Contact eczema is a very common form of eczema, in which skin inflammation results from prolonged contact with an allergen. With each new contact, eczema reappears because the body has developed a specific immune response. Allergens can be found everywhere, including in clothing and accessories.
Summary
Clothing contact eczema, also known as clothing allergy, is an allergic eczema that can occur on any part of the body.
Certain substances present in clothing and accessories have been clearly identified as posing a risk of contact allergy and dermatitis, and are therefore a cause of eczema. Depending on the situation, it may be a leather allergy, a glue allergy, a rubber allergy , a dye allergy or a metal allergy.
In some cases, the lesions do not correspond to contact eczema but to irritative dermatitis. This does not involve the immune system and can affect anyone, allergic or not, who comes into contact with an irritant substance. When it comes to clothing and accessories, friction, perspiration and clothing that is too tight can all contribute to the development of genuine contact eczema.
Clothing allergy should be treated like any other eczema. An anti-inflammatory cream, most often based on cortisone, makes it possible to fight against skin inflammation. A soothing repair cream applied to the lesions or over the topical corticosteroid reinforces its efficacy. Applying the emollient as a follow-up hydrates the skin and prevents new flare-ups.
However, the best treatment for contact eczema remains avoidance, i.e. the elimination of the offending allergen in order to prevent future flare-ups.
Once contact eczema or irritant dermatitis has been diagnosed and the allergen or irritant in question has been identified, preventive measures must be taken to minimize the presence of this allergen or irritant in your wardrobe.
As a general rule, in the event of eczema and sensitive skin, opt for natural materials such as cotton and loose-fitting clothes to limit perspiration and rubbing. Don't forget to wash new clothes before wearing them to remove residues of dyes or other potentially irritating and/or allergenic chemicals.
Please note that many patients suffer from a combination of causes of eczema: weather conditions, perspiration, stress, pollen, food, etc. It is always best to have your treatment at hand to quickly combat the discomfort.
