made from a mix of fibers. They may be treated with several kinds of dyes and chemicals. But in general, the rashes and redness look alike and are hard for most people to tell apart. The location of the rash can be a clue to what’s causing it. If it’s on your waist, you could be allergic to the latex in your underwear elastic.

Your doctor may use a special skin patch to test these sources and find out which ones bother your skin.

When Should I See My Doctor?

If your skin doesn’t clear up in a few weeks, or if the problems come and go, it’s time to talk to your skin doctor. Also check with the doctor if the rash covers a large area, is really painful, raw or intensely itchy, or seems to be spreading instead of getting better. They can make sure you don’t have an infection on top of the dermatitis.

How Is It Treated?

If you know what clothing causes your rash and you stop wearing it, the rash usually goes away by itself and you don’t need medications.

But if you’re miserable, the doctor may treat you with antihistamines, moisture creams, or steroids to give you some relief while your rash goes away. Try an oatmeal bath to soothe your skin. More severe cases of dermatitis may be treated with oral steroids like prednisone and wet dressings.

Polyester allergy: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

Polyester is a synthetic fiber present in a lot of clothing and other fabrics. In some people, coming into direct contact with polyester-based fabrics can cause a skin reaction.

In this article, we look at the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of a polyester allergy.

A person with a polyester allergy may experience a skin reaction when they come into direct contact with fabrics containing polyester. Polyester is a widespread synthetic fiber that is common in:

• clothing
• home furnishings such as carpets, bedding, and curtains
• industrial fabrics

A polyester allergy is a type of contact dermatitis. There are two main types of contact dermatitis:

• Irritant contact dermatitis. This is the most common type, occurring when a substance irritates or damages the skin and causes inflammation. This reaction typically occurs within minutes or hours of the person’s skin coming into contact with the substance.
• Allergic contact dermatitis. This occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly reacts to a harmless substance, causing a skin reaction. This response often occurs several days after exposure to the allergen.

Polyester allergies are more likely to be due to irritant contact dermatitis.

Polyester allergies typically affect the area of skin that the fabric comes into contact with. Symptoms can include:

• skin irritation
• redness
• dryness
• itching
• swelling
• blistering

These symptoms may develop within minutes or hours of coming into contact with polyester, or they may take 1–2 days to appear.

Correctly identifying a polyester allergy is challenging. The polyester-based material sometimes contains a range of other potential irritants, such as detergents, dyes, or fragrances.

Before undergoing any form of treatment, it is important to identify the source of the allergy with the help of a doctor.

The most effective way to treat a polyester allergy is to avoid coming into contact with polyester. Replacing household products and items of clothing with polyester-free versions can help reduce the risk of experiencing a reaction.

However, it will not always be easy or possible to avoid all polyester, particularly at work or in other public places. There are a range of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications available to relieve the symptoms of a polyester allergy, including:

• moisturizers
• antihistamines
• topical or oral steroids

A doctor can provide guidance on how to use these medications.

If a person’s symptoms do not respond to treatment, a doctor may recommend light therapy, or phototherapy. This therapy uses a special type of light to slow cell growth and inflammation in the skin. Doctors use it to treat a range of skin conditions, including polyester allergies.

A person can prevent reactions to polyester by avoiding direct contact with fabric that contains polyester. This may require finding alternatives to clothing or furnishings made from polyester. Alternative fabrics include:

• cotton
• linen
• wool
• silk
• spandex

Fabrics often contain a mix of different fibers, so it is essential to check the label before buying. For example, many cotton-based materials also contain polyester.

Many carpets also contain polyester, but it may not always be practical or affordable to replace these. However, a person can avoid direct contact with a polyester carpet by:

• wearing appropriate footwear, such as socks, slippers, or shoes
• putting down polyester-free rugs
• avoiding sitting or lying on the carpet

Informing an employer can also help reduce the risk of coming into contact with polyester. A person’s employer may take measures to replace polyester-based products with suitable alternatives. A doctor can provide written confirmation of a polyester allergy.

There are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of having a polyester allergy, such as:

• having other allergies
• having preexisting skin conditions, such as eczema
• having sensitive skin
• working with the skin submerged in water
• working in hot or humid environments

Polyester is a common synthetic fiber that manufacturers use in a range of fabrics, including clothing and home furnishings. For some people, coming into direct contact with polyester can cause a skin reaction.

The best prevention method for a polyester allergy is to avoid all skin contact with fabrics that contain polyester. This may not always be possible, but OTC and prescriptions medications are available to help manage symptoms.

Weathering Fabric Allergies | Everyday Health

I’ve always enjoyed the change of seasons not least because I just love the clothes. As soon as the phone book-sized fashion magazines arrive in mid-August, I start yearning for fall fashions resplendent in rich fabrics made into chic, warm, toasty garments. Then too, heavier clothes are also a bit more forgiving weight-wise in ways summer dressing never can be.  Of course, where I live in Southern California there will be at least three more months before anything resembling cool weather is going to surface but still  . . .

Cooler ‘sweater weather’ means pulling out the heavy sweaters, coats, scarves, hats and gloves that have been living the back of the closet all winter. But for those with a textile allergy, the season can be anything but jolly and indeed can pose a real challenge. (My own personal heartbreak?  Angora. I so adore its rich plush softness but because of its dander, I break out in the worst rash ever if I get anywhere near it.)

Contact allergy dynamics

On the skin, a contact allergic reaction can manifest itself as a rash that may or may not itch.   It’s not uncommon a contact allergy to also trigger red eyes, a runny nose and sneezing fits.  So what’s going on?  Essentially, at the microscopic level an allergic reaction occurs when the body mistakenly identifies a particular molecule as potentially dangerous.

What makes one person allergic to something and another one not?  The scientific answer is we don’t really know.

The other thing that is particularly tricky about allergies is that they can develop later in life and for no apparent reason.  I have a patient who had no problems with wool until she was in her thirties.  Now, even being in the vicinity of Merino turns her into an itchy, squirming mass of misery.  Why now?  Wait for it . . . we don’t really know.

The fiber

Wherever there’s a fiber derived from wool – whether it be sheep’s wool, cashmere, camel’s hair or alpaca – the potential for a contact allergy exists for those sensitive to lanolin, which is produced by the animals’ sebaceous glands.   Ironically, for those who can tolerate it, lanolin has been a popular and highly effective moisturizer that’s been used for centuries.

Silk allergies are quite rare so generally it’s safe for most people. Though also rare, allergies to plant-based fibers like cotton or linen can also occur.  But if these are causing a reaction chances are it’s not the fiber itself that’s the culprit.

The finishes

What complicates the picture is that more often than not it’s not the fiber itself causing the reaction but the dyes, finishes or preservatives used in processing that can cause disruption and eruption in those who are sensitive. And despite the ecological and sustainability movements, these chemicals aren’t going away any time soon.

One example of good intentions gone horribly wrong in fabric finishes is the use of flame- retardants in children’s pajamas, bedding and plush toys. Many of these have been outlawed but it’s been a vigorous battle that’s not over yet.   Not only can flame retardants – the most common of which is Chlorinated Tris – trigger contact dermatitis but can be so toxic that their connections to cancer, learning disabilities and fertility problems later in life are very real. These are the last thing you’d want anywhere near your kids.

Vintage news 

Vintage clothing is becoming increasingly popular but can also pose some allergic challenges for the skin sensitive.  Old fabrics and furs that have not been cleaned properly or not been stored in a dust-free garment bag can harbor years’ worth of dust and dander that can really raise a rash.  Anything that’s been in mothballs can kick up a pretty serious allergy too.  So if you buy anything recycled, get it cleaned properly before wearing just to be safe.

Eco-friendly solvents that progressive dry cleaners are offering now react no differently from the older, more polluting ones as far as the skin or allergies are concerned.  But my feeling is that if you can take the eco-option, it’s the better way to go because we’re all in this environment together.

Timing

If you have multiple sensitivities that are seriously interfering with your life, then it’s time to come in for a T.R.U.E. (Thin-Layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous) Patch Test.  These are grid-like panels performed on a patient’s back that test for several of the most common allergens at once so you can pinpoint once and for all what’s bothering you. The organization’s website truetest.com is an invaluable resource for the allergy-prone and well worth a look.

Contact allergies happen but they don’t have to bother your skin.

Follow me on Twitter @DrAvaMD and friend me on Facebook Dr Ava Shamban

Contact dermatitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

There are 2 types of contact dermatitis.

Irritant dermatitis: This is the most common type. It is not caused by an allergy, but rather the skin’s reaction to irritating substances or friction. Irritating substances may include acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, fabric softeners, solvents, or other chemicals. Very irritating chemicals may cause a reaction after just a short period of contact. Milder chemicals can also cause a reaction after repeated contact.

People who have atopic dermatitis are at increased risk of developing irritant contact dermatitis.

Common materials that may irritate your skin include:

• Cement
• Hair dyes
• Long-term exposure to wet diapers
• Pesticides or weed killers
• Rubber gloves
• Shampoos

Allergic contact dermatitis: This form of the condition occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance that causes you to have an allergic reaction.

