Copyright 2005 Herbal LuxuriesPersons who suffer with dermatitis or sensitive skin have a difficult time living day to day avoiding allergens and 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 things in world to have, why did I inherit this strange skin?
While researching 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 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 friction of fabric rubs against skin.
According to American Contact Dermatitis Society common eruption sites include posterior neck, upper back, lateral thorax (part of body between head or neck and abdomen), waistband and flexor (fingers) surfaces. It can however appear in other areas like 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 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.