Allergy is a disease that affects millions of people around the world, not only adults but also children. How many varieties of this disease exist, it will probably be difficult for even an experienced specialist to say - on the pollen of flowering plants and on the sun, on certain foods and low temperatures, on detergents and animal hair. It seems that the list goes on and on.
Is there an allergy to synthetics? Yes, unfortunately, this kind of disease is widespread. That's what we will talk about today. You will find out what causes the disease, how it manifests itself, how to deal with it and whether there are ways to prevent it. Photos of allergies to synthetics are often published in medical publications. Allergies occur in people with hypersensitivity to many external stimuli. The disease gives patients not only physical, but also psychological discomfort.
Synthetic materials are mostly the strongest allergens, so the reaction to them in people predisposed to the disease resembles the symptoms of dermatitis - swelling of the skin, itchy red spots. Most often, an allergic reaction occurs in the bikini area, on the abdomen, décolleté, lower legs, back. With untimely treatment, a transition to a chronic form is possible.
Common synthetic fibers
It is no secret that today it is almost impossible to buy clothes made entirely from natural fabrics. And this is understandable: synthetic fabrics are durable, lightweight and easy to care for. The clothes from them are perfectly worn, they retain their shape and color well. The cost of such things is much lower than that of clothing made from natural fabrics.
Such advantages make synthetics very popular, but only until an allergy has appeared. Popular synthetic fabrics that are most often allergic:
- fleece - synthetic knitwear, which is made of polyester and is used for sewing insulated clothing;
- taslan - innovative tissue, in some cases has a breathing structure;
- lavsan - affordable fabric, which is a type of polyester and is produced during oil refining;
- perlon - rayon;
- Meryl - a light but durable material, very pleasant to the body;
- velsoft is an ultrathin new synthetic material called new generation synthetics (microfiber).
Before buying fabrics or things, an allergy sufferer should make sure that they lack synthetic fibers. They are of several types:
- polyurethane (spandex, elastane);
- carbochain - containing carbon atoms;
- polyester (lavsan, vicron);
- polyamide (nylon, nylon).
Heterochain - containing carbon atoms and other elements:
- polyvinyl alcohol;
- polyolefin;
- polyacrylonitrile (kashmilon, acrylic, orlon);
- polyvinyl chloride.
Reasons causing allergies to synthetics
Experts identify several main causes that can cause allergic reactions to synthetics.
The disease causes textiles, which retains moisture during perspiration, when the body gets rid of salts. When wearing synthetic clothing, they interact with the skin and cause irritation, manifested by redness, swelling, itching and burning. In addition, an allergy to synthetics occurs if coarse threads or nap were used in sewing clothes. As a rule, after the termination of contact with the allergen, allergic symptoms also pass.
Sometimes clothes have good breathability, but the symptoms of the disease only increase. In this case, familiarize yourself with the chemical composition of the material used. To make the presentation and improve the quality of things, manufacturers often add dyes to synthetics. Sometimes they have a pungent odor and even leave marks on the skin. In contact with it, such tissues cause not only contact dermatitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and allergic cough, but can also provoke a rapid allergy to synthetics with Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock.
People who are prone to allergic reactions of this type should be washed in neutral detergents and thoroughly ironed clothes, which include synthetic fibers, before first use. If the symptoms persist, it is better to refuse such things.
Quite often, an allergy to synthetics in adults is of a psychological nature, when a person perceives synthetics as material that can harm him. As a result, he develops a fear of using polymer and synthetic products. In this case, with the appearance of the slightest redness, mild itching, pimple, he panics and perceives such symptoms as the onset of the disease. It is interesting that in such situations even pure cotton leads to a psychological reaction, so a person who suffers from such a phobia needs a consultation with a psychologist.
Symptoms of a Synthetic Allergy
Photos showing allergy symptoms make it clear that people suffering from such an ailment have a hard time. Allergic reactions to the use of synthetic materials cause contact dermatitis and are manifested by the following symptoms:
- severe itching;
- redness of the skin;
- peeling and the appearance of ulcers.
You need to know that infection can get into erosive formations when combing, and this will lead to inflammation of the skin. Therefore, try not to scratch the rashes, but in a timely manner seek help from a dermatologist. In addition to skin rashes, symptoms of an allergy to synthetics can be expressed by the following signs:
- runny nose with dry nasal congestion or mucous discharge from the nose;
- conjunctivitis with photophobia and lacrimation.