Common allergens include:

• Adhesives, including those used for false eyelashes or toupees.
• Antibiotics, such as neomycin rubbed on the surface of the skin.
• Balsam of Peru (used in many personal products and cosmetics, as well as in many foods and drinks).
• Fabrics and clothing, including both materials and dyes.
• Fragrances in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and moisturizers.
• Nail polish, hair dyes, and permanent wave solutions.
• Nickel or other metals (found in jewelry, watch straps, metal zips, bra hooks, buttons, pocketknives, lipstick holders, and powder compacts).
• Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other plants.
• Rubber or latex gloves or shoes.
• Preservatives commonly used in prescription and over-the-counter topical medicines.
• Formaldehyde, which is used in a broad number of manufactured items.

You will not have a reaction to a substance when you are first exposed to the substance. However, you will form a reaction after future exposures. You may become more sensitive and develop a reaction if you use it regularly. It is possible to tolerate the substance for years or even decades before developing allergy. Once you develop an allergy you will be allergic for life.

The reaction most often occurs 24 to 48 hours after the exposure. The rash may persist for weeks after the exposure stops.

Some products cause a reaction only when the skin is also exposed to sunlight (photosensitivity). These include:

• Shaving lotions
• Sunscreens
• Sulfa ointments
• Some perfumes
• Coal tar products
• Oil from the skin of a lime

A few airborne allergens, such as ragweed, perfumes, vapor from nail lacquer, or insecticide spray, can also cause contact dermatitis.

Clothing Allergy: 5 Reasons, 7 Symptoms, and 6 Ways to Control – Cottonique

Clothing allergy or textile contact dermatitis is common for many.  However, the cause of such skin condition is not actually brought about by the clothes we wear but rather due to the materials and substances embedded within the textile.  There are also other possible reasons why individuals suffer allergies from clothes.

Reasons behind Clothing Allergy

You suffer different symptoms of clothing allergy because of the following:

1. Washing Powder. Detergents are important ingredients when it comes to cleaning clothes. Unfortunately, numerous commercial detergents contain harmful toxins like dyes and perfumes which encourage allergic reaction in specific individuals.
2. New Clothing. It comes as a surprise to many that new clothes can actually result to allergic reactions.  Since it is new, they do not wash it. The problem is, new clothes contain formaldehyde which is toxic and can trigger skin itchiness or irritation. This chemical compound is used to keep clothes crease free while displayed or stocked in department stores.
3. Materials Used. There are different types of textile fabric such as cotton, lycra, wool, silk, corduroy, and jeans, among others.  Different people have differing reactions to such materials. Some can be allergic to lycra or spandex while others with denim clothing. In fact, 6% of the entire U.S. population has an allergy to latex or spandex.
4. Accessories. Studs, zips, buttons, and buckles can pose allergy problems too, especially if the items contain nickel.
5. Chemicals Used. Some chemicals like phthalates that are commonly found in plastic, brominated flame retardant, and perfluorinated compounds used in breathable fabrics cause allergies and may even be carcinogenic.

How Clothing Contact Dermatitis Occurs

An allergic reaction to clothing occurs when antibody cells recognize chemical structures of compounds used and found in clothes, then treat them as foreign objects or even consider them as threatening.  Because of that reaction, plasma cells will start producing allergic antibodies which find their way to different systems of the body. These antibodies will integrate with pro-inflammatory cells that line the skin. When they bind together, histamines are released; thereby, causing different symptoms of clothing allergy.

Symptoms of Clothing Allergy

Just like any other type of allergies, clothing related allergy symptoms come in different variety of strengths ranging from mild to occasional to even severe reactions.  It varies depending on the kind of triggers you have to deal with.

There are numerous factors to consider when it comes to clothing contact dermatitis as listed in the causes above. As for the symptoms, here they are:

1. Runny nose possibly caused by inhaling airborne chemicals used in detergents used.
2. Watery eyes as a result of inflammation running up there in your visual system.
3. Skin redness which is one of the most common symptoms of allergy, regardless of the reason behind it.
4. Scaly and itchy skin which may also be accompanied by swelling and inflammation; it is further characterized by cracked and hard skin surfaces.
5. Blistering and skin lesions when metallic particles merge with sweat
6. Skin Acne
7. Inflammation of hair follicles as a result of clothes contamination

Ways to Control Clothing Allergy

Like other kind of allergies, clothing allergy can be avoided also.  But first, let us discuss how clothing allergy is treated.

First, you should visit a physician who can perform an allergy test in order to determine the strength of the allergy and the precise reason behind it.  Normally, your doctor will recommend administering calcineurin or corticosteroids to help relieve the usual symptoms such as rashes and itchiness.  Antihistamines can also be recommended as it is one of the most effective ways to get rid of common allergy symptoms in general.

Now here are easy ways to control clothing allergy:

1. Wear cotton fabric as cotton is known to be least prone to clothing allergy.
2. Always wash new clothes before wearing them.
3. Use only soap and water when washing clothes. As much as possible, lessen, if not completely eliminate the use of fabric conditioner and detergents which contain perfumes and other harsh chemicals.
4. Determine what causes skin irritation and avoid it. For example, if it is the nickel button in your pants and shirt sleeves, replace it with nylon buttons.
5. Remove old clothes as it may have accumulated dust and mites over the years.
6. Always wash your clothes before using them again.
7. Stop wearing clothes that give you allergy.

As a final word, if you think that the symptoms are severe, contact your dermatologist immediately.  

Browse through Cottonique’s unique cotton-made clothing here for allergy-free clothes!

Choice of hypoallergenic fabric

There is an opinion that hypoallergenic fabrics are synonymous with natural ones. In fact, an allergic reaction can be to different materials, including those that are 100 percent made from natural raw materials.

The most common cause of fabric allergy is the chemicals that process the yarns before weaving. Special chemical compounds help to make the fabric stronger, adding properties such as waterproof and wrinkle resistance.Usually these chemical compounds have no effect on the human body. But people with sensitive skin type or suffering from atopic dermatitis are very sensitive to any additives.

To rule out an allergic reaction, carefully read the information on the composition of the fabric on the label. The item may be advertised as “made from 100% cotton,” but it actually has 20% synthetic yarns. Manufacturers are legally obliged to provide truthful information on the label.

How do you know if a fabric can cause allergies? For the convenience of buyers, it is customary to apply special markers to products. For example, the Eco-Tex or Euroflower signs indicate the absence of large-scale chemical treatments. The cleanest fabric that has not been treated with solutions and in which no synthetics have been added is designated with the NATURTEXTIL sign.

You should be wary of products that say “Mercerization” and “Does not wrinkle” on the label. Formaldehyde in special impregnations that prevent things from wrinkling is one of the most common causes of allergies to cotton and other fabrics.Also, whites that have been bleached with chlorine can aggravate the course of dermatitis.

What fabrics can be allergic?

Allergies can affect any tissue. In the case of synthetic materials, the reaction is predictable. But natural fabrics can also cause allergies. Usually:

• Allergy to flax. A rare occurrence due to individual intolerance to raw materials. Most often, flax heals wounds and prevents the development of infection due to its bactericidal properties.The natural properties of flax – strength, minimal shrinkage, resistance to dirt – allow avoiding chemical improvement in performance.
• Cotton allergy. Despite the natural hypoallergenic properties of raw materials, the reaction to cotton manifests itself quite often. Cotton threads are the basis for many types of fabrics. The canvas is often mercerized and treated with chemical solutions.
• Allergy to wool. It appears often. The body reacts to lanolin, a natural substance that animals produce to protect the coat from dirt, dust and moisture.The variety of wool fibers allows you to choose a material that will not irritate: wool of a llama, alpaca, camel, goat. In case of severe allergy to lanolin and other components of natural wool, it is recommended to choose warm clothes made of acrylic, fleece or polyester.

Which fabrics do not cause allergies? For sensitive and children’s skin, it is necessary to choose fabrics of the most natural composition. In addition to the traditional linen, coarse calico and high quality cotton, there are materials from nettle, eucalyptus and bamboo.Such eco-fabrics are positioned as the least allergenic.

Nettle and bamboo clothes do not accumulate dust and mites, and eucalyptus can destroy harmful bacteria. Synthetic fibers, despite their completely artificial composition, are excellent for allergy sufferers. With careful care of clothes and following the rules of use, the risk of irritation is reduced to almost zero. But remember that some synthetic fabrics are breathable and can cause a greenhouse effect.

In the OnlineTkani online store, you can not only buy a high-quality canvas for any purpose, but also get expert advice on the choice of a particular material.

90,000 Clothing allergy … overview of hypoallergenic fabrics

Can cotton cause allergies? What can you learn from labels on clothes? Which cotton fabric is not allergic? Features of linen clothes ….

Why can even cotton cause allergies?

The point is that any plant material, be it cotton, wool, silk, is treated with chemistry for strength and improved appearance in the production of fabrics, dyed and only after that clothes are sewn from this fabric.
If you buy an item that says “100% cotton”, it contains only 70% cotton, 8% chemical dyes, 14% formaldehyde, 8% softeners, etc. By the way, today there are more than 7000 approved (but far from harmless) textile auxiliaries.
The greatest danger to sensitive skin is posed by dyes and improvers – substances that maintain the shape of clothing and prevent it from wrinkling. According to statistics, 30% of things processed with improvers are the cause of allergies. One example of improvers is formaldehyde and synthetic resins, which you may have heard of before.

What should be the cotton fabric so that it does not cause allergies?

What can you learn from sewn-in labels on clothes that are on the Russian market?
• Sign “Euroflower” and “Eco-tex” – safe, high-quality industrial textiles that will suit most people without any problems with the skin.
• The sign “100% organic cotton” and “Naturtextile” (if there is a license number on the package) – items of the highest ecological quality, safe even with an exacerbation of skin allergies, capable of relieving dermatitis.
Refuse to buy things that have the following words on the label.
• Mercerized, Non-felting – chemically treated to provide a smooth, durable and shiny finish. Not recommended for exacerbations of skin diseases.
• “Easy to clean”, “Does not require ironing”, “Machine wash resistant” – treated with artificial resins that contain formaldehyde – the most allergenic substance.
• Chlorine Bleached – May exacerbate allergic dermatitis.

However, consider the following when choosing linen garments.

As far as flax is concerned, this material is chemically processed to a lesser extent during cultivation, which, unfortunately, cannot be said about cotton. It is strong enough by itself, does not shrink, it is easily and well erased, therefore, in the production of fabrics from it, improvers hazardous to health are not needed.
In addition, it has bactericidal properties – under linen clothes, wounds and acne heal faster than under cotton and even more synthetic ones.

• Prefer clothes in a specific linen color. But do not buy bleached linen and bright fabrics.
• Remember that real flax should be crumpled (this is as natural as real milk should sour and not stand for years at room temperature). If it is impossible to make folds on the fabric, then it is treated with resins to prevent wrinkling. Such a thing is dangerous for sensitive skin.
• Look for linen items with soft seams.
In any case, be guided by stores where you have already bought clothes that do not cause irritation to the skin.

Types of hypoallergenic fabrics in the EcoFABRIC catalog

Fabric 100% white cotton

Printed cotton fabric

Thick cotton fabric, white

Waffle cotton fabric, natural color

Non-bleached non-dyed hemp fabric

Turquoise hemp fabric

White hemp fabric

White dense hemp fabric

Hemp fabric with organic cotton, caramel shade

Hemp knitted fabric with cotton plum

Hemp fabric with yak wool

Green hemp wool fabric

Black bio-silk fabric with hemp

Hemp fabric and natural silk

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90,000 Clothing Allergies – Symptoms How to Treat Allergies

If your polyester pants or wool sweater is causing itching or rashes, chances are you have contact dermatitis . However, the skin does not always react to specific fibers; dyes, resins and other chemicals in your clothes can also cause dermatitis.

Relevant: Winter, frost and allergies: how it manifests itself in the cold and how to protect yourself

Most often women suffer from dermatitis, as well as people with skin diseases and atopic dermatitis.Those who often wear latex gloves or work in hot and humid rooms are also at risk.

How to tell if you are allergic to clothes

Contact dermatitis – symptoms

• redness;
• itching;
• peeling of the skin.

Symptoms may appear during the first hours, or after a few days or even weeks. Some people can safely wear the same thing for years, until one day they have an allergic reaction.

Any material, even natural, can cause an allergic reaction. However, it is more likely that dermatitis will manifest itself precisely because of synthetic clothing: polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex or rubber. The reason is simple – they prevent your skin from breathing and cause excessive sweating.

Why clothes are allergic / Unsplash.com

What other irritants can there be

• Washing powder. Unfortunately, many laundry detergents contain harmful toxins, colors and fragrances that can cause allergic reactions in many people.
• New clothes. The problem is that new clothes may contain formaldehyde, which makes things wrinkle bad. It is quite toxic and can cause itching or irritation in sensitive people.
• Accessories. Hairpins, zippers, buttons and buckles can also cause allergies, especially if they contain nickel.
• Chemicals. Dyes or other chemicals in clothing are often the cause: dyes, adhesives or formaldehyde resins, which are used to make stain-resistant, waterproof and windproof clothing.

How to treat clothing allergy?

First of all, you should stop wearing clothes that cause irritation. Your skin will most likely clear up within a few weeks.

Do not wear clothing that causes irritation / Unsplash.com

For prevention:

1. Wear natural fibers and loose-fitting clothing to reduce sweating.
2. Choose light colored clothing with fewer dyes.
3. Avoid fabrics that need to be “washed separately”.

It is not easy to find out on your own what exactly caused an allergic reaction: the type of material or chemical impurities. The location of the irritation can be a clue to what exactly is causing it.

If you know what kind of clothes caused this, just stop wearing them. In the event that the problem persists, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines. They are the most common in medical practice.One of these drugs is Fenistil gel and Fenistil emulsion.

When the gel is applied topically, thanks to its specially developed base, the active substance quickly penetrates the skin and begins to act in a few minutes *. The drug is effective against itching in case of allergic irritations, insect bites, minor skin burns and non-extensive solar erythema **. In addition, Fenistil has a local anesthetic effect and pleasantly cools ***.

Fenistil – fast * action for itching, non-extensive solar erythema, uncomplicated minor skin burns, allergic irritation of small skin areas and insect bites.

* According to the instructions for use of the medicinal product.

** This refers to skin itching, for example, with insect bites, non-extensive solar erythema, uncomplicated minor skin burns and allergic irritations of small skin areas, according to the instructions for use of the medicinal product.

*** It is meant that the preparation also possesses local anesthetic properties and cools the skin upon application, according to the instructions for use of the medicinal product.

_{Advertising of medicines. Before use, it is necessary to consult a doctor and be sure to read the instructions for medical use of medicines Fenistil Emulsion, skin emulsion 0. 1% for external use R.P. UA / 13867/01/01, Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 1925 of 08/30/2019 and Fenistil Gel, gel 0.1% for external use, R.P. UA / 0894/01/01, Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 728 dated 04.04.2019. Trademarks are owned or used under license by the GSK group of companies.You can report an undesirable phenomenon or a complaint about the quality of the product in GlaxoSmithKline Healthcare Ukraine Ltd. by phone. (044) 585-51-85 or by e-mail: [email protected].}

Allergy to fabric and clothing: symptoms, treatment methods

Nowadays, many people are allergic to fabric. What are the causes of this disease, the specifics of the manifestation of symptoms, the elimination of allergic reactions to tissue – we will consider all this in our article.

In the course of his life, man has invented many useful things, many of which made it easier for him to live on this planet.

The fabric was invented to protect the body from the cold, and later became the basis for the production of many fashionable things.

We cannot imagine our life without clothes, but in very rare cases people develop an allergy to tissue – manifested by various changes on the skin.

Causes of an allergic reaction to tissue

Do not think that fabric allergy appears only when wearing things made of synthetic materials. Skin sensitivity can also increase upon contact with natural raw materials – wool or cotton.And there are quite reasonable explanations for this fact.

There are two reasons for allergic tissue intolerance:

• Increased skin sensitivity in response to mechanical friction of clothing. The cause of this condition may be small villi on the fabric or its rough surface.
• Irritation from tissue on the skin can also occur in response to substances used in the manufacture of the tissue. In order to get the material you need in texture, density and color, different resins, fixers or dyes are used.It is these chemicals that irritate our skin.

Allergies to clothing can also arise from soft natural materials. The fact is that when growing cotton, various chemicals are often used, and not all of them are removed by pretreating the material.

Also in the production of sheep wool, many manufacturers in the process of raising sheep do not always fully comply with all environmental safety conditions.

Many people are intolerant to formaldehyde, and it is this substance that is used in most cases to make the fabric wrinkle-resistant.

Skin allergy symptoms often appear when clothing that is too tight to the skin is worn.

In places of friction, rashes and itching appear, but if you change your outfit, these signs quickly disappear.

Symptoms of clothing allergy

Clothes allergy symptoms

An allergic reaction to tissue is primarily manifested by changes in the skin.

It can be irritation from the tissue on the skin, blisters, redness, severe itching in case of allergies.In addition to these signs, the following signs can also indicate that there is an allergy to the fabric:

• Sneezing.
• Nasal congestion.
• Shortness of breath.
• Lachrymation and redness of the sclera of the eyes.

Anaphylactic shock is very rare and usually occurs in people who suffer from many allergic reactions to different allergens.

In order to understand that the symptoms that appear speak specifically of an allergy to the tissue, and not to another irritant, you need to pay attention to several distinguishing features and conduct a small experiment.

• Allergy to clothing cannot appear all over the body at once. Usually, the sensitivity of the skin increases on the limbs, trunk, neck separately, since we usually wear outfits from different fabrics.
• Symptoms of irritation appear the first or second use of a new outfit.
• After you remove the thing, all disturbing signs almost disappear immediately.

