Clothing fabrics for skin health

It’s not uncommon for people to feel itchy or uncomfortable in certain clothing fabrics. But this sensation doesn’t occur without reason.

Several types of cloth are known to cause skin conditions like dermatitis (known as textile dermatitis); these cloths are often made of synthetic clothing that are less likely to allow your skin to breath.

Fabrics that are known to trigger dermatitis include:

  • Rayon

  • Polyester

  • Nylon

  • Rubber

  • Spandex

Those with sensitive skin may want to turn to more natural fibers, such as cotton or linen.

Chemical dyes and certain metals can also cause rashes on the skin. Synthetic fabrics often contain more dyes and chemicals than other cloths. Some fabrics might contain formaldehyde resins, for example. These substances are used to prevent clothing garments from wrinkling and, in some cases, to repel dirt. For those with sensitive skin, however, they can also cause skin irritation. Some natural fabrics, such as leather, can also include dyes, glues ,and chemicals that impact the skin. In some instances, even the nickel on your pants button can trigger what is known as ‘nickel’ dermatitis.

Along with the constitution of clothing, the fit of your garments is also something to consider when looking for outfits you want to be comfortable in. Avoid clothes that are tight fitting especially in sensitive skin areas such as the armpit or behind the knees.

To identify if you have a rash that might be irritation dermatitis, look for red, patchy or scaly areas on the skin. This area might have small bumps and you may also experience an itching sensation at the site where fabric has irritated your skin. Common areas affected by clothing fabric include:

  • The underarms

  • The groin

  • Behind the knees

  • The waist

To limit instances of skin irritation from fabric, try out some of these suggestions:

  • Wear natural fibers

  • Wear looser designs that don’t chafe the skin

  • Choose neutral tones that contain fewer dyes

  • Stay away from ‘wash separately’ clothing items as they might bleed dyes

  • Avoid clothes that are ‘no iron’ or ‘dirt repellent’ as they are more likely to contain chemical irritants

Hopefully some of these tips help you out in finding comfortable, sensitive skin-friendly clothing. As always, if you think you have a rash from irritating clothing and the rash if large/not going away or is giving you trouble, see a dermatologist for prescribed treatments.

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