Complicated symptoms are dangerous with bouts of nausea, anaphylaxis with symptoms of hypertension, dizziness, tachycardia, suffocation. When the first signs of an instant allergy appear, take an antihistamine urgently and call an ambulance.
Affected areas
Symptoms of an allergy to synthetics in adults (we posted a photo in this article) are most often manifested in areas of skin in contact with clothing:
- neck and décolleté;
- elbow bend;
- wrists;
- inguinal zone;
- abdominal area.
Pregnant Allergy
This type of allergy often occurs during pregnancy due to a weakening of the immunity of the expectant mother. If synthetics cause an allergic reaction, refuse synthetic underwear, because it, adjacent to the body, can provoke undesirable symptoms. Try replacing synthetic clothing with cotton. It should be pleasant to the touch and not cause allergic symptoms.
Be sure to inform the attending physician about the manifestation of allergies, since during pregnancy not all drugs can be used for treatment. The doctor selects drugs based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the duration of her pregnancy.
Allergies in children
More than 40% of children worldwide, according to WHO, are allergic to synthetics. From birth, modern babies are surrounded by synthetic and polymeric materials: bathing products, baths, nipples, toys - all this is made from synthetic materials. Parents should be aware that breast-fed babies are much less prone to allergic reactions. It has been established that the composition of mother’s milk includes immune cells that protect the baby from adverse environmental influences. In addition, infants are less likely to get sick.
An allergy to synthetics in a child most often manifests itself in the form of rashes on the legs, therefore, in the diagnosis of this part of the body, special attention should be paid.
Allergy treatment
Unfortunately, getting rid of an allergy to synthetics is completely impossible, but depending on the symptoms and individual characteristics of the body, dermatologists and allergologists prescribe complex therapy. It involves the use of local and oral drugs, traditional medicine.
The treatment of this disease is most effective only after eliminating contact with the allergen.
Antihistamine treatment
Antihistamines of different generations are prescribed depending on the symptoms. The most effective drugs include:
- Telfast.
- Suprastin.
- "Desloratadine."
- "Tsetrin."
- Zirtek.
These medicines are sold over the counter at a pharmacy. However, do not self-medicate. Medicines are prescribed by the doctor in accordance with individual indications.
Local treatment
An allergist will also prescribe local therapy, taking into account the severity of the patient's condition. With minor manifestations of an allergy to synthetics, non-hormonal ointments are first prescribed:
- "Levosin", "Fucidin" - drugs that contribute to the fight against allergies, aggravated by a secondary infection.
- "Solcoseryl", "Radevit" - drugs that contribute to the healing of damaged skin.
- “Panthenol”, “Bepanten” - moisturize and soften the skin, reduce peeling and itching.
Depending on the hormonal activity, glucocorticosteroids are divided into three groups:
- with a mild course of the disease, weakly acting corticosteroid ointments are prescribed - Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone;
- with severe allergies, medications with a moderate effect are prescribed - “Fluorocort”, “Afloderm”;
- in case of severe allergic reactions, when other drugs did not bring the proper result, highly active glucocorticoids - “Galcinokide”, “Dermoveit” are used.
Folk remedies
You should not rely on the fact that traditional medicine will help get rid of an allergy to synthetics completely, but they will reduce the manifestation of symptoms and ease the condition:
- Decoctions of chamomile and peppermint soothe the skin, reduce burning and itching. To do this, you need to make ice cubes from the decoctions and lubricate the skin with itch attacks.
- Skin rashes will help remove a decoction of chamomile with a string. Rinse affected areas of skin three times a day.
- Effective baths, compresses and lotions from a decoction of bay leaves and a string.
Disease prevention
Preventive measures to prevent allergies to synthetics are much simpler than with other types of this disease.
- Completely exclude contact with the allergen, give preference to clothes made of cotton and linen.
- To reduce the risk of allergic reactions, carefully choose bedding, studying the composition of the textiles.
- Be sure to wash new items using the extra rinse mode.
- For newborns and infants, buy only cotton diapers, vests, and romper suits. If it is revealed that the child is allergic, consult with specialists regularly to monitor his condition. To increase the immunity of the crumbs, do not give up breastfeeding.