What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Clothing Dermatitis
• Textile Dermatitis

What is Textile Contact Dermatitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Textile Contact Dermatitis is a skin condition that develops from contact of skin to clothes that one wears or due to reaction with the synthetic chemicals and dyes used in the fabrics. The condition is also known as Clothing Dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis is a condition characterized by skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes in direct contact with substances that cause irritation or allergy to the skin. The condition affects more women than men
• The treatment of Textile Contact Dermatitis involves a complete avoidance of the causative agent, and the use of steroidal medications, if necessary. In many cases, the condition is known to resolve without any complications. However, identification of the textile substances that cause the skin allergy or irritation is important towards preventing the condition in future

Who gets Textile Contact Dermatitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Textile Contact Dermatitis may be observed in both children and adults
• Both males and females are affected, although a greater number of cases are seen in females
• Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic preference observed

What are the Risk Factors for Textile Contact Dermatitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Textile Contact Dermatitis may be categorized as irritant (brushing against the skin) or allergic (reaction of skin to the substance).

• The risk factors for irritant contact dermatitis from textiles include:
  • Natural or synthetic textile fibers
  • Plastic and metal buttons or fasteners on the clothes
  • Elastic bands and leather straps
• The risk factors for allergic contact dermatitis from textiles include:
  • Resins
  • Natural or synthetic dyes
  • Flame retardant chemicals
  • Permanent press chemicals
  • Latex elastic exposed to bleach

Other concurrent risk factors may include:

• Individuals with certain skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis
• Individuals who are obese or overweight
• Hot-wet weather
• Certain occupations in hot and wet conditions such as working in kitchens, certain industries, including individuals in the fabric/textile industry
• Excessive sweating

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Textile Contact Dermatitis? (Etiology)

Textile Contact Dermatitis is caused from skin contact with clothing/fabrics that one wears or uses.

• Irritant contact dermatitis: The condition occurs when the skin gets damaged due to exposure to clothes that irritate the outer protective layer of skin
• Allergic contact dermatitis: It occurs when an allergic substance in the clothes activates an immune reaction in skin

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Textile Contact Dermatitis?

The signs and symptoms of Textile Contact Dermatitis may vary from one individual to another. The manifestation of symptoms may be immediate or within a few hours of exposure to the textile fabric. In some cases, it may be noted after a few days to a week.

The signs and symptoms may include:

• Presence of skin redness, itching, and discomfort
• The affected areas may include the neck/collar, groin, buttocks, armpits, and knees
• Sweating and hot-wet weather may aggravate the condition

How is Textile Contact Dermatitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Textile Contact Dermatitis may involve the following exams and procedures:

• Physical examination of the individual and medical history evaluation
• The pattern of the dermatitis can be a clue to textiles being causative. For example, around the waistline where elastic fits, or under the arms and on the flanks where shirt/blouse fabric is held close to the skin
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin patch testing
• Skin biopsy, if necessary: A skin tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Textile Contact Dermatitis?

The possible complications due to Textile Contact Dermatitis include:

• Emotional stress due to cosmetic issues
• Itching and scratching
• Superimposed bacterial and fungal skin infections at the involved site
• Recurrence of the condition following treatment
• Treatment complications

How is Textile Contact Dermatitis Treated?

The treatment measures available for Textile Contact Dermatitis include:

• Avoiding exposure or contact with the offending fabrics or textiles can help resolve the condition
• Use of mild to moderate topical steroids (e.g. hydrocortisone) for improving the symptoms
• Oral antibiotics for bacterial infections, if necessary

How can Textile Contact Dermatitis be Prevented?

It is important to identify the causative irritant or allergic substance present in the fabric. Once identified, avoiding clothes that contain the offending substance can help prevent Textile Contact Dermatitis.

In case it is difficult to identify such an allergic/irritant substance present in the fabric, then the following measures may be taken to reduce one’s risk for Textile Contact Dermatitis:

• Prefer to wear clothes made of natural materials, such as cotton, especially during hot humid weather
• Avoid wearing brightly-colored clothes that may possibly have more dyes; prefer to wear light or white colored clothes, if one is at a higher risk for Textile Contact Dermatitis
• Avoid tight-fitting dress where possible, instead prefer to wear loose fitting ones
• Prefer not to wear clothes with specific label instructions, such as “wash and wear” or “wash separately”, as they may contain more chemicals or dyes

What is the Prognosis of Textile Contact Dermatitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Textile Contact Dermatitis is generally good following removal of the offending fabric/textile. The skin rashes are known to recede and clear up with adequate treatment (as required).

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Textile Contact Dermatitis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders/