While most people think of outdoor pollen when it comes to allergens, there are other ways to trigger an allergic reaction. It isn’t uncommon to find oneself itching and scratching after putting on a new piece of clothing. Though it’s easy to dismiss this feeling as “getting used to the garment”, if the discomfort continues, it’s a clear sign that something’s wrong. What do you do if you’re allergic to your clothing?
Understanding Clothing Allergies
If your itching is caused by your clothing, this is a sign of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin touches materials that irritate or inflame it. Another name for this condition is eczema.
There are two different types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic. However, it isn’t always easy to notice the differences between the two.
Recognizing Symptoms of Clothing Allergies
Symptoms and signs of both forms of contact dermatitis are often identical:
- Peeling or cracking skin
- Scaly rashes
- Itchy blisters or bumps
- Swelling or redness
- Skin that’s hot to the touch
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Though the symptoms of both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis are similar, each one is caused by different things.
With allergic contact dermatitis, your immune system will fight what it thinks is harmful. Materials like latex, rubber, or wool often trigger allergic responses.
Items like shoes, waistbands, shirts, pants, gloves, or bras are common culprits for clothing allergies. Another common allergen is the nickel used in accessories like jewelry, belts buckles, snaps, zippers, and buttons. Nickel allergies are typically triggered by sweating, making it more of a problem during the summer months.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
In the case of irritant contact dermatitis, certain chemicals and materials can irritate the skin. This type of dermatitis is more common than other forms of dermatitis.
Though irritant contact dermatitis can be caused by latex or wool materials, it’s typically triggered by soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, or clothing dyes.
How to Identify Your Allergy
Are you affected by contact dermatitis but aren’t sure what exactly is causing the problem? It’s best to speak with a specialist to learn more about this condition. Experts from Premier Allergy can narrow down what is causing your skin irritation.
To help the experts from Premier Allergy learn more about your dermatitis, you’ll be asked for information about the following items: your detergents, clothing, job, pets, skincare products, specific hobbies, a detailed health history, and anything else that may shed a light on why your skin is irritated.
In addition to providing the doctor with this information, you’ll likely be tested to see what’s causing your dermatitis. These patch tests will determine what chemical or material is triggering your irritation. During a patch test, the dermatologist applies small amounts of irritants to the skin. After a few days, you’ll be able to see which ones trigger a reaction.
How to Treat Contact Dermatitis
Like the symptoms and signs of irritant and allergic dermatitis, treatment for both conditions is fairly similar. Once you’ve learned the cause of your reaction, it’s best to stay away from it. Though it may take some trial and error, over time you should be able to cut out the triggering chemical or material.
For example, anyone with a nickel allergy from the zipper in their pants can switch the zipper for a nylon one. Bras with latex can be avoided in lieu of spandex undergarments. Once you avoid the cause of your irritation, you’ll find that your skin will clear in about three weeks. Additionally, talking with a dermatologist about what moisturizers, corticosteroid creams, or antihistamines can help you find relief for your symptoms.
Clothing Alternatives for Individuals with Dermatitis
Though shopping with contact dermatitis can be a challenge, you can find clothing items that won’t irritate your skin. Experts recommend wearing loose clothes and natural fibers to help limit sweating and avoid irritation.
Likewise, it’s a good idea to choose lighter-colored garments that contain fewer dyes. Avoid clothing items labeled “wash separately” as they contain more bleed dye. Additionally, avoid wearing clothes that say permanent press, dirt repellant, no-iron, or wash and wear as they typically contain chemicals that will irritate the skin.
After learning the triggers behind your clothing allergies, it will be easier to avoid potential irritants and wear clothes that you’ll always be comfortable in. Keep this information in mind if you believe you have dermatitis or if you’ve ever been irritated by clothing