polyester It is a synthetic fiber made from plastic. Allergies to polyester are rare, but fabrics made from polyester often contain highly sensitizing chemicals and dyes, such as disperse blue. It can cause itching, redness, tenderness, and bumps (called hives). Polyester is one of the most used fabrics in the world, so it can be hard to avoid.
This article describes the treatment and prevention of polyester allergy and its symptoms.
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polyester allergy
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to something that is normally harmless.
Polyester allergy is one of a group of allergies called fiber contact dermatitis, which means your skin reacts when it comes into contact with fibers. Up to 20% of people have some form of contact dermatitis. Allergens (substances that cause a reaction) may be present in clothing, furniture, bedding, etc.
The most frequent allergens found in polyester and other fabrics include Disperse Blue 106 and 124. These are chemicals added to fibers and fabrics to create color.
Polyester allergy can affect any part of your body that comes in contact with polyester. However, it may be most noticeable where the fabric rubs against your skin, creating friction. This includes:
Inner side of the elbow, back of the knee, buttock skin fold (called) Interlude)
Types of polyester allergies
There are two types of polyester allergies.
Irritant contact dermatitis: A more common form where polyester causes irritation within a short period of time after exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis: An immune system reaction that appears on the skin. Symptoms may develop several days after exposure, rather than immediately.
symptoms
Many allergens cause skin reactions similar to polyester allergies, so be aware if those allergies appear after coming into contact with polyester. A dermatologist or allergist can perform tests to confirm that. You can also see if your symptoms go away if you can avoid fabrics.
Symptoms include:
Skin irritation (may feel like burning or stinging) Redness Itching Swelling Skin Dry or scaly blisters Lumps (urticaria)
Rashes can become infected, especially if they are scratched or have blisters.
Call your health care provider if the area feels painful, warm to the touch, has yellow or green fluid, swelling, scabs, or red streaks from the rash.
How to treat polyester allergy
If contact with polyester cannot be avoided and symptoms occur, you can try home remedies and medications that may relieve itching and soothe the skin. This includes things like cold compresses and oatmeal baths.
Over-the-counter medicine
There are medications available over the counter to alleviate the symptoms of polyester allergy. These include:
topical steroids
Calamine lotion barrow liquid (aluminum triacetate), if you have an oozing blister.
antihistamines (Usually not effective against itching caused by allergic contact dermatitis, but may be effective if you have hives.)
If your symptoms persist, your dermatologist or other health care provider may prescribe other medications. These include oral steroids, topical antibiotics, phototherapy, or topical immunomodulators, which reduce allergic reactions by suppressing the immune system.
If polyester allergy is suspected
Polyester allergy exhibits the same symptoms as other skin irritants and allergens. If you think polyester is causing your itching or rash, try avoiding contact with it to see if it helps. Your health care professional may be able to perform an allergy test called a patch test to see if polyester is the culprit.
prevention
If you identify polyester as a skin allergy trigger, the most effective way to treat it is to avoid polyester. This can be difficult as it is widespread in the material.
If you can’t avoid polyester completely, try to minimize your exposure, as the longer you are in contact with polyester, the worse your allergic reaction will be. If you want to avoid polyester, check the label on your fabric product before purchasing.
Other ways to prevent allergic reactions from worsening include:
Use a barrier cream moisturizer (repairs and protects the skin). Do not scratch (to avoid spreading the rash and causing infection). Avoid tight clothing (to reduce chafing and exposure to fabric).
summary
Polyester allergy is a type of contact dermatitis that occurs when the skin reacts to wearing polyester clothing or coming into contact with synthetic fibers. It can cause itching, redness, and rash. It can be difficult to know whether polyester is causing your symptoms or another skin allergen. You can also avoid polyester and see if your symptoms improve, or see an allergist for diagnosis. There are effective treatments to treat the symptoms of polyester allergy.
A word from Berrywell
Fabric allergies are common, and while polyester itself is not a major allergy, polyester fabrics can contain many allergenic chemicals and dyes. Many of these fabrics do not clearly indicate what chemicals or dyes they contain. For allergy sufferers, it may seem easiest to avoid polyester fabrics rather than the specific dyes and chemicals used in polyester fabrics.
If you can isolate the fabric that’s causing your itching (whether it’s polyester or something else), you can avoid the allergen and expect your symptoms to improve. Avoiding polyester is not always possible, and over-the-counter treatments are available.