The Brogue Hog

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.