What is hidden in your wardrobe? The relationship between fabrics and your skin

Skin reactions to certain textile materials are often caused by a combination of factors, including the type of fiber, the chemical treatments applied during manufacturing, and individual predispositions to allergies or sensitivities. Perhaps one of the causes I've outlined applies to you if you suffer from this type of intolerance:

 

1. Additives and chemical treatments

to. Formaldehyde resins: Used to make fabrics wrinkle-free or shrink-resistant, formaldehyde can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

b. Dyes: Disperse dyes, particularly those with azo and anthraquinone structures, can trigger skin reactions as they can easily transfer to the skin.

c. Other chemicals: Additives such as flame retardants, water repellents, biocides and tanning agents can also cause allergic reactions.

 

2. Synthetic fibers

to. Fabrics such as polyester, nylon, spandex, and rayon are common irritants as they trap moisture and are less breathable. These conditions can exacerbate skin irritation or lead to contact dermatitis.

b. Rayon in particular can cause allergies due to the chemicals (e.g. sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide) used in its production.

 

3. Natural fibers

to. Wool is a common irritant for people with atopic dermatitis due to its rough texture and potential allergens, such as lanolin.

b. Even natural fibers like cotton or linen can cause problems if treated with harmful dyes or chemicals.

 

4. Irritant contact dermatitis

to. Tight clothing combined with sweat can lead to irritant dermatitis, where friction and moisture aggravate the skin.

 

5. Metal components

to. Zippers or buttons made of nickel or other metals on clothing can trigger localized allergic reactions, such as nickel dermatitis.

 

6. Pre-existing skin conditions

to. People with eczema or a history of allergic contact dermatitis are more prone to reactions from natural and synthetic fabrics due to their increased skin sensitivity.

 

An allergy to textiles may indicate an unidentified and, of course, untreated dermatitis.

 

Possible factors causing dermatitis

 

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that can be caused by various factors, depending on the specific type of dermatitis. The most common is atopic dermatitis (due to allergies) but also contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, diaper dermatitis, discoid dermatitis (bacterial infections or irritating products), stasis dermatitis (circulation) and herpetiform dermatitis (due to gluten).

 

In general, the main causes include:

 

1. Genetic factors and weakened skin barrier:

to. In the case of atopic dermatitis, there is a hereditary genetic predisposition. The skin lacks an adequate protective barrier due to a deficiency in essential lipids and proteins, which allows the penetration of allergens and increases sensitivity to external irritants.

 

2. Irritants and allergens:

to. Contact with irritating substances (such as detergents, harsh soaps or nickel) or environmental allergens (pollen, dust, animal hair) can trigger an inflammatory reaction in the skin.

 

3. Stress and emotional factors:

to. Stress is a common trigger that aggravates atopic dermatitis flare-ups, as it can influence the skin's immune response.

 

4. Climate and environmental conditions:

to. Extreme changes in temperature, dry air, excessive heat or sweating can dry out the skin and worsen symptoms.

 

5. Skin microbiome imbalance:

to. In people with atopic dermatitis, the skin's microbiome (the microorganisms that live on the skin's surface) may be out of balance, contributing to inflammation.

 

6. Underlying diseases:

to. Some medical conditions, such as asthma, seasonal allergies, or chronic diseases like Parkinson's and HIV are associated with certain types of dermatitis.

 

How can a reaction to textile materials affect your life?

 

Skin reactions to textiles can significantly affect a person's daily life, both physically and emotionally.

1. Physical discomfort and daily limitations

       •        Persistent symptoms: Irritation, itching, redness, and peeling of the skin can make it difficult to do daily activities such as work, sleep, or exercise.

       •        Sensitive areas: The most affected areas are usually body folds such as armpits, knees and groin, which causes constant discomfort during basic movements.

2. Limited clothing choices

       •        People should avoid certain fabrics (such as polyester, spandex, or wool) and opt for hypoallergenic materials like organic cotton, which may restrict their clothing options.

       •        In addition, chemicals present in dyes or textile finishes (such as formaldehyde) also require careful selection of garments to prevent reactions.

3. Emotional and social impact

       •        Physical discomfort and restrictions can lead to frustration, anxiety or insecurity about the appearance of one's skin, affecting social confidence.

       •        The need to constantly explain the condition can be uncomfortable in work or social settings.

4. Economic burden

       •        Purchasing specialized clothing (such as organic or chemical-free garments) and skin care products can increase personal expenses.

5. Risk of complications

       •        If appropriate measures are not taken, skin reactions can be aggravated by secondary infections due to scratching or constant rubbing with textiles.

 

 

Could diet influence the manifestation of dermatitis?

 

For a long time I thought that an alkaline diet could keep dermatitis at bay, especially in my case where my skin is sensitive to allergens, especially nickel, but the truth is that dermatitis is dermatitis.

 

In reality, there is no solid scientific evidence to prove that an alkaline diet can cure or eliminate vulnerability to dermatitis, but some of its principles can positively influence skin health and it is in relation to

 

1. Reducing inflammation : The alkaline diet promotes the consumption of foods rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, and some nuts and seeds like macadamia and hemp seeds, which may help reduce systemic and cutaneous inflammation associated with conditions such as dermatitis.

 

2. Balancing body pH : Although the body regulates its pH strictly regardless of diet, some proponents argue that an alkaline dietary pattern can alleviate conditions related to an “acidic” environment, such as skin problems (eczema or dermatitis).

 

3. General skin benefits : Alkalizing foods are often rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals essential for skin health, which could indirectly improve conditions like dermatitis by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing oxidative stress.

 

However, it is important to note that, with all its benefits, the alkaline diet does not replace specific medical treatments for dermatitis, especially if they are aggressive.

 

The most effective approach to managing this condition includes constant hydration of the skin (that is, drinking enough water throughout the day); avoiding irritants and allergens (both food and skin contact), and following personalized medical instructions.

 

Recommendations to take into account if you have an intolerance to textiles

 

1. Opt for skin-friendly fabrics such as bamboo, silk, hemp or untreated cotton.

2. Avoid synthetic fabrics with poor breathability or those that are heavily treated with chemicals.

3. Wash new clothing before wearing to reduce residual chemicals.

4. Perform an allergy patch test if symptoms persist to identify specific triggers.

 

Allergy patch test:

 

A patch test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis. Here's how it works:

 

Procedure

 

1. Preparation:

to. Patients may need to stop using corticosteroid creams or medications and avoid sun exposure on the back for 1-2 weeks prior to testing to ensure accurate results.

b. Bring suspected allergens, such as cosmetics or chemicals, for testing if applicable.

2. Application:

to. Small patches containing potential allergens are applied to the skin, usually on the back, and secured with adhesive tape.

b. The patches remain in place for 48 hours, during which the patient should avoid sweating, bathing or engaging in activities that may dislodge the patches.

3. Initial reading:

to. After 48 hours, the patches are removed and the skin is examined for any signs of irritation or reaction (e.g. redness, swelling).

4. Final reading:

to. The skin is reexamined 2 to 4 days later to detect delayed reactions that may take longer to appear.

 

Results

 

either A positive reaction indicates sensitivity to a specific allergen, often manifested by redness or inflammation at the patch site.

either The doctor will provide a detailed diagnosis and recommend avoiding the identified allergens.

 

Patch testing is noninvasive and specifically designed to detect delayed allergic reactions (type IV hypersensitivity), making it a reliable method for diagnosing contact dermatitis.