Once an individual experiences a reaction to polyester specifically rashes, it might be triggered by clothes worn, bed linens or upholstered pillows. Even though allergy to polyester is considered unusual, toys that are made out of polyester fur or hair are considered the typical allergens due to the reported cases.
Close look on contact dermatitis
The allergic reactions develop once a harmless substance such as polyester puts the immune system in high alert. The overreaction of the immune system is evident as hives, redness and itchiness.
Contact dermatitis usually manifests within a few hours of being exposed to an irritant and subsides within a few hours to a day after eliminating the culprit from the surroundings. Even though some cases of these rashes are allergenic in nature, other forms are due to mechanical or chemical irritation. The doctor can determine the difference between an actual allergy that arises from the response of the immune system to a possible threat and non-allergic contact dermatitis which triggers rashes from topical irritation.
What is the exact cause of the rashes?
The itchy rashes that manifests in areas exposed to polyester can indicate polyester allergy. On the other hand, the polyester itself is not the culprit. The polyester resins can trigger allergies but also fragrances, detergents, perspiration, fabric softeners and animal hair that are trapped in the weave of the fabric and treatments used on the natural fabrics.
If the individual just recently switched laundry products or soap before the rashes developed, it is best to switch back to the previously used products. The doctor can also perform testing to polyester and other household materials but this process takes some time.
Polyester or natural fibers
Even though natural fibers rarely trigger contact dermatitis, their erratic shapes allow space for dust mites, pollen and other allergens to end up trapped in the fabric. As for pure cotton, it wrinkles easily thus manufacturers treat the fibers using formaldehyde resins that can trigger an allergic reaction.
The smooth fibers of polyester shed dust and pollen readily, but polyester itself might be an irritant to the skin. Take note the pure linen, silk, wool and denim rarely get treated using resins, thus these natural fabrics are free from both polyester and any polishing agents that can cause skin irritation.
Textiles and toys
An allergic reaction to polyester is often linked to toys due to its connection with polyester present in various products. There are certain forms of polyester that are utilized that can cause allergic reactions. The thin fibers of the brushed polyester such as plush faux furs or doll’s hair are considered highly allergenic than the woven fibers of polyester. In most circumstances, the allergy itself can lead to respiratory discomfort but contact dermatitis is also likely to occur as well.