Persons who suffer with dermatitis or sensitive skin have a difficult time living day to day avoiding allergens and the 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 the things in the world to have, why did I inherit this strange skin?
While researching the 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 the 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 the friction of the fabric rubs against the skin.
According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society common eruption sites include the posterior neck, upper back, lateral thorax (part of the body between the head or neck and abdomen), waistband and flexor (fingers) surfaces. It can however appear in other areas like the 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 the 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.
Many individuals are allergic to formaldehyde and know to avoid personal care products that contain formaldehyde releasing preservatives. Keep in mind that many pharmaceuticals including OTC drugs also use these same preservatives so it's not limited to skin care products. For those sensitive to formaldehyde clothing can also be a stong source of irritation.
Each country has its own manufacturing standards for acceptable levels for formaldehyde resins. A low indicator of formaldehyde releasing resin would be 75 ppm which is the Japanese standard, the US standard is somewhere near 300ppm, quite a difference.
Fabrics safe to wear:
100% silk, 100% linen (if it wrinkles easy), 100% polyester, 100% acrylic, 100% nylon, spandex, flannel (soft), wool (may cause irritation) and denim.
Do not wear these fabrics:
Permanent press, wrinkle resistant, color-fast, stain-resistant, blends (including rayon, polyester-cotton), corduroy or shrink-proof wool.
It is suggested that you read the labels in your existing clothing and separate them in your closet so you will know what's safe to wear. Always opt for loose fitting clothing since friction and perspiration can cause the condition to flare. Read the labels in any new clothing before you purchase. Clothes made in Japan are the safest and companies that sell clothes in Japan also have to meet the Japanese standard.
Companies that meet the Japanese standard:
GAP, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne, Eddie Bauer, Cuddle Duds and Levi Strauss. There may be others but these were on the list from the American Contact Dermatitis Society.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have this sensitivity please contact your dermatologist to be tested. Also visit the website of The American Contact Dermatitis Society for more detailed information.
Copyright 2005 Herbal Luxuries
Yvonne Walker of Herbal Luxuries Natural Skin Care Inc. For information regarding skin health visit http://www.herballuxuries.com
Good, Fast and Cheap. Pick Two? Not Anymore. Drive-Thru Ideas Promises Small to Medium Size Business Big Advertising Agency Thinking at a Fraction of
After successful career at some of the world's largest advertising agencies, Dean Bastian recently started out on his own consulting for friends of friends. Along the way he discovered a vast number of businesses that are being underserved by what they can traditionally afford in terms of time and money, mainly small to medium business and start-ups. "Depending on their location or size, many businesses just don't have access to the talent they need to help drive their business growth. And if they do venture out to bigger markets to find that talent, it's generally priced beyond their means," Dean says. "Most of these business's needs are immediate, but working with large, layered firms requires long lead times to get the work out."
If The Bowling Shoes Fit, You?re Definitely In For A Great Game!
The article talks about one of the basic ingredients in making it big as a bowler Here are some tips that can help you improve your performance without having to sacrifice your passion for the game
Interior Design For Small Spaces
In the real estate market, essentially, space is expensive In order to have their own place, some people nowadays are getting smaller apartments or houses
Shopping For The Vintage Shoes
It can be said without hesitation that the vintage shoes have engulfed a wide section of the world?s footwear fashion at the moment. This tends to be another mind-blowing aspect of the footwear fashion ? especially as far as the western part of the globe is concerned. The ergonomic designs and the ecstatic looks of the vintage shoes have tossed the global market of footwear fashion and it is not only the older section of the society but the young adults as well are inclined to shop for the vintage shoes. This is due to the fact that these vintage shoes allow them to develop some unique signature style of their own.
Best Ways For Small Business To Advertise
In regular parlance, advertisement means anything that markets your product. It is something that attempts to boost your business. Advertisement may be anything, ranging from a radio spot to a message in a brochure. Generally, advertising means a commercial message that appears on the television, newspaper or magazine.
Small Business IT Server Support UK Systems Support Services UK Windows 2003 2000
The latest offering by the NetstarUK is the Small Business Server 2003 that takes your business to the next level. The Small Business Server 2003 takes care of your business needs. With the dependence on technology going just the way up, it is imperative for your business to be with the times. You can buy the Small Business Server Support as an add-on to your existing server or as a part of the new package.
Tampa Internet Marketing Services Company Named Small Business of the Year
Tampa Web site design and Internet marketing services firm recognized for excellence, complimented for charitable work.
Are Those Office Depot Coupons For Real? Here's How to Avoid Coupon Scams
Businesses promoting their products through discount coupons are outraged Scammers are using fraudulent coupons to get discounted items, and it's no little joke because $200 to $500 million is lost to scammers annually
Luca Luca Acquired by The Equitium Group : Renowned Women's Luxury Clothing Company on Growth Path
Luca Luca announced today that it has been acquired by The Equitium Group, an investment firm focused on the consumer and luxury industries. The acquisition will bolster the women?s clothing company?s expansion plans. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
The Dos and Donts of Launching a Small Business Website
Launching a new small business website is often a long and painstaking process. And for most small businesses, the endeavor rarely ends in success.