Allergies to Fabrics in Infants

Fabric Allergy in Infants: Contact Dermatitis

Redness, rash and itching that appear on an infant's skin at points of contact with clothing can be a sign of a reaction to the fabric or to the chemicals used in its processing. The baby's delicate skin, with its immature protective barrier, is highly sensitive to friction and chemical irritants.

Irritation or allergy?

As with cosmetics, it is important to distinguish two mechanisms of reaction:

• Irritant contact dermatitis: This is the most common cause. It occurs due to mechanical friction (rough fabrics, stiff seams) or chemical irritation (residue from laundry detergent, dyes in new clothing).
• Allergic contact dermatitis: This is a true allergic reaction to certain substances. Most often the culprits are dyes used to color synthetic fabrics, or metal fasteners (nickel allergy).

What should parents do?

Prevention is key. Following simple rules can help minimize the risk of reactions:

• Prefer natural fabrics: 100% cotton, bamboo are soft, breathable and rarely cause problems. Avoid synthetics and wool in clothing that is in direct contact with the skin.
• Wash new clothing: Always wash any new garments before dressing the child to remove chemical residues.
• Use hypoallergenic laundry products: Choose powders and gels without phosphates, fragrances or dyes. Use an extra rinse cycle.

If a rash appears on exposed areas of skin, other causes should be considered, such as food allergy.