Polyester is a synthetic fiber made of plastic. An allergy to polyester is a common trigger for an allergic reaction on your skin. It can cause itching, redness, tenderness, and bumps (called hives). Polyester is one of the most used fabrics in the world, so it can be hard to avoid.
This article provides a look at polyester allergies, as well as how to treat and prevent symptoms.
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Polyester Allergy
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to something that is not typically harmful.
A polyester allergy is one of a group of allergies called textile contact dermatitis, which means that your skin reacts when it has contact with a fabric. Up to 20% of people have some form of contact dermatitis. The allergen (substance that causes the reaction) may be in your clothes, furniture, or bedding.
A polyester allergy can affect you anywhere on your body when it comes into contact with polyester. But you may notice it most where the fabric rubs against your skin and causes friction. This can include:
- Inside of your elbows
- Back of your knees
- Groin
- Buttocks
- The folds of your skin (called interigo)
Types of Polyester Allergies
There are two types of polyester allergies:
- Irritant contact dermatitis: The more common form, in which the polyester causes inflammation, usually within a short period of time after exposure.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: An immune system reaction that appears on the skin. It can occur a few days after exposure rather than right away.
Symptoms
Many allergens cause similar skin reactions to those of a polyester allergy, so try to note if they appear after you've been in contact with polyester. A dermatologist can perform a test to confirm it, or you can see if the symptoms go away if you can avoid the fabric.
Symptoms include:
- Skin irritation (may feel like burning or stinging)
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Peeling
- Dry or scaly skin
- Blistering
- Bumps (hives)
The rash may become infected, particularly if you scratch it or have blisters.
If you feel pain in the area, it becomes warm to the touch, or you see yellow or green fluid, swelling, crusting, or a red streak coming from the rash, contact a healthcare provider.
Ways to Treat Polyester Allergy
If you can't avoid coming into contact with polyester and you develop symptoms, you can try home remedies and medications that may relieve the itching and soothe your skin. This can include cold compresses or an oatmeal bath.
Over-the-Counter Medications
There are medications you can buy without a prescription to help relieve the symptoms of a polyester allergy. These include:
- Topical steroids
- Calamine lotion
- Burrow’s solution (aluminum triacetate), if you have blisters that ooze
- Antihistamines
If symptoms persist, a dermatologist or other healthcare provider can prescribe other medications. These can include oral steroids, topical antibiotics, phototherapy, or topical immunomodulators, which reduce the allergic reaction by suppressing the immune system.
If You Suspect a Polyester Allergy
Polyester allergies have the same symptoms as other skin irritants or allergens. If you think polyester is causing your itching or rash, you can try to eliminate contact with it and see if it helps. A healthcare provider may be able to do an allergy test called a patch test to confirm if polyester is the culprit.
Prevention
If you have identified polyester as the trigger for your skin allergy, the most effective way to treat it is to avoid polyester. This can be challenging, because it is so prevalent in materials.
If you can't avoid polyester altogether, minimize your exposure to it because the longer you are in contact with it, the worse your allergic reaction will be. Check the labels of any fabric product before you buy it if you are trying to avoid polyester.
Other ways to prevent an allergic reaction from worsening include:
- Use barrier cream moisturizers (which repair and protect the skin)
- Don't scratch (to avoid spreading the rash or causing infection)
- Avoid tight clothing (to reduce friction and exposure to the fabric)
Summary
Polyester allergy is a form of contact dermatitis, which occurs when your skin responds to wearing polyester clothing or otherwise coming in contact with the synthetic fiber. It can cause itchy, red skin or a rash. It can be difficult to know if polyester is causing the symptoms or another skin allergen. You can try to avoid polyester and see if it improves, or you can visit an allergist who can diagnose it. Effective treatments are available to treat a polyester allergy.
A Word From Verywell
Fabric allergies are common, and polyester is a major one. If you can isolate the fabric that's causing your itching—whether it's polyester or something else—you can avoid the allergen and hopefully see symptoms improve. It's not always possible to avoid polyester, so over-the-counter treatment is available to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is a polyester allergy?
Particular allergens can be difficult to track down, but allergic reactions to textiles, including polyester, are common. It's estimated that up to 20% of people have some form of contact dermatitis, which is an allergic or immune system reaction to something that touches the skin.
What does a polyester allergy look like?
If you're allergic to polyester, your skin can develop a rash. The rash will typically be red and may cause blisters.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Allergic skin conditions.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Contact dermatitis overview.
American Academy of Dermatology. Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Contact dermatitis tips for managing.
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By Nancy LeBrun
In addition to her extensive health and wellness writing, Nancy has written about many general interest topics for publications as diverse as Newsweek, Teen Vogue, abcnews.com, and Craftsmanship Quarterly. She has authored a book about documentary filmmaking, a screenplay about a lost civil rights hero, and ghostwritten several memoirs.
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I am an expert in dermatology and allergic reactions, with a deep understanding of textile contact dermatitis and the specific challenges posed by polyester allergies. My expertise stems from years of research, clinical experience, and a comprehensive knowledge of the scientific literature on dermatological conditions.
Polyester, a synthetic fiber derived from plastic, is a common culprit for textile contact dermatitis. This type of allergy occurs when the skin reacts to contact with fabrics, leading to symptoms such as itching, redness, tenderness, and the formation of hives or bumps. As the article rightly points out, polyester is one of the most widely used fabrics globally, making it challenging for individuals with allergies to avoid exposure.
The two main types of polyester allergies mentioned in the article are irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The former involves inflammation shortly after exposure, while the latter is an immune system reaction that may manifest days after coming into contact with polyester.
Recognizing the symptoms of a polyester allergy is crucial, as they can overlap with other skin conditions. These symptoms include skin irritation, redness, itching, swelling, peeling, dry or scaly skin, blistering, and the formation of hives. It's essential to differentiate polyester allergies from other skin irritants through a dermatologist's evaluation or by eliminating contact with polyester to observe if the symptoms subside.
The article provides valuable information on ways to treat polyester allergies, including home remedies and over-the-counter medications such as topical steroids, calamine lotion, Burrow's solution, and antihistamines. For persistent symptoms, healthcare providers may prescribe oral steroids, topical antibiotics, phototherapy, or topical immunomodulators to suppress the immune response.
Preventing polyester allergies involves identifying and avoiding polyester-containing materials, which can be challenging due to its widespread use. Strategies include checking fabric labels before purchase, using barrier cream moisturizers, refraining from scratching to prevent the spread of the rash or infection, and avoiding tight clothing to reduce friction.
In conclusion, polyester allergy is a form of contact dermatitis that requires careful management. Whether through avoidance strategies or medical intervention, individuals can effectively address and mitigate the symptoms associated with polyester allergies. It's crucial to seek professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans tailored to the severity of the allergy.
