Sunday, April 22, 2012

KIDS ALLERGY TO FABRIC

By: Boniface Kagumba
     Nutrition/Dietetic consultant
     Email:drnyus@gmail.com
(Submitted to Babylove  magazine)
As we have seen in my previous articles there are several allergies that are difficult to avoid if you or your child suffer from them. Here is yet another common allergy and challenging to control as we will learn in this article. 
Fabric allergy or textile allergy is rather common allergic reaction that occur when the cloth come in contact with the skin. The most responsible fabric to this kind of allergy is the man-made fabrics thus making it difficult to leave with especially for children. However, natural fabrics do not necessarily mean they are safe   for people with skin allergy. Wool is an example of natural fabrics that can cause intense irritation to some people. Many of us will experience the itchy feeling of a woolen garment whether we are allergic or not, the effect is likely to be worse in people who already have eczema or dermatitis.
What your child is wearing or sleeps on may cause an allergic reaction. It is therefore wise to know the cause of the allergy from the fabric. This make it easier in prevent a reaction from coming. 
Symptoms
Fabric allergy may present itself with similar symptoms with that of a cold. Symptoms may  include:
·         Watery eyes and sneezing
·         Rashes, itchy skin and / or Eczema type of lesions at the site of contact
·         Presence of red macerated skins on the waistbands area under the arms and the inner thighs
·         Some people experience itching and tearing of the eyes as well as shortness of breath

Having known that your child is suffering from fabric allergy the major challenge is making sure they are not in contact with the causative allergen and knowing the different kind of fabrics that can trigger a reaction.
The synthetic fabrics known to trigger a reaction are nylon, acrylic and polyester with the latter being the commonest which is a component of plastic and adhesives. Polyester fibers can also be combined with cotton to make what is known as polycotton, this material is frequently used in clothing, bed linen, carpets and as stuffing in duvets and quilts. Children may differ greatly in the tolerance of synthetic and natural/synthetic mixtures. The dye used with polyester substance may also irritate their skin too.
Whole cotton and polycotton products labeled easy-care, crease resistant or non-iron have been treated with formaldehyde, a chemical that can cause skin irritation to some children and adults.
What is safe?
Perhaps this is a question you are asking yourself as you read this article, having a child with fabric allergy makes it difficult to shop for their beddings or clothing including socks. But when a mother realizes her child is suffering from a certain fabric allergy, the first thing she needs to learn is how to read the clothing labels and know the different kind of fabrics in the market.
It has been noted that silk and cotton is best for children clothing and rarely cause an allergic reaction. When shopping for children clothes and bedding consider the two fabric check also on the hem, finishing and fasteners used in them as a single thread in a seam can trigger a reaction. Likewise any exposed metal poppers, buttons or zipper on clothes and bedding could be the trigger. Therefore poppers popular in babies clothes should be attended in such a way that they don’t come in contact with the infant skin.
Socks also cause allergy, the lesion is mostly confined in area covered by socks and is generally form a ring encircling the upper part of the socks. The whole area covered maybe eczematous if the reaction is due to the fabric of the socks.
Management and Treatment
There are various factors that may aggravate an allergy to clothing. Just as any other condition prevention is better than cure and as we have learnt from previous article avoiding the allergen is always the key to prevent and treat an allergy.
Factor that may aggravate an allergy to clothing that should be looked into when considering treatment and prevention include:
·         Tender and sensitive skin-many infant have sensitive skin which is vulnerable to a reaction
·         Obesity- obese children are more vulnerable to fabric allergy than their lean counterpart
·         Kids who sweat excessively  normally due to a condition called hyperhidrosis-this condition need to be checked by your doctor  for treatment
·         Tight clothing-ensure that your allergic child does not wear tights
·         Skin conditions, repeated friction, trauma and damaged skin facilitate clothing allergy
·         Fine metallic dust particles
·         Clothes contaminated with greases, oils and pesticides
·         Remnants of soaps on washed clothing
·         Use of latex gloves
·         Chemical used in processing leather
Once your doctor realizes the responsible allergen to your Child's reaction treatment becomes easy. They may choose to use an antihistamine to control the reaction and may also advise you on how to avoid the trigger. Always consider visiting your doctor before purchasing over the counter drugs for your child
As a parent the greatest responsibility will still remain in shopping for the right clothing and bedding that may not be allergic to your young one.

2 comments:

  1. Great post.I'm glad to see people are still interested of Article.Thank you.baby allergies and conditions

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  2. Wow! Thanks for sharing this valuable blog with us. I would like to share something useful with you regarding medicine for skin allergy I hope this will help you as an inspiration for your next upcoming blogs.

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