In order to accurately determine the type of allergen, it is necessary to carry out a special examination. Allergy tests made will help you understand exactly what type of tissue irritation reactions occur on.

Tissue Allergy Treatment

When symptoms of irritation appear on the body, the first thing to do is to remove the item you are wearing.

Taking a shower and lubricating the damaged skin with an anti-inflammatory ointment will help to quickly eliminate itching.

If all the signs are pronounced, there are symptoms of upper respiratory tract damage, persistent cough and conjunctivitis, then allergy drugs such as Suprastin, Loratadin, Tavegil, Azelastin should be used.

Suprastin tablets

In case of pronounced irritation to a certain type of tissue, contact with this material should be minimized. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully study the labels on each item you buy.

Cotton allergy often develops not to the fabric itself, but to the dye. Therefore, colored underwear must be replaced with pure white; this simple measure helps to avoid many health problems.

It has been noticed that people who cannot tolerate sheep’s wool and react to it do not give out intolerance reactions when in contact with astrakhan fur.

Lamb fur does not yet have a specific protein, which explains the absence of allergy to astrakhan fur.

If you are allergic to leather things, you need to minimize the wearing of belts, various leather bracelets, trousers, skirts.

Every new thing, before putting it on the body, must be well washed and ironed. This approach reduces the likelihood of developing irritation on the skin from the tissue several times.

Careful attention should be paid not only to the choice of outfits, but also to the purchase of bed linen, curtains, curtains, floor rugs.

If you buy upholstered furniture upholstered with fabric material, then you need to carefully study the composition of the upholstery, otherwise you will not be able to sit on the sofa. Read more in our article on furniture allergy.

Helps to minimize allergic reactions to tissue and general strengthening activities for the body.

Hardening, taking immunomodulators, cleansing the intestines also contribute to the fact that the immune system is better able to cope with the load assigned to it.

By adhering to our recommendations, you will minimize the appearance of allergies to the fabric, and even this disease may bypass you.

Be healthy!

90,000 symptoms, treatment, recommendations. Effective drugs

A painful reaction of the body to food, medicines is a frequent phenomenon and has been known for a long time. Allergy to clothing is a fairly new pathology that has appeared with the invention of various unnatural fabrics.The intensity of industrial development leads to manifestations that, if untreated, are not so harmless. A neglected disease can turn into serious troubles and cause toxic damage not only to the skin, but also to internal organs.

Allergy to synthetics

The production of materials from non-natural fibers, based on oil and other products, affects any and all areas. If earlier at least children’s things were free from artificial inclusions, today items of use for babies and babies are also at risk.

Fact! If 100% cotton is indicated in the product, there is no guarantee that natural fibers will not be processed using chemicals. The procedure is carried out to prevent tissue burnout, increase strength and elasticity.

An explicit or latent allergy to synthetics enters our lives, but here is a list of unnatural and inexpensive fabrics that most often cause pathology:

• viscose;
• microfiber;
• acrylic fabrics;
• fleece;
• polyester, elastane and others.

For all their softness, practicality and amazing aesthetic properties, the materials are made on the basis of polymers. The widest use of unnatural raw materials: from bedding sets to car covers, has led to the fact that more than 37% of people experience serious health problems.

It should be noted that it is very easy to distinguish between polyester and natural materials. The fabric has a gloss, shine, does not absorb moisture enough, does not allow air to pass through well and accumulates static electricity.In addition, the manufacturer is obliged to indicate the composition, therefore, the tag should be carefully studied, especially if an allergy to synthetics has already manifested itself.

Causes of Allergy

Possible reasons for the development of the reaction can be:

1. Mechanical.
   This happens due to the lack of tissue carrying capacity. In other words, the skin does not breathe, due to which the secreted sweat does not dry out. Salt deposits increase irritation, which leads to redness and itching.
2. Chemical.
   May appear due to the use of chemicals in the manufacturing process of the material. For example, if the water after washing changes color, dyes are added, during the cleaning process the item emits an unpleasant smell of chemicals – the treatment was carried out with an abundance of prohibited substances. In this case, allergic reactions can be very severe, even fatal. This is why new items, especially those with polyester, should be washed well beforehand!
3. Psychological.Often, signs of allergy occur due to psycho-factors. Doubtful people hear various TV programs exposing explanations and other “horror stories”, then invent a problem for themselves. And now, there is an itch, a rash on quite harmless things.

Regardless of the causes of skin reactions, you should definitely contact a specialist. Of course, if there was no improvement when changing bed linen, clothes. It is extremely undesirable to delay the treatment of the baby – the child’s body is much weaker, therefore allergies often provoke pathological processes and irreversible changes.

General symptoms of diseases

If an allergy to synthetics occurs, the symptoms will be as follows:

• Redness and itching of the neck, groin, arms, abdomen, legs;
• Moist blisters and blemishes;
• Focal formation of wounds with scabs, mainly when scratching itchy areas;
• Elevated body temperature;
• Sneezing, nasal congestion.

Sometimes tissue allergy manifests itself as a cold: hoarseness, redness of the throat, cough.Symptoms appear in different ways, but when irritating factors are removed, they usually go away. Skin rashes are among the most obvious manifestations, such as in the photo.

Fact! Allergy to synthetics or other fabrics can manifest itself at any age. Borderline age states: infants and the elderly. In the first group, the skin is very delicate and there are no meaningful reactions to pain, in the second, the skin is dry, therefore, with friction, mechanical damage to the integument quickly occurs, which leads to the rapid formation of cavities, focal inflammations.

Treatment

The beginning of healing requires determining the nature of the disease. After examination, collection of anamnesis, the allergist will diagnose, identify the course and nature of the disease, and determine the root cause of the pathology. Subsequent actions depend on the dynamics and manifestations of pathology. Most often, a course of medications (antihistamines), creams and ointments is prescribed.

Folk remedies are also good to get rid of an allergic reaction. A decoction of chamomile, mint, bay leaf tincture (as lotions), oak bark are suitable.But alternative treatment must be correct: sometimes herbs are also allergens, and the course of therapy aggravates the signs of pathology.

Most common diseases

Synthetics can cause both mild reactions of the body and develop into more serious pathologies:

1. Contact dermatitis.
   It manifests itself as skin rashes in places of contact with seams and kinks of clothing. Much depends on the quality of material processing. The dynamics of development is slow, the manifestations are dim.Signs: point irritations that appear both while wearing clothes and after a while. The symptomatology is very characteristic: at the place of contact, the skin first turns red, then bubbles with liquid form, swelling and itching. Treatment with ointments, creams and tablets. Children are well helped by a decoction of celandine, a series (lotions).
2. Allergic dermatitis.
   This is the body’s reaction to polyester and other synthetic fabrics. Pathology has a sluggish dynamics, but for the first symptoms to appear, contact with clothes must be long-term.The characteristic signs are similar to eczema: large red spots on the skin quickly become covered with small bubbles with liquid, begin to burst, get wet and then scars remain. Often the wounds are covered with scabs, scales.

Any of the named pathologies is the reaction of the whole organism to contact with synthetic fiber. First, the allergy affects a certain area, then the poisonous substances penetrate deep under the skin, touch the internal organs, and therefore it is important to stop the pathology at the very beginning.

Prevention

It is not difficult to determine the negative reaction to the tissue. The slightest discomfort in the form of burning, itching, rashes on the skin should alert. In order not to aggravate the disease, it is better to refuse such bed linen and clothes. In extreme cases, wear a cotton shirt under a synthetic jacket – this way you can avoid direct contact with the skin and prevent the development of the disease.

Advice! Don’t choose polyester for a baby or a pregnant woman.Natural fabrics may look less bright, wrinkle and cost a little more, but such inconveniences are not as terrible as undermined health and serious changes in the immune system.

If a person has increased skin sensitivity, then it is likely that he will develop an allergic reaction to synthetic tissues. Allergy to synthetics can give a person a lot of unpleasant sensations, because it is known that allergies and itching go hand in hand.

Allergy to synthetics develops due to atypical reactions of the immune system to an exogenous (external) stimulus.It is noteworthy that more often allergic reactions occur in the fair sex, this is probably due to a large number of synthetic items in the wardrobe and more sensitive skin. The lowest allergenic material is, of course, cotton, but even it can be the cause of allergies, since in this case the allergic manifestation does not occur to the material itself, but to the chemicals with which it is processed.

Allergy to synthetics most often manifests itself in the neckline, bikini, abdomen, lower leg and wrist, this localization is due to closer contact of the listed skin areas with tissue.However, if symptoms are acute, skin irritation can occur anywhere on the skin. If the allergic reaction is not treated in a timely manner, then very soon the allergy will become chronic.

How quickly does synthetic fabric allergy appear? This is a question to which a clear answer cannot exist. It all depends on the characteristics of the body and the susceptibility of skin receptors. In some people, the reaction can appear almost immediately, while others notice unpleasant symptoms in the evening, wearing synthetic clothes all day.It happens that the same synthetic thing may not cause allergic manifestations in cooler weather, and in hot weather, allergy symptoms appear.

