What causes textile dermatitis. How to identify symptoms of clothing-induced skin irritation. Who is most susceptible to developing textile dermatitis. What preventive measures can be taken to avoid skin reactions from clothes. How to determine the specific cause of clothing-related skin rashes. When medical attention is necessary for textile dermatitis. What treatment options are available for clothing-induced skin irritation.

Understanding Textile Dermatitis: A Common Skin Reaction to Clothing

Textile dermatitis, also known as clothing dermatitis, is a form of contact dermatitis that occurs when the skin reacts to fibers, dyes, or chemicals present in clothing. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for textile dermatitis is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and enjoying comfortable clothing experiences.

Common Causes of Textile Dermatitis: From Fibers to Chemicals

Textile dermatitis can be triggered by various factors related to clothing materials and treatments. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Synthetic fibers (polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex)
• Dyes and coloring agents
• Formaldehyde resins used for wrinkle-free or dirt-repellent treatments
• Chemical agents used in leather tanning and processing
• Nickel in metal fasteners (e.g., jean buttons)
• Latex in elastic bands

While any fiber can potentially cause a reaction, synthetic materials are more likely to trigger textile dermatitis due to their reduced breathability and tendency to increase sweating. Natural fibers like cotton are generally less problematic, but they can still cause reactions in some individuals.

The Role of Tight-Fitting Clothing and Sweat

In some cases, the combination of tight-fitting clothing and sweat can lead to a condition called irritant dermatitis. This occurs when friction between the skin and fabric causes irritation, especially in areas where sweat accumulates. While less common than allergic reactions to clothing materials, irritant dermatitis can be equally uncomfortable and requires similar attention and treatment.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Textile Dermatitis

Identifying the symptoms of textile dermatitis is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention. Common signs include:

• Redness and inflammation
• Scaly or dry patches of skin
• Itching and discomfort
• Rashes or hives
• Swelling in affected areas

These symptoms may appear within hours of wearing the offending garment or develop over days or weeks of repeated exposure. In some cases, individuals may wear the same item for years before experiencing a reaction, making it challenging to identify the cause.

Where Do Symptoms Typically Appear?

Textile dermatitis symptoms often manifest in areas where clothing comes into close contact with the skin, particularly in folds and creases. Common locations include:

• Armpits
• Behind the knees
• Inner elbows
• Groin area
• Waistline
• Neck and collar area

Paying attention to the location of symptoms can help identify the specific garment or material causing the reaction.

Who is Most Susceptible to Textile Dermatitis?

While textile dermatitis can affect anyone, certain groups are more prone to developing this condition:

• Women (due to more frequent use of tight-fitting clothing)
• Individuals with obesity (increased sweating and skin folds)
• People with atopic dermatitis or sensitive skin
• Workers in hot and humid environments
• Those with a history of allergies or skin sensitivities

Understanding your risk factors can help you take proactive measures to prevent textile dermatitis and maintain healthy skin.

Occupational Risks and Textile Dermatitis

Certain professions may increase the likelihood of developing textile dermatitis due to exposure to specific materials or environmental factors. For example:

• Bakery workers (hot and humid conditions)
• Healthcare professionals (frequent use of latex gloves)
• Textile industry workers (exposure to various fibers and chemicals)
• Hairdressers (contact with hair dyes and other chemicals)

If you work in an environment that puts you at higher risk for textile dermatitis, it’s essential to take extra precautions and monitor your skin health closely.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Textile Dermatitis

Taking proactive steps to prevent textile dermatitis can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin reactions. Here are some effective preventive measures:

1. Choose natural fibers: Opt for clothing made from breathable, natural materials like cotton, linen, or silk.
2. Wear loose-fitting clothes: Reduce friction and sweating by choosing garments that allow your skin to breathe.
3. Select light-colored clothing: Lighter colors typically contain fewer dyes, reducing the risk of reactions.
4. Avoid chemically treated garments: Stay away from clothes labeled as “wash separately,” “permanent press,” or “dirt-repellent.”
5. Wash new clothes before wearing: This helps remove excess dyes and chemicals that may irritate your skin.
6. Use hypoallergenic detergents: Choose mild, fragrance-free laundry products to minimize potential irritants.
7. Monitor your skin: Pay attention to any new or unusual skin reactions when wearing different materials.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing textile dermatitis and enjoy comfortable, irritation-free clothing experiences.

Identifying the Specific Cause of Your Skin Reaction

Determining the exact cause of your textile dermatitis can be challenging due to the variety of materials and chemicals present in modern clothing. However, there are several steps you can take to narrow down the potential triggers:

• Keep a clothing diary: Record which garments you wear and any skin reactions you experience.
• Examine clothing labels: Look for common materials or treatments in items that cause reactions.
• Consider the location of symptoms: The placement of rashes can provide clues about the source (e.g., waistband reactions may indicate sensitivity to elastic).
• Consult a dermatologist: A skin specialist can perform patch tests to identify specific allergens.

