Can You Be Allergic to Merino Wool? However, as testing for allergies became more common, many people had negative results for wool. It’s easy to see why people feel allergic to wool. In nearly all cases, the “allergy” is probably caused by the itching sensation that … All allergies have potentially serious complications. Merino wool is not an allergen Scientific research has confirmed that wool is not an allergen. Merino wool is hypoallergenic. You could take over the counter anti-histamines and anti-allergy shots to alleviate the intensity of the symptoms. The main study conducted by an expert group of allergists, immunologists, and dermatologists from across the globe, reviewed the past 100 years of research to assess claims that wool causes allergy. Posted by. Some of the people claiming to have wool allergy just have sensitive skin. This is why some people who claim a wool allergy may be able to happily wear other animal fibers like alpaca and cashmere, which tend to be finer than wool. “A recent report reviewing the literature on the subject found that a coarse fibre diameter (>30-32 micron) will induce a cutaneous irritation that is not observed with finer Merino wool. Your comment will not appear until it has been moderated. Let the skin be exposed to air as much as possible. Before we start off you need to make sure you don’t have a wool allergy. Even though some researchers still consider wool an unlikely allergen, recent data has identified a specific component of lanolin that may be the actual cause of many people’s discomfort when wearing wool. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you consistently react to wool, a doctor can confirm whether or not you’re allergic. People report runny noses, watery eyes, and especially, a skin irritation when they wear wool. Wool allergy is rare, but never hesitate to see a doctor if you think you have any kind of allergy. So while it’s easily durable enough to machine wash (every 100 days or so you have to do so), you definitely shouldn’t put any merino in the dryer. Hi Kristin, You've said the best baselayers, socks, and some of the best insulating layers are wool. It doesn’t mean that you’re allergic to goat’s milk either. Two other studies found that superfine Merino wool did not cause reactions in children or any age group. Superfine Merino wool fibres bend easily, causing minimal or no skin irritation. Wool only comes from lamb. They may get contact dermatitis from chemicals or fibers in their clothing and blankets. | Symptoms. Superfine Merino wool fibres bend easily, causing minimal or no skin irritation. Synthetic fabrics cause many people to suffer allergies; in other words, the materials are made by humans 2. This lanolin can be the cause of allergies in a few people, but it can also mean the difference between itchy wool and really soft pleasant wool. One reader suggested Land’s End Supima Cotton as a great line of quality cotton clothing. 10 months ago. Always see a doctor if you develop a rash on your face or genitals. The Reluctant Allergy Expert How to kill the fear that anaphylaxis could kill you! Claritin can also…, Real parents and patients discuss severe allergies and anaphylaxis including emergency procedures, epinephrine auto-injectors, and tips for avoiding…. Do you know your types of wool? This prickle can be itchy and cause irritation, but it is not allergy. Read about different ways to treat contact dermatitis. A retrospective review looked at people who were referred for allergy treatment and found that very few of them reacted to wool. Some people may react to it because of its coarse fibers, while some people may actually be allergic. Parents may shy away from using wool on their children because they’ve heard it’s an allergen. Your comment will not appear until it has been moderated. They include: Whenever you think you’re having an allergic reaction, it’s important to see a doctor to get personalized diagnostics and help. If you don’t react, then you likely aren’t allergic. For example, just today, I accidentally learned that I am not allergic to merino wool. If you’re allergic to something, your body identifies it as an unwanted invader and reacts specifically to fight back. Answer. How to Identify and Treat a Laundry Detergent Rash, Patient Roundtable: Living with Severe Allergies, The Link Between Allergies and Sore Throat, Why Is My Hay Fever Acting Up? Allergies can develop and change over your lifetime and can become more severe over time. Gear. What are good non-wool alternatives? So having a wool allergy doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use animal fibers of any kind. It’s also worth noting that merino, like all wools, takes ages to dry, stretches out, is ‘warmer when wet’ when compared to cotton, rather than being truly warm, and wears out quickly, which is why it’s so often blended with synthetics. AWI said research funded by the company has led to international certification body Allergy Standards Limited officially recognising bedding products made from Merino wool as asthma & allergy friendly®. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. AWI’s program manager for fibre advocacy & eco credentials, Angus Ireland, said the endorsement by ASL of Merino wool was a direct result of investment in scientific research by ÁWI on behalf of Australian wool growers. Importantly, AWI said the study found that suitably selected superfine Merino products are healthy for the skin, especially for those with the most sensitive skin. Believe it or not, there are some differences between wool and merino wool. Rashes from detergent are typically due to fragrances, dyes, or other chemicals in your laundry soap. Thanks! Another important thing: Those of us with a sheep’s wool allergy aren’t necessarily allergic to every breed and some reactions to wool might be the chemicals used in the processing. Subscribe to Newsletter. Cotton is hypoallergenic and one of the best options for people with sensitive skin. Finding yourself on a mountaintop, miles aw ay from a change of clothes and itching uncontrollably, makes for an unpleasant outdoor experience. To find out if you're just sensitive to wool, try wearing a layer of clothing between your skin and the wool clothing. However, that same review found very low levels of irritants in the chemicals and dyes in wool products. While an allergy is a genetic condition, a sensitivity is more loosely defined. You may also need to avoid products such as moisturizers and cosmetics that contain lanolin. People who think they’re allergic to wool are more likely having a reaction to the itchiness caused by poor quality wool or the harsh chemicals used to treat more conventional wool products. Submitted by - Lauren - Potsdam, NY. I am also allergic to latex, so wet winter are horrid for me Contributions that contravene our Comments Policy will not be published. Meanwhile, with a sensitivity, any number of things could cause a surface-level irritation that easily goes away once the irritant is removed. Required fields are marked *. Wool from the fine wool breeds, such as cormo, merino, and Targhee can have fine enough fibers that they won't upset those sensitive to coarser wool. Very low levels of irritants in the garment-making process may result in side effects drowsiness. Allergy treatment and found that superfine merino wool you can take antihistamine,... Larger, coarse fibers will be rougher on the skin right where it was touching the irritating material, wool! 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