Among tips to know to fight against psoriasis, here is an article dedicated to clothing and materials that can cause a psoriasis outbreak.
2,4 million French people suffer from psoriasis (1). In addition, 60 new cases are reported each year. Psoriasis appears in the form of whitish patches covered with scales. They are generally located in areas where the skin rubs, such as the elbows and knees.
The causes of the appearance of psoriasis are multiple. In addition, they are still poorly understood by science. However, certain behaviors and factors seem to encourage plaque flare-ups, or even make them worse. Among them, the friction of the textile on the skin. Certain materials can be irritating, allergenic and can prevent the skin from breathing.
Psoriasis: weakened and reactive skin
Psoriasis plaques correspond to an overproduction of cells. Indeed, the very rapid regeneration of the epidermis is then accompanied by an inflammatory reaction. This explains the redness and itching. The protective barrier role of the skin is altered. As a result, the skin becomes even more sensitive to external aggressions.
Thus, at the slightest friction the skin is very reactive. For example, rubbing of clothes may cause skin irritation. When attacked, the skin will therefore seek to defend itself. This can result in a worsening of psoriasis, or even the appearance of new plaques.
Irritating textiles for psoriatic skin
To relieve or prevent psoriasis from worsening, it is essential to ensure the quality of clothing. But not only. You might like to check out our article on our tips for living with psoriasis every day.
Synthetic materials do not allow the skin to breathe
Today, the majority of clothing is made from synthetic materials. Certainly, they are cheap for ready-to-wear manufacturers. However, these substances can be harmful to our health.
They concentrate a lot of chemical molecules that can be very irritating to the skin, or even allergenic. Among the best-known synthetic materials, we find acrylic, polyester, nylon, lycra. Let's also list any artificial fiber. Let's mention viscose to imitate silk or even synthetic leather.
These materials do not allow the skin to breathe. In fact, they therefore promote body perspiration. Thus, they create an environment favorable to the proliferation of bacteria. During the practice of a sport, these are often used materials.
Wool, a natural material but irritating to the skin
Even though wool is a 100% natural material, it is often much too irritating for the skin. This is not pure wool. It is the products that are used during the manufacturing process that are responsible for the irritation. For example, Lanolin, a kind of alcohol (2). It can cause severe itching and irritation. Thus, irritations risk worsening your psoriasis plaques.
Latex: allergenic material
Obviously, latex is a material that is found in a lot of clothing. We find it even in the elastic present in underwear. Very popular but also very allergenic, it causes redness and skin reactions (3). Also, latex is often present in disguises, even in party clothing.
Components dangerous to health
Chemical dyes
Dyeing clothes can also be very irritating and allergenic. Indeed, the presence of azo dyes, formulated with benzidine and other derivatives, are harmful. They can cause severe rashes. Indeed, they contain carcinogenic substances.
For example, the dye called Paraphenylenediamine present in dark colors. People with psoriasis with very sensitive skin are more likely to be allergic to this component.
In 2002, the European Union banned the use of these dyes in the manufacture of clothing. But today, the majority of textiles are produced outside the EU zone. European regulations are then not applied (4).
Let’s talk about an unusual “clothing” but full of chemical dyes: the tattoo. It can be harmful, find out.
Very irritating substances for psoriasis
Certain substances are sometimes used to make fabrics wrinkle-free, waterproof and durable. These are chemical substances. They can be very irritating for skin already sensitized by psoriasis. In fact, they can also cause allergic reactions such as eczema.
Let us cite, among them, the best known: Formoldehyde (5). We also find Phthalate, present in the inscriptions of clothing and brand logos. Let's also add the nickel present in pants buttons.
Choosing the right clothes when you have psoriasis
Favor natural materials
You should avoid any irritation as it risks aggravating your psoriasis plaques. In addition, the unsightly appearance of psoriasis can expose one to discriminations. So favor natural materials like linen, cotton and silk. Furthermore, choose those that are respectful of sensitive skin and the environment.
So, it is better to wear clothes made from natural fibers. Moreover, this is particularly true for underwear and socks. They can attack more sensitive areas and cause permanent friction.
Wear loose, light clothing for psoriasis
To avoid causing psoriasis, we advise you to wear light, loose-fitting clothing. In fact, they facilitate the evacuation of perspiration. In addition, friction with psoriasis plaques is minimized.
Psoriasis sometimes becomes a source of depression. This is why it is important to prioritize comfort when choosing your clothes, in order to feel better. It is better to prefer clothes made within the EU and labels. They meet health standards.
Clothing made within the European Union must comply with certain health standards, particularly in terms of dyes. On the other hand, there are labels certifying the quality of the materials and the absence of chemical substances (6). For example, the European Textile Ecolabel. The latter fights against the use of substances dangerous to health and biodiversity, such as formaldehyde and azo dyes.
Psoriasis and textiles: healthier clothing for the skin
On the one hand, it is recommended to use healthy clothing ingredients. On the other hand, you should take care of yourself in general. Better to watch your figure in particular. Indeed, the link between obesity and psoriasis have been established. We remind you that alcohol abuse is also a source of excess weight…
Hemp for psoriasis
Daregreen offers a wide range of 100% hemp or 55% hemp clothing. 45% organic cotton versions are also distributed through several clothing suppliers. Hemp has been cultivated for millennia. Its fiber has absorbent, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Hemp clothing is very soft, very resistant and protects the skin from UV from the sun. They are perfectly suited to psoriatic skin.
Silver fiber against psoriasis
The Dooderm brand designs textiles from two noble materials: cotton and silver fiber. Thus, the softness of cotton is mixed with the silver fiber. Indeed, the latter has been recognized for its antibacterial properties since ancient times. The brand offers a wide range of clothing for men, women, children and babies . They are suitable for skin sensitized by psoriasis, eczema or other skin disorders. These clothes are 100% natural and made in France.
One last little tip regarding the care of your clothes: It is preferable to opt for hypoallergenic detergents containing a minimum of chemical components and perfumes. Additionally, it is best to wash your new clothes before wearing them. This helps remove chemicals used for transportation.
Here is something to meditate on your clothing habits, (meditation and psoriasis usually working well to limit stress). Favor comfort and natural materials. In addition, limit the friction of the textile on your skin!
sources:
(1) Survey French Society of Dermatology
(2) Article of passionante.be
(3) Marieclaire.fr
(4) Website In common sense
(5) Association Health Environment France
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