The Role of Patch Testing in Diagnosing Textile Dermatitis

Patch testing is a valuable diagnostic tool used by dermatologists to identify specific allergens causing skin reactions. During this process:

1. Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to patches.
2. The patches are placed on your skin, usually on your back.
3. The patches remain in place for 48 hours.
4. Your skin is examined for reactions after patch removal and again 2-3 days later.

This method can help pinpoint specific dyes, resins, or other chemicals that may be triggering your textile dermatitis, allowing for more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Textile Dermatitis

While many cases of textile dermatitis can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. Consider consulting a dermatologist if:

• Symptoms persist for more than a few weeks despite avoiding trigger materials
• The rash covers a large area of your body
• You experience severe pain, itching, or discomfort
• The affected skin becomes raw, blistered, or shows signs of infection
• Your symptoms are interfering with daily activities or sleep
• You’re unable to identify the cause of your reactions

A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis, rule out other skin conditions, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

Signs of Potential Complications

In some cases, textile dermatitis can lead to complications that require immediate medical attention. Watch for these warning signs:

• Fever or chills
• Pus or yellow discharge from affected areas
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rapidly spreading rash
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing (signs of a severe allergic reaction)

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care promptly to prevent potentially serious complications.

Treatment Options for Textile Dermatitis

The primary treatment for textile dermatitis involves identifying and avoiding the triggering material. However, several options are available to manage symptoms and promote healing:

1. Topical corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory creams can reduce itching and inflammation.
2. Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines may help alleviate itching and discomfort.
3. Moisturizers: Regular use of emollients can soothe irritated skin and improve barrier function.
4. Cool compresses: Applying cool, damp cloths to affected areas can provide relief from itching and burning sensations.
5. Oatmeal baths: Soaking in a lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal can help soothe irritated skin.
6. Oral corticosteroids: In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids like prednisone for short-term use.
7. Wet dressings: This technique involves applying damp cloths to affected areas to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using any prescribed treatments for textile dermatitis.

Natural Remedies for Textile Dermatitis

In addition to medical treatments, some natural remedies may help alleviate symptoms of textile dermatitis:

• Aloe vera gel: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties
• Chamomile tea compresses: Can help reduce inflammation and itching
• Coconut oil: Acts as a natural moisturizer and has antimicrobial properties
• Apple cider vinegar: Diluted and applied topically, may help balance skin pH
• Calendula cream: Has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties

While these natural remedies can be helpful, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment, especially if you have severe or persistent symptoms.

Long-Term Management of Textile Dermatitis

Managing textile dermatitis often requires a long-term approach to prevent recurrences and maintain healthy skin. Consider these strategies for ongoing management:

• Regularly reassess your wardrobe: Periodically review your clothing choices and eliminate items that cause reactions.
• Stay informed about new materials: Keep up-to-date with innovations in hypoallergenic fabrics and treatments.
• Maintain a skin care routine: Develop a daily regimen that includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing to support skin health.
• Consider patch testing: If you continue to experience unexplained reactions, periodic patch testing can help identify new allergens.
• Educate family and friends: Share information about your sensitivities to ensure thoughtful gift-giving and accommodations when necessary.

By adopting these long-term management strategies, you can minimize the impact of textile dermatitis on your daily life and enjoy comfortable, irritation-free clothing experiences.

The Importance of Patient Education and Self-Advocacy

Empowering yourself with knowledge about textile dermatitis is crucial for effective management. Stay informed about:

• New developments in hypoallergenic fabrics and treatments
• Emerging research on textile allergies and sensitivities
• Alternative clothing options for sensitive skin
• Support groups or online communities for individuals with similar experiences

By staying informed and advocating for your skin health needs, you can work more effectively with healthcare providers and make informed decisions about your clothing choices and treatment options.

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

Written by Dennis Newman

• What Causes It?
• What Are the Symptoms?
• Who Gets It?
• How Can I Prevent It?
• How Do I Know What Causes My Rash?
• When Should I See My Doctor?
• How Is It Treated?
• More

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Top Picks

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

Written by Dennis Newman

• What Causes It?
• What Are the Symptoms?
• Who Gets It?
• How Can I Prevent It?
• How Do I Know What Causes My Rash?
• When Should I See My Doctor?
• How Is It Treated?
• More

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Top Picks

Allergen o1 – cotton, IgE

Allergy to cotton is quite rare. As a rule, it manifests itself in the form of eczema, atopic dermatitis. The determination of specific immunoglobulin E to this allergen in an increased amount indicates the presence of sensitization of the body to it.

