The Contact Dermatitis and Clothing Connection
Persons who suffer with dermatitis or sensitive skin have a difficult time living day to day avoiding allergens and the dreaded rash, itching and discomfort that comes with it. I have sensitive skin and prone to develop contact dermatitis at any time often reacting to something next to my skin that I have used for long periods of time. I recently had to discard my favorite pair of pants after months of developing a rash on my stomach and side whenever I wore them. How could this be I said to myself, of all the things in the world to have, why did I inherit this strange skin?
While researching the matter I came across some interesting information regarding contact dermatitis and clothing. It seems there are quite a few people who develop contact dermatitis from formaldehyde resins which are used for textile finishes. Apparently it's pretty common in women but men can also develop the condition if they have sensitive skin. I was amazed and had no idea that formaldehyde was used on fabrics. Can you imagine being allergic to your clothes? If you are experiencing a chronic recurring rash on various part of your body, particularly where clothes fit tightly you may want to contact your Dermatologist and request testing for this sensitivity. The rash can get particularly irritated from perspiration and in areas where the friction of the fabric rubs against the skin.
According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society common eruption sites include the posterior neck, upper back, lateral thorax (part of the body between the head or neck and abdomen), waistband and flexor (fingers) surfaces. It can however appear in other areas like the forehead if you wear a cap that's been treated with formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is used to make clothing that is wrinkle resistant (permanent press) and these can release significant amounts of the substance. The American Contact Dermatitis Society states that rayon, blended cotton, corduroy, wrinkle-resistant 100% cotton, and any synthetic blended polymer are likely to have been treated with formaldehyde resins. Women's clothing also includes lingerie and undergarments.
Many individuals are allergic to formaldehyde and know to avoid personal care products that contain formaldehyde releasing preservatives. Keep in mind that many pharmaceuticals including OTC drugs also use these same preservatives so it's not limited to skin care products. For those sensitive to formaldehyde clothing can also be a stong source of irritation.
Each country has its own manufacturing standards for acceptable levels for formaldehyde resins. A low indicator of formaldehyde releasing resin would be 75 ppm which is the Japanese standard, the US standard is somewhere near 300ppm, quite a difference.
Fabrics safe to wear: 100% silk, 100% linen (if it wrinkles easy), 100% polyester, 100% acrylic, 100% nylon, spandex, flannel (soft), wool (may cause irritation) and denim.
Do not wear these fabrics: Permanent press, wrinkle resistant, color-fast, stain-resistant, blends (including rayon, polyester-cotton), corduroy or shrink-proof wool.
It is suggested that you read the labels in your existing clothing and separate them in your closet so you will know what's safe to wear. Always opt for loose fitting clothing since friction and perspiration can cause the condition to flare. Read the labels in any new clothing before you purchase. Clothes made in Japan are the safest and companies that sell clothes in Japan also have to meet the Japanese standard.
Companies that meet the Japanese standard: GAP, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne, Eddie Bauer, Cuddle Duds and Levi Strauss. There may be others but these were on the list from the American Contact Dermatitis Society.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have this sensitivity please contact your dermatologist to be tested. Also visit the website of The American Contact Dermatitis Society for more detailed information.
Source: Y Walker, http://www.clothing-racks.tk/270165-The-Contact-Dermatitis-and-Clothing-Connection.html
300 comments
That was Kent to be Cerave cream. The tablet corrected spelling wrong.
Try Cera he moisturizing cream , it also comes in anti itch! Works wonders for me.
hello all,
would anyone know how long before an allergic reaction appears and how long before it clears?
I have been suffering from skin rashes for nearly a year and I have undergone food allergy tests
(all negative) and I am seeing a dermatologist for further testing next week .
The rashes are on my back , on my torso and under my armpits . My eyes get puffy and itchy , my nose lining gets irritated and hurts .
All are painful ,itchy and started suddenly . I have not been able to pinpoint the cause – I have stopped using cosmetics ,polyester,
viscose and perfumes and my soap is made with olive oil and no added chemicals . No luck yet .
I have been dealing with a burning rash that effects my nervous system, I have very dry patches that I have to exfoliate about twice a week I use a sugar and honey mix. This condition came out of no where about 6 months ago, the only clothes I can wear have to be polyester, there are fibers in cotton that irritate my rash ,it’s worse at night, my husband brought 100% polyester sheets for our bed so I could sleep at night, I also have to use a lot of Vaseline to calm the dryness down , I have tried every cream on the market to no avail .I just started using dove soap and it has helped a lot, I am thinking maybe steam might open my pores and unclog them. I have tried steroid creams every now and than but the dryness keeps coming back, I have it in the creases of my elbows on the inner side ,where I sit on the back of my legs and under my arm pits. When I rub the Vaseline into these areas I get little tiny hard pieces of skin that expel off my body they look like white heads not blackheads, I drink lots of water like they tell you to. I have always had very sensitive skin but I do have to say the Dove soap has helped a lot. I also stopped taking my blood pressure meds and the nerve rash has calmed down a bit I might also be allergic to blood pressure medication , I have had it changed to three different kinds and they all caused me to have a rash and and burning that irritates my nervous system, I will have to try different ones till they find one I can tolerate, this is an awful condition to have, they put me on anxiety medication but I try not to take it because it only masks the condition it doesn’t cure or control it and I do not want to take a controlled substance that I might become addicted to .
Anyone know the best place to get comprehensive allergy testing done in the UK? I’ve been going to NHS GP for years and only just received a basic allergy blood test (at my request). The don’t seem to do anything unless you request it!
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