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, even an experienced specialist will probably find it difficult to say - on the pollen of flowering plants and in the sun, on certain foods and low temperatures, on detergents and animal hair. The list seems to be endless.
Can there be an allergy to synthetics? Yes, unfortunately this type of disease is widespread. That's what we're going to talk about today. You will learn what causes the disease, how it manifests itself, how to deal with it and whether there are ways to prevent it. Photos of symptoms of an allergy to synthetics are often published in medical publications. Allergy manifests itself in people with hypersensitivity to many external stimuli. The disease causes patients not only physical, but also psychological discomfort.
Synthetic materials are for the most part the strongest allergens, so the reaction to them inpeople 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, shins, and back. If treatment is not started in time, the disease can become chronic.
Common synthetic fibers
It's 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. Clothes from them are worn well, retain their shape and color well. The cost of such things is much lower than that of clothes made from natural fabrics.
Such advantages make synthetics very popular, but only as long as there is no allergy. Popular Synthetic Fabrics Most Commonly Allergic to:
- fleece - synthetic knitwear made of polyester and used for sewing insulated clothing;
- taslan is an innovative fabric, in some cases it has a breathable structure;
- lavsan is an affordable fabric that is a type of polyester and is produced during oil refining;
- perlon - artificial silk;
- meryl - light but durable material, very pleasant to the body;
- velsoft - an ultra-thin new synthetic material, which is called new generation synthetics (microfiber).
Before purchasing fabrics or things, an allergic person should make sure that they areno synthetic fibers. They come in several types:
- polyurethane (spandex, elastane);
- carbochain - containing carbon atoms;
- polyester (dacron, vikron);
- polyamide (kapron, nylon).
Heterochain - containing carbon atoms and other elements:
- polyvinyl alcohol;
- polyolefin;
- polyacrylonitrile (cashmilon, acrylic, orlon);
- polyvinyl chloride.
Reasons causing allergies to synthetics
Specialists identify several main reasons that can cause allergic reactions to synthetics.
Mechanical
The disease is caused by textiles that retain moisture during sweating, when the body gets rid of s alts. 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 and pile were used in tailoring. As a rule, after cessation of contact with the allergen, allergic symptoms also disappear.
Chemical
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. Often, manufacturers add dyes to synthetics to give a presentation and improve the quality of things. Sometimes they have a pungent odor and even leave marks on the skin. When in contact with hersuch fabrics 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 these types of allergic reactions should wash in neutral detergents and thoroughly iron garments containing synthetic fibers before first use. If symptoms persist, it is best to avoid such things.
Psychological
Quite often, an allergy to synthetics in adults is of a psychological nature, when a person perceives synthetics as a material that can harm him. As a result, he develops a fear of using polymer and synthetic products. In this case, when the slightest redness, slight itching, pimple appears, 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 to consult a psychologist.
Synthetic Allergy Symptoms
Photos showing the symptoms of allergies 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;
- skin redness;
- flaking and sores.
You need to know that an infection can get into erosive formations when combing, andthis will lead to inflammation of the skin. Therefore, try not to scratch the rash, but seek help from a dermatologist in a timely manner. In addition to skin rashes, symptoms of an allergy to synthetics can be expressed by the following signs:
- runny nose with dry congestion or mucous discharge from the nose;
- conjunctivitis with photophobia and lacrimation.
Complicated symptoms are dangerous with attacks of nausea, anaphylaxis with symptoms of hypertension, dizziness, tachycardia, suffocation. At the first sign of an instant allergy, immediately take an antihistamine and call an ambulance.
Affected areas
Symptoms of an allergy to synthetics in adults (we posted a photo in this article) appear most often on areas of the skin in contact with clothing:
- neck and décolleté;
- elbow bend;
- wrists;
- groin;
- abdominal area.
Allergies in pregnant women
This type of allergy often occurs during pregnancy due to the weakening of the immunity of the expectant mother. If synthetics cause an allergic reaction, discard synthetic underwear, because it, adjacent to the body, can provoke unwanted symptoms. Try replacing synthetic clothing with cotton. It should be pleasant to the touch and not cause allergic symptoms.
Be sure to inform your doctor about the manifestation of allergies, since not all can be used during pregnancydrugs for treatment. The doctor selects drugs taking into account 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 breastfed 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, babies get sick less often.
Allergy to synthetics in a child most often manifests itself in the form of rashes on the legs, so special attention should be paid when diagnosing this part of the body.
Allergy treatment
Unfortunately, it is completely impossible to get rid of an allergy to synthetics, but depending on the symptoms and individual characteristics of the body, dermatologists and allergists prescribe complex therapy. It involves the use of local and oral preparations, traditional medicine.
Treatment of this disease is most effective only after the exclusion of contact with the allergen.
Antihistamine treatment
Antihistamines of different generations are prescribed depending on the symptoms. The most effective drugs include:
- Telfast.
- "Suprastin".
- "Desloratadine".
- Cetrin.
- Zyrtec.
These medicines are sold in pharmacies without a prescription. However, do not self-medicate. Medicines are prescribed by a doctor in accordance with individual indications.
Topical treatment
The 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 help fight allergies aggravated by a secondary infection.
- "Solcoseryl", "Radevit" - drugs that promote 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, drugs with a moderate effect are prescribed - Fluorocort, Afloderm;
- with severe allergic reactions, when other drugs have not brought the desired result, highly active glucocorticoids are used - Galcinokid, Dermovate.
Folk remedies
You should not count on the fact that traditional medicine will help get rid of allergies to synthetics completely, but they will reduce the manifestationsymptoms and relieve the condition:
- Decoctions of chamomile and mint soothe the skin, reduce burning and itching. To do this, you need to make ice cubes from decoctions and lubricate the skin with itching attacks.
- Skin rashes will help remove a decoction of chamomile with a string. Wash the affected skin areas with it three times a day.
- Effective baths, compresses and lotions from a decoction of bay leaf and string.
Disease prevention
Prophylactic measures to prevent allergy to synthetics are much simpler than for other types of this disease.
- Completely eliminate 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 textiles.
- Be sure to wash new items using the extra rinse cycle.
- For newborns and babies, buy only cotton diapers, undershirts, sliders. If it is revealed that the child is allergic, regularly consult with specialists to monitor his condition. To boost your baby's immunity, don't stop breastfeeding.
