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Persons who suffer with dermatitis or sensitive skin have adifficult 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 thatI have used for long periods of time. I recently had to discard my favoritepair of pants after months of developing a rash on my stomach and side wheneverI wore them. How could this be I said to myself, of all the things in the worldto have, why did I inherit this strange skin?
While researching the matter I came across some interesting informationregarding contact dermatitis and clothing. It seems there are quite a fewpeople who develop contact dermatitis from formaldehyde resins which are usedfor textile finishes. Apparently it's pretty common in women but men can alsodevelop the condition if they have sensitive skin. I was amazed and had no ideathat formaldehyde was used on fabrics. Can you imagine being allergic to yourclothes? If you are experiencing a chronic recurring rash on various part ofyour body, particularly where clothes fit tightly you may want to contact yourDermatologist and request testing for this sensitivity. The rash can get particularlyirritated from perspiration and in areas where the friction of the fabric rubsagainst the skin.
According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society common eruption sitesinclude the posterior neck, upper back, lateral thorax (part of the body betweenthe head or neck and abdomen), waistband and flexor (fingers) surfaces. It canhowever appear in other areas like the forehead if you wear a cap that's beentreated 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 ContactDermatitis Society states that rayon, blended cotton, corduroy,wrinkle-resistant 100% cotton, and any synthetic blended polymer are likely tohave been treated with formaldehyde resins. Women's clothing also includeslingerie 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 pharmaceuticalsincluding OTC drugs also use these same preservatives so it's not limited toskin care products. For those sensitive to formaldehyde clothing can also be astong source of irritation.
Each country has its own manufacturing standards for acceptable levels forformaldehyde resins. A low indicator of formaldehyde releasing resin would be75 ppm which is the Japanese standard, the US standard is somewhere near300ppm, 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 causeirritation) and denim.
Do not wear these fabrics: Permanent press, wrinkle resistant, color-fast,stain-resistant, blends (including rayon, polyester-cotton), corduroy orshrink-proof wool.
It is suggested that you read the labels in your existing clothing and separatethem in your closet so you will know what's safe to wear. Always opt for loosefitting clothing since friction and perspiration can cause the condition toflare. 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, LizClaiborne, Eddie Bauer, Cuddle Duds and Levi Strauss. There may be others butthese were on the list from the American Contact Dermatitis Society.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have this sensitivity please contactyour dermatologist to be tested. Also visit the website of The American ContactDermatitis Society for more detailed information.
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