What's in your clothing | Textile Dyes

The colors and prints of your clothing are what bring your wardrobe to life. This is not a bad thing but in some cases, the dyes used to add color can interact with your skin and trigger allergic contact dermatitis. This can be challenging to diagnose because routine patch testing for skin allergens does not always contain the full panel of possible allergens AND we do not have the privilege of an ingredient label to even know which dyes were used. I would love to say that if you suspected contact dermatitis to textile dyes it would be as simple as avoiding specific colors or types of fabric but unfortunately, it is not that easy. Disperse dyes are the most common cause of contact dermatitis to textile dyes and these are used in synthetics such as polyester. However, dyes used for cotton and other natural fibers have also been linked to allergic contact dermatitis. The most important thing is to work closely with your Dermatologist to accurately diagnose and manage your concerns.

[jennyjumpjump]

I never suspected I had an allergy. I've always had "sensitive skin". I just had a full panel patch test done by an allergist. I tested negative for the particular disperse dye in the panel. However several days later I began to develop a severe reaction as the dye was being metabolized. Dr said I had an allergic reaction to the metabolites. It makes it even harder to pinpoint what's causing the allergy. The reaction is still going on since June!

[elinordrake]

Very nicely done video! Thanks for presenting on the topic! I just realized that I am allergic to something in the dye or dye process used by a particular yarn company that I used to enjoy crocheting with. For some time, I'd randomly break out in itchy bumps but had no idea until I happened to wear a particular sweater I had made from the yarn, on a warm day, when I had no itchy bumps. ....by the end of the day...voila, itchy bumps. I washed the sweater well (in case it was detergent residue), waited until I had no rash again, then wore it again & the same thing happened. Sadly, I have a LOT of this yarn. lol.

At least now I have learned to only make one sweater from a yarn company's product & then wear it a bunch, to make sure I am not allergic to the dyes, before I go making a bunch of wearables with it!

As to your comment on it sometimes being something in the process rather than the actual dye, I just read an interesting article by I believe....on how clothing fabric tested in labs had metal in the fabrics, including nickel which is a frequent allergen. So many things t think of in terms of allergens!