Synonyms Russian

Specific immunoglobulins E to cotton, cotton dust.

Synonyms English

Cotton Fiber, IgE.

Test method

Immunochemiluminescent assay.

Units

IU/ml (international unit per milliliter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for an examination?

• Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

Cotton is a plant fiber obtained from the processing of the cotton fruit. It is the most common and cheapest plant fiber, most of it is processed by the textile industry. Cotton is used to produce cotton threads, knitwear and fabrics, cotton wool, and it is also used in the manufacture of artificial fibers. Being a substance of plant origin, cotton fiber contains certain protein structures that have allergenic potential. However, an allergic reaction to cotton products is extremely rare. Clinically, it is most often manifested by skin symptoms – urticaria and dermatitis.

Several studies have shown that sensitization to cotton fiber allergens is quite common among textile workers who come into direct contact with cotton dust, which is formed in the early stages of raw material processing. The components of organic dust cause an inflammatory reaction in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, and its irritation and damage by dust particles leads to the development of the inflammatory process. The presence of allergens (not necessarily cotton – bacteria and fungi can be adsorbed on dust particles, which are most often an allergic component of inflammation) contributes to the involvement of an IgE-dependent immune response in the inflammatory process, followed by the development of respiratory allergic symptoms. An occupational disease resulting from exposure to cotton dust and characterized by asthma-like symptoms is called byssinosis.

In all cases of allergic reactions to cotton, high levels of specifically mediated IgE are detected in the blood serum.

Quantification of specific IgE antibodies allows to assess the relationship between the level of antibodies and the clinical manifestations of allergies. Low values ​​of this indicator indicate a low probability of an allergic disease, while a high level has a high correlation with the clinical manifestations of the disease. When detecting high levels of specific IgE, it is possible to predict the development of allergies in the future and a more pronounced manifestation of its symptoms. However, the concentration of IgE in the blood is unstable. It changes with the development of the disease, with the amount of dose of allergens received, as well as during treatment. It is recommended to repeat the study when symptoms change and when monitoring ongoing treatment. The need for re-examination should be consulted with the attending physician.

What is research used for?

• Detection of sensitization to cotton in children and adults;
• identification of possible causes of seasonal allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, angioedema, urticaria).

When is the examination scheduled?

What do the results mean?

Reference values: 0.00 – 0.10 IU/ml.

Reason for positive result:

• hypersensitivity to cotton.

Reasons for the negative result:

• no IgE sensitization to this allergen;
• long-term restriction or exclusion of contact with the allergen.
• successful ASIT.

Important Notes

• In the industrial processing of cotton fiber, various dyes are used, as well as chemicals that increase strength and other quality characteristics of the finished product. In the process of cultivating cotton, chemical fertilizers are used, traces of which are not always completely removed during industrial processing. Most often, hypersensitivity reactions develop precisely on these components of the cotton material, and not on the cotton fiber itself.
• The role of IgE-dependent allergic inflammation in the development of byssinosis is ambiguous, so the need for this study in the diagnosis of occupational diseases of the respiratory system should be agreed with an occupational pathologist.
• Lack of sensitization to an allergen does not rule out allergy to other allergen sources. In some cases, further allergy testing may be required to clarify sensitization to other possible allergens.
• Performing this test is safe for the patient compared to skin tests (in vivo), as it eliminates the patient’s exposure to the allergen. Taking antihistamines and age characteristics do not affect the quality and accuracy of the study.

Also recommended

• Serum total immunoglobulins E (IgE)
• ImmunoCAP ISAC Allergy Chip (112 Allergy Components)
• Allergen k74 – silk, IgE
• Allergen k80 – formaldehyde, IgE
• Tick Allergen Mix No. 1 (IgE): Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides microceras, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Glycyphagus domesticus, Euroglyphus maynei, Blomia tropicalis

Who orders the examination?

Allergist-immunologist, pediatrician, therapist, general practitioner.

Literature

• Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods, 23e by Richard A. McPherson MD MSc (Author), Matthew R. Pincus MD PhD (Author). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, 2016. Pages 1065-1069.
• A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 9th Edition, by Frances Fischbach, Marshall B. Dunning III. Wolters Kluwer Health, 2015. Pages 620-621.
• Allergology and immunology: national guidelines / ed. R. M. Khaitova, N. I. Ilyina. – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2009. pp. 457-459.
• “Occupational respiratory diseases [Electronic resource]: national guidelines / edited by N. F. Izmerov, A.G. Chuchalin – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2015. – (Series “National Guidelines”).” – http://www.rosmedlib.ru/book/ISBN9785970435748.html. Chapter 11.

