Yes, there are studies that have focused on this. In fact, as early as the 1950s, cases of reactions to nylon stockings began to be reported, we read in a review of the scientific literature on this subject published in 2019 in Current Treatment Options in Allergy.
Now, even if this only affects a minority of people, there is still a long list of possible mechanisms behind these reactions. In fact, says Dr. Simon Nigen, clinician-researcher in dermatology at the University of Montreal, “it’s certain that if we simply talk about redness, there are 10,000 skin diseases that can do that.”
Usually, he says, when the skin reacts to a fabric — whether it’s synthetic or natural fibers — it’s because it’s rough and rubbing against the skin causes irritation.
This reaction can easily be confused with an “allergy”. In a study published in 2017, an Australian team concluded that the widespread idea that wool is allergenic is a “myth”: it is through friction that it causes itching and irritation, and not by triggering an exaggerated immune response involving antibodies (like an allergy does).
“The main factor,” the study indicates, “is the presence of fibers coarser than 30-32 microns in diameter that come into contact with the skin. The length of the fibers also influences the force that is exerted on the skin [parce que des fibres plus longues auront tendance à plier]. Coarse and short fibers […] are more likely to generate sufficient forces to activate itch neurons.”
Now, it also happens that it is the chemical nature of the fabric or a product it contains which causes the reaction. But it is still “rare” that it is the textile itself that is to blame, indicates the 2019 review.
“Sometimes it’s the dyes, other times it can be preservatives like formaldehyde which we use to preserve the fabric. Allergies to preservatives are more common than allergies to dyes […mais] just washing new clothes before wearing them can solve the problem.”
A study cited in the 2019 journal showed that only about 1% of people have reactions to dyes.
Usually, says Dr. Nigen, the skin reaction is limited to where the fabric contacts the skin. But it happens in some people that “it awakens inflammation in someone who has more fragile skin” and that the reaction goes beyond the point of contact with the skin.
Please note that this column will be on hiatus during the holidays. Back in January!
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