Allergy symptoms

How does allergy manifest itself? As a rule, this is itching, redness of the skin, blisters. Allergy manifests itself not only on the skin. Sometimes there is nasal congestion, shortness of breath, conjunctivitis, and watery eyes. The severity of symptoms depends not only on the tissue itself, but also on a person’s diet, lifestyle and other factors that can aggravate the symptoms that manifest an allergy.

In children, allergies can be accompanied by peeling of the skin, redness, blisters, in addition, babies can sneeze often in the absence of a respiratory disease – small particles of tissue enter the nose and irritate the receptors. Allergies are more acute and more common in children than in adults. This is due to the weakness of their immune system.

Causes of Allergy

There are several factors that can cause allergic reactions.

• Mechanical.Synthetics have low hygroscopicity, so moisture is retained in it, respectively, when a person sweats, the material is not only saturated with moisture, but also disrupts air exchange. Therefore, the moisture does not evaporate, and the irritation on the skin is intensified by the salt and toxins contained in the sweat fluid. In addition, the skin receptors can be irritated by hard lint, stitches and coarse threads. Hard tissue rubs the skin, injures it, and sweat only intensifies the negative effect. As soon as a person takes off synthetic clothes, the skin gradually calms down, and the unpleasant manifestations disappear.
• Chemical. If the material is hygroscopic enough, but the allergy still occurs, then the reason may lie in the chemical composition. Manufacturers use chemical treatment to improve the appearance and quality of the material – these can be dyes that color the water when washing synthetic items, or chemicals that are used to improve the performance of the product. Sensitive skin can react sharply to such substances. Therefore, it is recommended that you wash your clothes before putting on new synthetic clothing.
• Psychological. Sometimes the cause of an allergy is not associated with the tissue itself, but with the psychological mood of the person himself. Considering synthetic fabrics as potentially “dangerous”, many people subconsciously tune their bodies to the fact that after wearing synthetic clothing, an allergic reaction is bound to appear.

In order to understand what is the cause of the allergy, you need to contact a specialist and undergo a diagnosis.

Diagnostic measures

There are several distinguishing features by which one can make a preliminary conclusion about the presence of an allergy to synthetic fabrics:

• manifested redness that occurs in places where tissue is tightly attached to the skin;
• If you have synthetic bedding, then the skin reaction is observed in the morning and covers open areas of the body;
• After contact with the material ceases, all symptoms disappear.

Based on all these signs, the doctor may suspect an allergy, but for the diagnosis to be accurate, it is necessary to undergo skin tests. They are needed to identify the allergen. They are carried out as follows: small scratches are made on the skin with a thin needle, on which a specialist applies an allergen, a conclusion is made based on the developing skin reaction. In addition, the doctor will ask for a blood test for immunoglobulins, which will determine the presence of allergic processes in the body.

Allergy treatment

The first step is to minimize skin contact with synthetic fabric.Drugs that can relieve allergic manifestations are called antihistamines. Prescribing drugs can only be a doctor, if a diagnosis of allergy has been made, listen and strictly follow the doctor’s prescriptions. Allergy only at first glance seems to be a simple disease, without adequate treatment, conditions that are dangerous to health and life can develop – Quincke’s edema, anaphylactic shock, suffocation. Allergic reactions are called atypical reactions of the body, therefore it is impossible to predict them, therefore, allergies must be treated carefully and in a timely manner.

How to relieve itching in case of allergies? Most often, the doctor prescribes the following drugs:

• Loratadine;
• Fenistil;
• Lomilan;
• Kestin;
• Claritin;
• Semprex and others.

Antihistamines can be both oral and topical. In addition to taking medications, at the time of an exacerbation of allergic reactions, reconsider your diet. It is necessary to exclude from it foods that can provoke allergic reactions:

• beekeeping products;
• citrus fruits;

90,017 sweets;

• coffee, chocolate;

90,017 eggs;

• Foods and beverages containing preservatives and dyes.

In some severe cases of allergy, corticosteroids are prescribed.

Traditional medicine

To relieve symptoms, you can use traditional medicine, but before using them, you must consult a doctor. In this case, he will be able to adjust and combine drug treatment and non-traditional means.

Bay leaves have antiallergenic effect. To soothe itchy skin, it is used in the form of baths. Bay leaf not only relieves discomfort with allergies well, but also promotes the healing of scratches on the skin.Baths with bay leaf infusion are safe for children, so they can be done even for babies. 100 grams of bay leaves are poured with boiling water (liter). The product must be held in a water bath for half an hour, and then poured into the bath at the rate of a liter of broth per 10 liters of water. After the bath, it is better not to rub the skin, but to let it dry naturally. Allergic manifestations are well removed by infusions of other medicinal herbs – string, sage, chamomile, St. John’s wort.

Shilajit is a very strong anti-allergenic agent.It must be consumed internally to cleanse the body of the allergen. One gram of mummy must be transported in warm boiled water (liter) and drunk one hundred grams in the morning. Allergy sufferers are generally recommended to undergo mummy treatment twice a year for 20 days – in autumn and spring.

Prevention of allergy to synthetics

When buying things, people prone to allergies should pay attention to the following points:

• the fabric should contain more natural ingredients;
• Don’t choose brightly colored fabrics;
• If there is a mark on the label that the item cannot be ironed, then it is treated with formaldehyde, and if it can be washed in a washing machine, then most likely the item was treated with resins of artificial origin;
• Before putting on a newly purchased item, it must be washed and ironed;
• It is better for allergy sufferers not to buy colored bed linen, it is better to opt for white linen made from natural fabrics.

The phenomenon of synthetic allergy is a relatively new type of reaction in the human body. Serious diseases caused by various allergens – external and internal irritants – today are no longer as harmless as they were several centuries ago.

For example, in the time of Hippocrates, allergies could appear in a small category of people when eating certain foods, and in ancient Rome, the famous doctor Galen noted the appearance of a runny nose caused by the smell of roses.However, these were isolated cases, and the real scope of the epidemic began only with the development of technical progress, the introduction of harmful production, the creation of food substitutes and enhancers of the taste of food, synthetic materials, fabrics, artificial fur and household chemicals.

As analysts note, allergy is a disease directly related to the development of civilization. Environmental problems are gradually causing new manifestations of allergy no longer in a small number of people, which is caused by a violation of the natural metabolic process in the environment of living organisms.

Humanity began to seriously think about solving this problem, looking for ways to neutralize and protect against harmful effects and allergization, involving not only international environmental services, but also entire medical associations.

Allergy to synthetic fabrics

In addition to allergic reactions to food and household chemicals, allergies to synthetic clothes and shoes have become widespread in recent years. In this case, the situation is aggravated by the fact that experts have learned to make fabrics not from pure natural fibers, but to create synthetic materials through chemical experiments.

The list of them is quite large, and every year the range of clothes from them increases, since they are much cheaper than natural ones. In particular, these include the following:

• viscose;
• microfiber;
• acrylic;
• fleece;
• polyamide;
• Polartec;
• membrane;
• elastane, polyester and so on.

Moreover, as for aesthetic qualities, synthetics are outwardly quite attractive and have a high percentage of strength.Such fabrics are made on the basis of polymers in specialized workshops, and modern markets and stores are filled with just such clothes. In addition, bedding sets, towels and underwear are made from synthetics. And everything would be fine if people did not show up for such products.

It is worth noting that synthetics still create some inconvenience and discomfort when worn: they do not allow air to pass through well enough, they are difficult to clean, they do not absorb moisture very well, they become electrified, they keep an unpleasant odor for a long time and, in the end, cause allergies.

The body begins to become covered with blisters or rashes, itching, reddening and swelling. As a result of the use of synthetics, serious ones can begin to develop. Therefore, when making a purchase, you must always pay attention to the composition of the fabric. And if the thing does not fit, then sadly, it is better not to wear it. In case you have an allergy to bedding fabric, it is better to change it to a natural set.

Contact dermatitis

One of the diseases that appeared against the background of the use of synthetics is contact dermatitis.Usually, at first, the disease makes itself felt with mechanical action on the skin at the seams and bends of clothing, in the area of ​​the collar and folds. Much depends on the quality of processing of the material, the structure of the fiber itself and the time of wearing. Allergy manifests itself in this disease at a slower pace.

The main symptoms of the disease are the appearance of irritation on certain areas of the skin that are exposed to direct contact with the allergen. Moreover, manifestations may appear even after some time after wearing synthetic clothing or using unsuitable underwear.Characteristic signs are redness of the skin, the appearance of bubbles filled with a transparent liquid composition, the presence of puffiness in the contact area and itching. Do not touch the bubbles to avoid infection. Gradually, as they disappear, ulcers appear instead of them, and when the process of inflammation subsides, crusts remain on the skin for some time.

Contact dermatitis is treated by local exposure to special ointments and creams.
For example, such as Advantan, Elidel, Zyrtec, Erius and Locoid.It is recommended to apply medicinal products twice a day, while the course itself is two weeks. For more severe lesions, the use of special diet therapy is recommended, and corticosteroid drugs for oral use are also prescribed.

