Am I allergic to my underwear?

Are you experiencing painful rashes when you use stretchy underwear made of 90% cotton and 10% lycra? You may get these painful rashes on your private area or your bottom and wherever the elastic touches your skin?

Some instances, a large cyst on your groin may result from the elastic tension on the skin. It could worsen and lead to an open wound that may take seven or more months to heal.

Break outs that appear under your arms and on your sides where your bra is in contact with your skin is a fairly common problem among women. This may be due to an adverse allergic reaction to your undergarments.

Experts say that these kinds of reactions are typically temporary. It may start out within moments of exposure but some take several hours to develop. It could be attributed to a number of causes such as:

1. Material and composition

Firstly, it may be the composition of your undie’s material and composition. It could be that you get the adverse skin reactions from the elastic. Many people are allergic to latex and spandex and this could cause the reactions on your skin. Drawstring bottoms that are completely elastic-free and can help alleviate crease-related problems. Also, drawstring bras that are completely elastic-free are highly advisable for sensitive skin.

2. Washing and detergent

Additionally, another factor is the laundry detergent you are using. You could actually be allergic to the detergent, and the elastic portion is denser and more saturated with detergent residue even if it has been rinsed out. You may choose to switch to a “free” and “clear” formula.

You may do your jeans and regular clothes in ordinary detergent but do your underwear in a less harsh one. Using fabric conditioner and bleach is not recommended. If you can, better to set your washing machine to do an extra rinse. 

3. Hygiene and routine

This may sound too personal but some women tend to douche more often than needed or use deodorant soap to wash their intimate area. Because the vagina has its self-sustaining cleaning system, there is actually no need to douche or wash with soap.

The glands in the vagina produce fluid discharges daily to help get rid of dead cells and other potentially harmful materials so douching and washing with soap can disrupt its natural condition because it can wash away these protective fluids. Moreover, make sure you have fully dried yourself before getting dressed.

It’s inevitable that you may be rushing in the morning, but not drying yourself enough before putting on your underwear can run the risk of yeast infections or skin chafing or irritation.

If you notice getting allergic reactions from your underwear, the best treatment for it is strict avoidance. Remember to also consult your physician about taking an allergy test to determine the specific substances that cause the reaction.