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The Contact Dermatitis
and Clothing Connection
by Y Walker
Copyright 2005 Herbal Luxuries
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.
About the Author
Yvonne Walker of Herbal Luxuries Natural Skin Care Inc. For information
regarding skin health visit
http://www.herballuxuries.com.
This article is reprinted with permission from www.WritingCareer.com
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