Allergic dermatitis

Another characteristic disease is that occurs in the form of a kind of reaction of the body to the effects of synthetics and other possible irritants. Like contact dermatitis, this type of pathology develops slowly.

In order for the first signs of the disease to appear, the direct interaction with the allergen must be long enough. In this case, not antibodies are involved in the reaction, but immune cells, mostly lymphocytes. The clinical picture is characterized by signs that resemble the development of eczema. Large red spots appear on the affected skin areas, after which small bubbles form in their place, which begin to get wet, and subsequently noticeable defects remain on the surface of the epidermis.The appearance of crusts and scales takes place.

The lesions are initially those places that had contact with synthetic tissue. Each allergy gradually begins to affect not a separate area, but the entire body as a whole, affecting the organs even from the inside. External manifestations are only evidence of the presence of allergic dermatitis. And of course, the indisputable fact is that it is desirable to stop the disease at the very beginning of its development.

Clarification of the diagnosis of this disease for specialists is not difficult.This is facilitated by direct questioning of patients and careful visual examination of skin lesions. Allergic dermatitis has quite characteristic specific manifestations, and modern methods allow, in addition, to confirm the diagnosis with the help of special ones. This technique makes it possible not only to make sure of the correct diagnosis, but also to specify the direct source – the allergen. The essence of the procedure is that a small scratch is applied to the skin with a needle and the substance that is supposed to be an irritant.After some time, a small inflammation in the form of a spot and edema appears at the site of the sample, if there is a source. The main condition for the test is the complete absence of other skin diseases.

Summary

Treatment of this disease, like any other allergy to synthetics, especially in an advanced stage, is not an easy process. First, you should completely abandon clothes made of a certain material.

Natural fabrics such as linen and cotton are the best.

Woolen sweaters are just as damaging. Therefore, they should be worn over cotton shirts. Further symptoms are relieved by antihistamines drugs, which are produced in the form of drops and are prescribed for oral administration. There are also a number of drying antiallergic agents in the form of ointments and gels.

Allergy today is one of the most dangerous diseases, fraught with serious pathological consequences.Therefore, its neutralization is a necessary measure. And the sooner treatment is started, the better.

One of the most alarming trends in recent years has been the widespread prevalence of allergic diseases. Every year the number of people suffering from manifestations of allergies only increases. The reason for this is not only heredity or malfunctions in the human immune system, but also poor ecology, a huge number of artificial food additives in food, the widespread use of household chemicals.Unpleasant manifestations can appear on anything: plant pollen, food, pet hair. In recent years, hypersensitivity reactions to the fabric from which our clothes or bedding are made have been increasingly observed. What is the cause of allergies, what types of fabric can irritate the skin and how to avoid unpleasant symptoms, we will tell in this article.

The main function of any tissue is to protect the human body from external influences. But what to do in cases where contact with clothes ends with the appearance of irritation and characteristic rashes? Moreover, an allergy to fabric can be caused not only by clothes made of synthetic materials, but also things made from natural raw materials (wool, flax or cotton).

Even the inscription on the label “100% cotton” cannot serve as a guarantee that natural fiber has not been treated with chemicals during the production process, which in most cases are the strongest allergens. So, let’s consider what causes allergies to synthetics and natural fabrics.

Synthetic fabrics

The course to reduce the cost of production leads to the fact that natural raw materials are almost everywhere replaced by more affordable and practical synthetic materials.

In most cases, allergic reactions are caused by fabrics that contain synthetic components such as viscose, polyester, acrylic. They practically do not allow air to pass through, which makes it difficult for the skin to breathe. As a result, thermoregulation is impaired, sweating increases and irritation occurs.

Unpleasant skin symptoms are often caused by harmful chemicals (dyes, fixing agents, formaldehydes) used in the manufacture of fabrics. Allergy to synthetics appears on things in the production of which cheap chemical components are used.Formaldehyde is especially dangerous in this respect, used to make the fabric less wrinkled.

Delicate baby skin reacts particularly strongly to toxic chemicals. Therefore, when buying clothes or bedding for a baby, pay attention to the composition of the fabric and the intensity of the color. For the child, you should purchase clothes from natural materials and avoid too bright colors that artificial dyes provide.

Wool

Rough fluff or rough surface of the garment can cause skin irritation when wearing woolen garments.For people with sensitive skin, it is better to give up woolen things, as the hairs irritate the skin with constant tingling in places where it comes into contact with clothing.

In addition, other factors have a great influence on the quality of woolen products. If the animals were kept in poor conditions or the wool was treated with chemicals and dyes, then it is impossible to guarantee the safety and hypoallergenicity of clothes made from natural raw materials.

Cotton, linen

Any fabrics made from natural plant materials, be it cotton, linen or silk, also cannot guarantee complete safety for the consumer.Natural fabrics can become allergenic even before the production cycle begins, because cotton in the fields is generously treated with a variety of chemicals that save plants from pests.

During production, they also use various chemicals that make the fabric less wrinkled, more durable, use textile dyes to give the product the desired color. As a result, things made from natural linen or cotton are saturated with chemical elements. The textile auxiliary substances contain a variety of synthetic resins, dyes, formaldehyde, and improvers.When mixed with each other, they release toxic substances that are harmful to our skin.

The safest is considered to be unbleached linen, it does not contain harmful substances, is easy to wash, is durable and hygroscopic. Clothing made from natural linen allows the body to breathe freely, does not provoke excessive sweating, does not cause discomfort and irritation. Another significant plus in favor of flax is the bactericidal properties of the natural material, which is an obstacle to the development of unwanted skin reactions.

Allergy symptoms

Hypersensitivity reactions to tissue manifest themselves with skin symptoms:

In addition to skin manifestations, general symptoms may appear:

• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
• Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing.
• Lachrymation, redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Such serious complications as Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic reactions develop extremely rarely and only in those cases when a person suffers from hypersensitivity to many other allergens (food, household, medicinal, etc.)etc.).

How to identify a provocative allergen and understand that it is contact with tissue that causes unpleasant symptoms, and not some other reason? Allergy to tissue differs from other allergic reactions in some characteristic features:

In order to identify a specific allergen that causes unwanted symptoms, it is recommended to do a special test – skin allergy tests. Such a study is carried out in a polyclinic, in an allergist’s office or in a specialized clinic.During the test, a few drops of various allergens are applied to the skin of the forearm and small scratches are made to allow the substances to penetrate the skin. If redness and a blister appear at the site of application, it is believed that an allergy provocateur has been found. After clarifying the diagnosis, the doctor will select the optimal therapy regimen and prescribe treatment.

Treatment

When the first unsuccessful signs appear, contact with the allergen should be excluded: remove the thing that causes skin irritation, change the bedding.To relieve itching and other skin symptoms, you can shower and apply an anti-inflammatory ointment to the irritated skin.

If skin manifestations are accompanied by cough, symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, it is recommended to take antihistamines (Tavegil, Suprastin, Claritin, Tsetrin, Loratadin). Preference should be given to drugs of the latest generation, they do not have a sedative effect, have a minimum of contraindications and side effects.

In case of severe reactions, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid ointments containing hormones (Sinaflan, Flucinar, Advantan).These drugs treat skin symptoms quickly and effectively, but should not be used for long periods of time due to the risk of serious adverse reactions.

The doctor can include the intake of enterosorbents as part of the complex treatment, which will help cleanse the body of toxins and allergens. The appointment of multivitamin complexes will help maintain immunity and strengthen the body’s defenses. In addition, bronchodilator drugs can be used to eliminate respiratory disorders.Immunomodulators will help to prolong remission and prevent the recurrence of unfavorable manifestations.

To prevent relapses, it is necessary to completely exclude contact with the type of tissue to which hypersensitivity reactions have occurred. In many cases, it is not the fabric itself that becomes the provocateur of allergies, but dyes and other chemicals used in the production process. Therefore, try not to buy things made of synthetics or any other material in flashy, bright colors, as such fabrics contain a large percentage of harmful substances.

In addition to taking medicines, you can use folk recipes. Their use will help to quickly stop unpleasant symptoms on the skin and relieve discomfort. Before using any folk remedy, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Prevention measures

How can an ordinary consumer protect himself from fabric allergies? What to look for when choosing clothes and bedding?

• If you have sensitive skin and have a tendency to allergic reactions, you should avoid buying underwear and clothing made of synthetic materials, as well as not buying things that are too bright, saturated colors.
• When buying any clothing, carefully study the labels, pay attention to the composition and labeling. People with problem skin should avoid items labeled as follows:

• Before putting on a new item, it is imperative to wash and iron it. During washing, run the rinse mode twice and use hypoallergenic detergents.
• Give preference to things made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk), try to avoid synthetic clothes, in which the skin does not breathe and there is no natural thermoregulation, which provokes a kind of greenhouse effect and is accompanied by skin irritation and increased sweating.
• Carefully approach not only the purchase of clothes, but also the choice of curtains, rugs, upholstered furniture.
• Replace colored bedding with pure white and try to choose sets from natural fabrics (cotton, chintz, linen). Preference should be given to linen fabrics. This plant is practically not treated with chemical reagents during cultivation, and during the production of fabric, many harmful components are not used (for example, formaldehydes to eliminate creasing).
• General strengthening procedures, a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and rejection of bad habits will help to reduce unwanted allergic manifestations to a minimum.
• The intake of multivitamin complexes, immunomodulators, cleansing of the body with sorbents will help to maintain the immune system.

