Warning: Underwear May Cause Allergic Irritations, Experts Says

Various unusual allergies occur every day to different people. Most of these are caused by pollen, dust, and cold weather. But little do people know that underwear may also cause allergies too.

Allergist Tim Mainardi of Hudson Allergy in New York City discussed and explained some of the different types of unusual allergens and its effects to humans on Fox News. According to Mainardi, allergies usually are acquired from substances and particles that are being absorbed by the body.

Mainardi told Fox News that an allergy to underwear usually acquired through a skin contact with an irritant such latex found in waistbands. The allergic reaction is called contact dermatitis which is also known as an itchy rash.

Some people are allergic to fabrics, dyes, chemicals and preservatives that are found in clothes especially latex. "The best way to combat this type of allergy is to find organic replacements such as hypoallergenic or latex-free clothes and underwear", Tim Mainardi added.

Latex is a colloidal suspension of a very small polymer particles in water and is used to make a rubber which many people are allergic. Dr. Adam Friedmann, a consultant dermatologist at the Whittington Hospital and Harley Street Dermatology in London, also said, "If there is a rubber in the waistband and you sweat, then tiny bits of rubber sweat off onto the skin around the waist which can trigger a reaction",

According to Inner Statement, skin allergies are the evidence of bacterial growth in the skin due to sweat. Tight and less absorbent materials can cause allergies because they keep the skin close to the body and warm and sweating.

Friedmann also explains that anywhere the skin creases are prone to dermatitis where it leaves the skin sore and red. This is more common in the groin area and usually called as jock itch. It is caused by a combination of eczema and an irritant such as sweat.

Christopher Eden, professor of urology at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford also further explained that since testicles are generally warm and sweaty, this can be a hotbed for fungi as they provide a warm and moist environment and thus it may result in allergies and irritations.

However, amidst from these things, there is always a better solution to prevent this kind of allergies. Using hypoallergenic materials, buying at trusted shops that sell organic underwear or just using split shorts or shorts with netted linings underneath can help avoid allergic reactions and keep that anatomical area dry and breathable.