Doctors refer to this condition as less common contact dermatitis. It is a type of skin allergy that is triggered by various factors. Allergic contact dermatitis is a combination of tight fabric and sweat that can irritate the skin by rubbing against you. This less common condition is known as irritating dermatitis and it may look similar to textile dermatitis, but the cause is different.
To prevent eczema from getting worse, it is important to wear gloves when going outdoors during winter. Cold air and low humidity can dry out the skin, making eczema worse. It is best to wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend as wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate the skin. Atopic eczema is an intolerance to certain garments that can cause patches due to their material or by rubbing against the skin.
To rule out other possible causes, doctors may use other tests such as biopsy of the skin lesion or culture of the skin lesion. Formaldehyde is a preservative used to finish durable press fabrics. Clothing that is “permanent press” or “wrinkle free” contains formaldehyde to maintain its shape and prevent wrinkles. Contact dermatitis with formaldehyde on clothing can cause rashes on the sides of the body, the back (immediately behind the armpits), the sides of the neck and the front of the thighs, which are areas of the body that clothes rub against most often.
In addition to ordinary silk clothing, there are tight silk garments specifically designed for people with eczema. If you know what clothes are causing the rash and you stop wearing them, the rash usually goes away without medication. It is recommended to hang clothes to dry outdoors, especially in spring and autumn when allergens can fall on clothes. Itchy rashes around the navel (navel) are commonly caused by nickel allergy due to clothing.
Various chemicals and materials used in clothing can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms usually begin in folds of the skin or other areas that come into contact with clothing and what they contain. Children develop this condition from common offenders and also from exposure to diapers, baby wipes, sunscreens, clothes with snaps or dyes, etc. Metal and elastic closures on clothing can also cause contact dermatitis when in contact with the skin. Sometimes rashes appear hours after putting on clothes or they can take days or weeks to show up.
In addition, people who suffer from atopic eczema are at increased risk for irritant contact dermatitis. If a wool sweater makes you itchy or if polyester pants give you a rash, you may have what is called textile or garment dermatitis. The best way to prevent any problem is to avoid all clothing or fabrics that contain allergens to which you are sensitive. If you suffer from textile contact dermatitis, it is important to be aware of allergen components such as nickel on belt buckles or rivets on jeans, materials used to make shoes or soles (leather and adhesives), which can trigger eczema.