Allergy to synthetics, that is, synthetic fabrics, is not as rare in people as we would like.

Changes in the skin that appear during the development of allergic reactions to artificial materials are sometimes so pronounced that they greatly disrupt the general well-being and reduce working capacity.

Allergy to synthetics is determined both in adults and in babies in the first months and years of life.

Who is allergic to synthetic fabric

Allergies to synthetic materials are primarily susceptible to people endowed with thin and sensitive skin to external irritants.

The likelihood of developing the disease is also increased in those with too dry skin, as well as with a decrease in the functioning of the immune system.

The delicate skin of children in the first months of life often reacts to synthetic fabrics with rashes, redness and other unpleasant changes.

Allergy to synthetics can also be an occupational disease, it is detected in workers engaged in the production of fabrics or sewing products from them.

Composition of modern synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fabrics on an industrial scale began to be produced in the 30s of the last century.

The widespread replacement of natural materials with artificial ones was explained and is still explained by the fact that the production of synthetics is several times cheaper.

At the same time, synthetic fabrics used now have several advantages over natural ones, they are:

• Stronger;
• More stable in contact with aggressive media;
• Lighter.

Synthetic fiber macromolecules are produced from low molecular weight compounds. Innovative technologies make it possible to produce fabrics with predetermined characteristics.

Currently, dozens of synthetic materials are used in the production of clothing.Often they are mixed in a certain ratio with linen, cotton, wool.

Synthetic fabrics could completely replace natural ones in terms of their qualities, if they did not have negative properties.

Allergy to clothing made of artificial materials occurs due to the fact that such fabrics poorly conduct air, this disrupts gas exchange and all conditions are created on the surface of the skin that contribute to the development of allergic reactions.

In addition to the structure of synthetics, chemicals used in the production of fabrics are also the culprits of allergies.

Allergens can be contained in dyes, agents used to make materials smooth and wrinkle-free.

The higher the percentage of synthetic threads in the fabrics, the higher the likelihood of developing allergic reactions.

Fabrics with the highest synthetic content.

The most common types of synthetic materials used in sewing clothes and bed linen include:

• Polyester. The fabric is soft and elastic, but low hygroscopicity.
• Acetate is a fabric made from cellulose acetate, clothes made from this material retain their shape for a long time.
• Elastane – the fabric is characterized by the ability to take its previous shape after stretching.
• Lycra is a dense and elastic fabric.
• Acrylic is a material obtained from petroleum products. Differs in increased strength, but almost does not let air through and is electrified.
• Viscose is one of the best synthetic materials, the characteristics of which are close to those of natural fabrics.

The likelihood of allergic reactions is increased if fully synthetic fabrics are used when sewing clothes. But it must be said that allergies occur quite often to cotton and wool.

There are several reasons for the appearance of irritation on the skin when wearing clothes made from natural fabrics.

Firstly, such fabrics also often contain chemicals, allergies can be caused by dyes, agents used to strengthen fabrics and other artificial additives.

Secondly, pesticides are often used when growing cotton, and a small part of them can also be stored in the threads of the material, causing allergic reactions in people with a predisposition to pathology.

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Localization of skin changes in case of allergy to synthetics

Dermatologists and allergists identify several areas on the body, on which rashes are predominantly localized, indicating a possible allergy to synthetic materials, these are:

• Hands, especially the wrist often suffers;
• Groin area;
• Belly;
• Legs, most often skin changes are located in the ankle joints.

That is, itchy rashes first of all appear in the places of the most dense contact of the skin with clothing.

In severe cases, rashes and blisters cover almost the entire body.

Skin changes can also appear where sweat glands are located close – in the armpits, under the breasts in women, in the folds of the skin, in the lower abdomen in well-fed people.

Allergy to synthetic materials is not always limited to allergic dermatitis.

Allergens can act on mucous membranes, causing runny nose and sneezing, watery eyes and redness of the eyes, coughing and choking.

Cases of anaphylactic shock upon contact with synthetic clothing have also been recorded; its development is indicated by severe dizziness, weakness, and semi-fainting.

Synthetic fabrics are often used to make bed linen. If you are allergic to this type of tissue, then skin irritation is most pronounced in the morning.

Symptoms may subside in the evening, and intensify again the next day. Such manifestations indirectly indicate that a person comes into contact with an allergen during sleep.

Causes of allergy to synthetics

Skin changes when wearing clothes made of artificial materials arise under the influence of several provoking factors. Sometimes their effect on the human body is joint, which only aggravates the severity of the allergy.

Mechanical.

The most common causes of allergy to synthetics are mechanical, and they are the easiest to deal with.

Skin irritation occurs due to the fact that the artificial material retains moisture and does not impede natural gas exchange.

Moisture does not evaporate, while slags and salts begin to come out with sweat, and negative changes occur in the skin, leading to the appearance of a rash, itching.

The mechanical reasons for intolerance to synthetic materials include rubbing with tissue on the body. Irritation is caused by seams, thorny threads, wool.

Constant friction leads to an inflammatory reaction – rash and itching occurs.

Rubbing with tissues is the greatest danger to the skin of babies, even the slightest irritation at this age leads to the appearance of red, inflamed spots and maceration of the skin.

If, after removing clothes, disturbing rashes and irritation decrease, then synthetics allergies should be considered first.

Chemical.

Some synthetic materials in their properties are completely close to natural, that is, they let in moisture and “breathe”, however, when they come into contact with the body, allergic reactions also occur.The reason for their appearance may be hidden in the chemical composition of the tissues.

Allergens for humans are dyes, agents used to treat moths, chemicals that increase the strength and crease resistance of fibers.

The likelihood of an allergy to synthetics is increased if the clothing has a strong chemical odor and is cheap.

Washing, during which some of the chemicals are washed out, helps to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

But such prevention does not always help.And if, after wearing new clothes, spots appear on the body, areas of peeling and blisters, and after removing them, they decrease, then we are definitely talking about the influence of allergens in the material.

Such a thing simply needs to be thrown away, since even repeated washing will not help remove all allergens from the threads.

Psychological.

Sometimes skin tests do not show an allergy to synthetic materials, but a person has negative changes on the skin when wearing clothes.

In such cases, it is necessary to consider another cause of the disease – psychological.

Self-hypnosis and phobias can play an insidious joke – blisters and blisters will appear on the body when wearing even things that are completely harmless from the point of view of the content of allergens.

The likelihood of synthetics is increased among suspicious people, among those who constantly care about their health and prefer to use products made from natural materials in everyday life.

Allergy can also appear against the background of psycho-emotional stress, during a period of prolonged depression.

Diagnostics

Not always blisters, which appear and itching, a person immediately associates with wearing clothes.

Sometimes these changes are attributed to drug intolerance, contact with detergents and cosmetics.

There are several distinctive points that, even before a full examination, will help to understand that an intolerance reaction has arisen to synthetics:

• In case of allergy to clothing, the main manifestations of irritation are localized where it closely adheres to the skin.
• If the allergen is in the fibers of the bed linen, then the changes on the skin are localized in the open areas of the body and they are more noticeable in the morning.
• When you first wear a new thing, allergies almost never appear. Symptoms of the disease can only be noticed after using the outfit several times.
• After removing the allergenic clothing, the manifestations of pathology decrease. And if the specific thing that caused the allergy is no longer worn, then the skin will quickly clear.

To clarify the diagnosis, you must definitely contact an allergist or dermatologist.

The doctor will examine and prescribe skin tests to determine the type of allergen.

Their implementation will allow in the future to exclude the wearing of clothing, the material of which is allergenic to humans.

What to do for a baby, child, adult, during pregnancy

If synthetic fabrics cause irritation on the skin, then you should definitely choose your clothes carefully.

This is especially true for the choice of underwear and bedding for babies, their skin is too delicate and very sensitive, so even the smallest irritant can lead to changes in the body that will require long-term treatment.

To prevent the development of allergies to synthetics, the following rules should be followed when choosing clothes for children of the first year of life:

• It is necessary to select sliders, undershirts, shirts made of natural fabrics.
• Clothes should not be too bright colors. Brightness indicates a high content of dyes that may contain allergens.
• The seams on the laundry must be soft.
• Clothing must not have a chemical odor.

Pregnant women are also more likely to develop allergy to synthetics. Therefore, things that are in close contact with the body (tops, underwear, shirts) must be sewn from natural fabrics.

If you already had an allergy to synthetics before conception, it is best to notify the doctor in advance, the doctor will recommend safe drugs that can be taken immediately if symptoms of an allergic reaction occur.

All other adults should also be attentive to the choice of clothing.

It is not worth buying things of dubious quality, having incredibly bright colors and sewn in a clearly artisanal way.

It is better to buy one expensive, but high-quality thing than a dozen cheap ones, half of which will have to be thrown away.

Treatment

Treatment of allergy to synthetics consists in avoiding the use of clothing with allergenic materials.

You can wear such things over natural ones, but it would be safer to completely remove them from your wardrobe.

With minor changes in the skin that appear after wearing clothes, you can do without medication altogether.

If the irritant stops acting on the skin, then the manifestations of allergies will disappear.

When severe rashes, swelling, blisters, reddened areas appear, drug therapy is necessary.

The standard treatment regimen is to stop the further development of allergy and to relieve its symptoms.

In addition to systemic drugs, drugs for external use are also used – ointments, gels, talkers.

Ideally, antiallergic treatment should be prescribed by a doctor, after assessing the severity of the pathology and taking into account the patient’s age.

Below are the medications that are most commonly prescribed for patients with synthetic allergies.

Antihistamines.

Almost all antihistamines are endowed with adverse reactions and may be contraindicated in some diseases.

The safety of treatment is ensured by careful study of the instructions before using the medicine.

Subdivided into hormonal and non-hormonal.

Ointments with hormones are used only as directed by a doctor and for the shortest course.

To include:

Non-hormonal ointments used to eliminate skin changes in case of allergies:

In case of unexpressed symptoms of allergy on the skin, it is better to start treatment with the application of non-hormonal ointments.

If their use does not lead to a decrease in the manifestations of the disease within 2-3 days, then you should switch to hormonal ointments.

They are prescribed by a doctor, taking into account all contraindications.

Folk remedies.

Traditional methods of treating allergy to synthetics are mainly used to relieve the external symptoms of the disease.

Itching, irritation and swelling will quickly disappear with the following products:

• Decoction of mint or chamomile. With the prepared broth, you need to wipe the inflamed areas. Ice cubes from a decoction of these herbs cope even better with itching.
• Bay leaf infusion is suitable for lotions and baths.
• Broth of the string. The train copes well with all skin manifestations of allergies, the broth is used both for internal use and for wiping off irritated skin areas.

To reduce the symptoms of allergies, you can drink shilajit, mountain balm has anti-allergic properties and improves the functioning of the immune system.

Prophylaxis

If you are allergic to synthetics, then you need to carefully approach the choice of clothing.

The likelihood of a relapse of the disease is reduced if only a few rules are observed:

• Underwear and bed linen must be made of natural material and neutral in color.
• If you know what type of synthetics causes allergies, then you need to study the composition of the fabrics on the labels before buying clothes.
• Purchased items must be washed and rinsed well before the first wear.
• Do not buy too bright clothes with an unpleasant, pungent odor.

Synthetic allergy is not considered a serious medical condition. The reappearance of the symptoms of the disease can be completely prevented if you are not lazy to choose high-quality and safe outfits in terms of the content of chemicals.

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Itching, flushing and rash on the skin, allergic rhinitis, asthmatic attacks, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, deterioration of the general condition – all these unpleasant symptoms can appear against the background of allergy to bedding. Or rather, not the fabric from which the kit is made.

Reasons for the development of an allergic reaction

A person spends a third of his life in bed. Therefore, the textiles from which bedding sets are sewn must be safe and efficiently fulfill their main task – to protect the body from external influences.

Cheap synthetics do the worst with these functions. Produced with non-compliance with technological requirements, a violation of the balance of chemical components in the composition – it is a low-quality synthetic fabric that often causes the development of allergic reactions.

Alternative – natural fabrics. But the reality is that most of them lose their useful properties even before the start of the production cycle. Generous watering of cotton and flax with all kinds of “chemistry” when growing, keeping animals in improper conditions, treating their wool with chemicals, dyeing fibers – all this does not pass without leaving a trace, accumulates in the raw material.So textiles are not completely natural, but loaded with a mass of harmful chemical elements.

Therefore, hypersensitivity that seems to appear out of the blue often becomes a natural reaction of the body to such stimuli:

• Synthetic impurities. Polyester, viscose, acrylic do not possess hygroscopic properties, do not remove excess moisture. Textiles with the inclusion of such fibers are not able to absorb sweat, so the skin soars. “Sealed” in synthetics, it simply stops breathing.This negatively affects the condition of the skin and the whole body.
• Textile auxiliary substances. Resins, dyes, fixers, formaldehydes – toxic components are used in the manufacture of fabric to improve its performance (dyeing in the desired color, increasing strength, stiffness, and shrinkage). Such aggressive additives often provoke a violent allergic reaction.
• Natural fabrics-allergens. High quality 100% natural textiles can also cause unpleasant symptoms.For example, for people with increased skin sensitivity, it is better not to use woolen fabrics, textiles with a rough texture – constantly tingling the skin in places of contact, such materials provoke severe irritation.

The reasons for the development of allergies to the fabric of bedding also include dust mites, detergents. To determine exactly what is causing the irritation, you need to see an allergist. He will prescribe a special analysis – skin allergy tests, according to the results of which an allergy provocateur will be identified.

Symptoms

The body signals the development of hypersensitivity to bedding fabric:

• irritation, flushing of the skin in contact areas;
• the appearance of an itchy skin rash;
• peeling, dry skin;
• shortness of breath, shortness of breath;

90 017 sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose;

• conjunctivitis, profuse lacrimation.

These signs are similar to typical allergic symptoms, but there are some differences.For example, skin manifestations occur in contact areas and become noticeable in the morning. Unpleasant reactions may not develop immediately, but build up gradually. Another feature is that the manifestations of allergy to the fabric of bed linen usually disappear soon after it is replaced.

Such serious reactions as Quincke’s edema and anaphylaxis are rare and only on condition of increased sensitivity to other provocative allergens.

How to choose safe underwear

The home textile market today offers a huge range of bedding sets made from environmentally friendly natural fabrics.It is advisable to choose textiles that are soft, pleasant to the touch, not dyed in bright colors.

Egyptian cotton, bamboo, unbleached linen are considered not only safe, but also healthy materials due to hygroscopicity, bactericidal properties, hypoallergenic properties, breathability and thermoregulation. Options that alleviate the condition of allergy sufferers, people with dermatitis and harmless to any skin – 100% organic cotton, 100% organic wool, 100% organic silk.

Before purchasing a new set of linen, carefully study the information from the manufacturer on the product label. If you find the notes “Does not require ironing”, “Bleached with chlorine”, “Machine drying is acceptable”, it is better to refuse to use such bedding. Most likely, the fabric for their sewing was treated with aggressive chemicals.

How to eliminate unpleasant symptoms

If you still did not manage to avoid an allergic reaction, first of all you need to limit contact with the irritant – change the bedding that is allergenic for you to a safe set.

Take a warm shower and treat the affected areas with special non-hormonal ointments. They moisturize the skin, relieve inflammation, and help eliminate dryness and redness. This will reduce the intensity of itching and the manifestation of other skin symptoms. Modern antihistamines will help to cope with allergic rhinitis, cough, conjunctivitis.

Prevention

Completely exclude the possibility of contact with tissue that provoked a hypersensitivity reaction.This will protect yourself from recurrence of allergies. If dyes or harmful chemical additives cause unpleasant symptoms, do not use synthetic, brightly colored textiles.

After buying a new set, do not rush to immediately decorate your bed with it. First wash it with hypoallergenic powder, gel, conditioner (it is better to use products for the care of baby clothes). Rinse at least twice, iron thoroughly.

If you suffer from unpleasant symptoms of allergy to bedding, you should choose the “outfit” for your bed with special care.After all, a good sound sleep and the health of the whole body should always be a priority.

Allergy to fabric

The cause of an allergic reaction can be both mechanical-sensitive (friction, rough surfaces) skin and chemicals that are used in the fabric. Synthetic fabrics do not allow air and moisture to pass through, creating the effect of a thermos when the skin “does not breathe” and irritation appears.

Any natural fabric does not enter into a chemical reaction with the skin when worn, but with prolonged contact can cause irritation in places of greatest friction.This is a natural phenomenon and should not be alarmed. The most uncomfortable are woolen fabrics, which have a lot of villi that cling to the smallest scales of human skin and the effect is akin to peeling, but not everyone can tolerate it normally.

But in the technological process, in order to give the fabrics special properties that are not inherent in them, chemical treatment is carried out and it is the chemical with which the canvas is processed that can provoke an allergic reaction in a person. For example, in order to prevent the fabric from wrinkling, it is treated with formaldehyde, which is most often the cause of allergies.

If possible, it is worth replacing bedding and underwear with natural fabrics, and also try to wear cotton under synthetic things, for example, a T-shirt under a sweater or shirt, a T-shirt under a cardigan, and so on. An interesting fact is that people with fur and wool allergies are not allergic to astrakhan fur. This is due to the fact that karakul is the fur of a newborn lamb and proteins that can cause allergies have not yet formed in it.