Allergen o1 – cotton, raw thread, IgE (ImmunoCAP)

Quantitative determination in the blood of specific antibodies, class E immunoglobulins, which appear in the presence of an allergic reaction to cotton.

Synonyms Russian

Class E specific immunoglobulin for cotton.

Synonyms English

Allergen O1 – Cotton, crude fbers, IgE.

Test method

Solid phase immunofluorescence (ImmunoCAP).

Units

IU/l (international unit per litre).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for an examination?

• Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. In atopic diseases, allergens stimulate the formation of IgE antibodies and are factors in the development of clinical symptoms of allergic diseases. The detection in the blood of specific immunoglobulins E to a certain allergen confirms its role in the development of an allergic type I reaction (reaginic), and therefore allows you to determine the possible “culprit” of an allergic disease and prescribe appropriate therapeutic and preventive measures.

Cotton is a plant fiber obtained from the processing of the cotton fruit. It is the most common and cheapest plant fiber, most of it is processed by the textile industry. Cotton is used to produce cotton threads, knitwear and fabrics, cotton wool, and it is also used in the manufacture of artificial fibers. Being a substance of plant origin, cotton fiber contains certain protein structures that have allergenic potential. However, an allergic reaction to cotton products is extremely rare. Clinically, it is most often manifested by skin symptoms – urticaria and dermatitis.

Several studies have shown that sensitization to cotton fiber allergens is quite common among textile workers who come into direct contact with cotton dust, which is formed in the early stages of raw material processing. The components of organic dust cause an inflammatory reaction in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, and its irritation and damage by dust particles leads to the development of the inflammatory process. The presence of allergens (not necessarily cotton – bacteria and fungi can be adsorbed on dust particles, which are most often an allergic component of inflammation) contributes to the involvement of an IgE-dependent immune response in the inflammatory process, followed by the development of respiratory allergic symptoms. An occupational disease resulting from exposure to cotton dust and characterized by asthma-like symptoms is called byssinosis.

In all cases of allergic reactions to cotton, high levels of specifically mediated IgE are detected in the blood serum. The purpose of this study is to determine specific IgE to cotton by ImmunoCAP. ImmunoCAP is characterized by high accuracy and specificity: even very low concentrations of IgE antibodies are detected in a small amount of blood. The study is revolutionary and based on the immunofluorescent method, which allows to increase the sensitivity several times compared to other tests. The World Health Organization and the World Allergy Organization recognize ImmunoCAP diagnostics as the “gold standard”, as it has been proven to be accurate and stable in independent studies. Thus, the detection of specific IgE using this technique brings allergy diagnostics to a qualitatively new level.

What is research used for?

• Detection of sensitization to cotton in children and adults;
• identification of possible causes of seasonal allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, angioedema, urticaria).

When is the examination scheduled?

What do the results mean?

Reference values: 0 – 0.34 IU/L.

Reasons for the increase in the level of specific IgE:

• the presence of allergic reactions to cotton, hypersensitivity to it.

Causes of a decrease in the level of specific IgE

With repeated examination (in dynamics), the level of specific IgE may decrease for the following reasons:

• limitation or exclusion of contact with the allergen;
• medical treatment.

Important notes

• In the industrial processing of cotton fiber, various dyes are used, as well as chemicals that increase strength and other quality characteristics of the finished product. In the process of cultivating cotton, chemical fertilizers are used, traces of which are not always completely removed during industrial processing. Most often, hypersensitivity reactions develop precisely on these components of the cotton material, and not on the cotton fiber itself.
• The role of IgE-dependent allergic inflammation in the development of byssinosis is ambiguous, so the need for this study in the diagnosis of occupational diseases of the respiratory system should be agreed with an occupational pathologist.
• Performing this test is safe for the patient compared to skin tests (in vivo), as it eliminates the patient’s exposure to the allergen.
• The use of antihistamines and age characteristics do not affect the quality and accuracy of the study.

Also recommended

• Fadiatop (ImmunoCAP)
• Fadiatop Child (ImmunoCAP)
• Serum total immunoglobulins E (IgE)
• Allergy complex mixed RIDA-screen No. 1, IgE
• Allergen k74 – silk, IgE
• Allergen k80 – formaldehyde, IgE
• Tick Allergen Mix No. 1 (IgE): Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides microceras, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Glycyphagus domesticus, Euroglyphus maynei, Blomia tropicalis
• Complete blood count (without leukocyte formula and ESR)
• Leukocyte formula
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Coprogram

Who orders the examination?

Allergist, pediatrician, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, therapist, general practitioner.