Various components of rubber and elastic on clothing, mostly on underwear, can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Most cotton underwear brands contain latex on its waistbands and leg opening. Latex, even traces of it, can cause irritation and allergic reactions on those sensitive to it.
Can you be allergic to your underwear?
The dyes, chemicals and preservatives found in underwear fabrics like latex can cause a contact dermatitis in certain people. And while it may be a relief to find out that itchy rash that's been bugging you isn't something more severe, an underwear allergy can still lead to some pretty nasty results.
What products contain latex?
- Balloons.
- Rubber bands.
- Condoms and diaphragms.
- Rubber household gloves.
- Rubber balls.
- Bandages.
- And more.
How do you know if your allergic to your underwear?
They may be treated with several kinds of dyes and chemicals. But in general, the rashes and redness look alike and are hard for most people to tell apart. The location of the rash can be a clue to what's causing it. If it's on your waist, you could be allergic to the latex in your underwear elastic.
Why does my underwear make me itch?
Friction or chafing from underwear, skin folds, or sexual activity can also cause itching in this area. Avoid scratching or rubbing the skin when it feels itchy, as this can make the itching worse. People who suspect that they might be allergic to latex can ask their doctor about alternatives to latex condoms.
Why is my underwear giving me a rash?
A yeast or bacterial infection can cause a rash. So can irritation from problems with bladder or bowel control. Protective underwear also can cause rashes or irritate the skin. Or a person may be allergic to the scents in the material.
How do you know if you are allergic to fabric?
What Are the Symptoms? Look for redness, scaly skin, or itchy areas. Sometimes they pop up within hours after you put on your clothes, or they may take days or weeks to appear. Some people can wear the same item for years before a rash breaks out.
- Keep the skin dry.
- Check the briefs every 3 hours.
- Gently wash the groin and anal areas with warm water and a soft washcloth.
- Use a blow-dryer on a warm setting to get the area fully dry.
- If the person has had diarrhea, apply an ointment such as Desitin, A&D Ointment, or zinc oxide.
Can elastic cause allergies?
The Clothes on Your Back The most common fabric-related allergy is an allergy to formaldehyde resins, which are used to make fabrics waterproof and resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage. They are also used in elastics, and some people develop a rash around the abdomen when elastic in undergarments is exposed with wear.Jan 9, 2015
What does latex irritation look like?
Skin at the site of contact with latex appears swollen and tight. Other reactions might include symptoms similar to hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and more severe asthma-like symptoms (wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath).