Wool Allergy: Tips To Protect Your Skin 

allergic to wool symptoms (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Madison)
allergic to wool symptoms (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Madison)

Some individuals love wool sweaters, while others become itchy when they wear wool garments, experiencing symptoms that can lead them to believe they may have a wool allergy. It is fairly common to experience allergy-like symptoms when coming in contact with wool garments and textiles. When people wear wool, they have runny noses, watery eyes, and, in particular, skin discomfort.

Wool was deemed an allergen by doctors beginning in the 1930s. However, when allergy testing became more prevalent, many people, who showcased allergy-like symptoms from wool, received negative results for the textile fiber. Due to this, several researchers proposed that wool allergies might be a hoax and began looking for alternative factors that could be generating the symptoms.

Even while many medical specialists believe that wool is not an allergen, it's easy to understand why some people think it is, owing to the allergy-like symptoms it can cause. As a result, we should concentrate on the symptoms and strive to manage them effectively.


Wool Allergy - Signs And Symptoms To Look For

In spite of its widespread acceptance, some people may find wearing woolen clothing uncomfortable, as it can cause itching, skin irritation, and, in serious cases, rashes. This ailment frequently prompts concerns regarding wool allergies.

Wool allergy treatment (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Polina)
Wool allergy treatment (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Polina)

Here are some of the symptoms to look for if you're suspicious about having wool allergies:

  • Changes in skin color and redness
  • Itching or reddening as a result of wool contact
  • Hands that are rough and irritating may give rise to skin eczema or dermatitis.
  • Acne, lumps, and ulcers on the skin
  • Eye irritation, involving redness and itching

It's important to remember that symptoms of wool allergies may not appear right away, but rather between 24 and 48 hours after contact. These symptoms are caused by the body's recognition of an allergen and the production of antibodies to resist it.


Reasons Why You Cause Wool Allergy

Before making any assumptions regarding wool allergies, it's critical to understand the basic reasons for allergic responses to wool.

Side effects of having wool allergies (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Jenna)
Side effects of having wool allergies (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Jenna)

Wool allergies are real, but they are uncommon. The pain felt while wearing woolen garments is frequently due to other variables, including the roughness of the wool or the existence of chemicals in the fabric.

While wool allergies are uncommon, hypersensitivity to wool can arise. Wool sensitivity may be caused by a number of circumstances, including:

1) Coarse Wool

The roughness and toughness of wool fibers can cause skin discomfort, particularly in people who have sensitive skin.

Wool allergy effects (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Andrea)
Wool allergy effects (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Andrea)

2) Chemical additives

Dyes, softeners, bleaching agents, and other chemicals used in the woolen garment production process might irritate the skin.

Wool allergy signs (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Ksenia)
Wool allergy signs (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Ksenia)

3) Lanolin

Lanolin, a naturally occurring chemical present in sheep's wool, can cause allergic responses in certain people.

Chemicals causing wool allergies (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Chokniti)
Chemicals causing wool allergies (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Chokniti)

4) Detergent Residues

Detergent residues from the manufacture of woolen clothes can potentially cause skin irritation.


Wool Allergy Treatments

You must refrain from using or wearing wool if you are allergic to it. It is best to avoid it altogether until it is certain what is causing the symptoms.

You can also try using an extra-thick under-layer of a different material to prevent your skin from coming into contact with the wool. The symptoms could still prevail, considering the fabric can still come in contact with the skin in other ways.

Treatments for wool allergies (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Cotton Bro)
Treatments for wool allergies (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Cotton Bro)

Lanolin-containing products, such as moisturizers and cosmetics, should also be avoided.

Never provide medication to a baby or child without first visiting their doctor.


Wool allergy is uncommon, and most of the complaints about wool garments can be ascribed to other causes, like the roughness of the material, chemical additions, or washing residues.

While wool allergy exists, it is critical to distinguish between real allergy and wool sensitivity. If you feel prolonged irritation while wearing wool, get medical attention for an accurate diagnosis as well as treatment recommendations.

With the right precautions and treatment choices, you may keep enjoying the advantages of wool clothes without experiencing allergic reactions.

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