All about Allergy-Free Swimwear

Most people buy their swimwear according to size, design, colors, patterns or functionality. Not everyone will spend hours checking the fabric or material used for the swimming clothes. However, there are those who are prone to skin allergies because of clothing materials, which is why it is also advisable to check the fabric or label before purchasing.

Are you allergic to swimwear?

But, how do you know that you are actually allergic to swimwear? Here are the top common symptoms:

• Rashes appear in some parts of the body
• Itchy or scaly skin
• Red bumps or blisters
• Itchy or burning red eyes
• Hives

In some serious allergy cases, the patient may feel dizzy and experience difficulty in breathing. If the symptoms persist or the case becomes a cause for concern; then, the best solution is to bring the patient to an Emergency Room right away.

Swimwear Allergy Causes

The materials used in a swimwear are typically what causes allergic reactions but there are still other factors to consider such as the quality or state of the water in the pool or in any other body of water.

Swimwear Fabrics

But since clothes are pretty much connected with the body, then these are often the culprits of various forms of allergies. Here are the most common kinds of clothing fabrics for swimwear:

Nylon

Most swimsuits are made up of this material since it is lightweight, stretchy and has an effective moisture-wicking capability.

Polyester

Polyester may look similar to nylon but does not offer stretching features. This type of fabric may not be as popular as nylon and other kinds of fabric but is often well received for its durability.

Spandex

Spandex is mostly used in various kinds of swimwear but the material is often combined with other fabrics for better functionality.

Cotton

The early versions of swimwear were mostly made up of cotton or wool. Cotton may not be as stretchy as nylon but modern versions of swimwear now make use of cotton combined with other fabrics such as polyester or spandex.

Latex Allergy

Current swimwear designs make use of combined fabrics. Most modern designs are made up of latex, though, which is the biggest cause of clothing-related allergies. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) has stated that the cases for latex allergies have already reached an epidemic level with 1-6% of the population potentially allergic to this material. Latex allergy results to rashes and other similar skin irritations.

If you have been previously diagnosed with an allergic reaction to latex, then it is very important to pay close attention to your swimwear choices. Fortunately, this does not mean that you have to shell out a few more bucks just to be on the safe side. Because of the increasing demand for sustainable swimwear designs, numerous clothing brands have released their own lines of swimwear that are not only friendly to the skin but also to the environment.

The Importance of Choosing Allergy-Free Swimwear

If you are always on the water or you simply want to control allergies caused by clothing, then it is vital to choose the right swimwear that will not trigger any allergy attacks and will also protect your skin.

Apart from determining the type of fabric used, you also need to check if the clothing has made use of any other chemicals that can cause allergies. Perfluorinated compounds that are often used in breathable fabrics are known to cause allergies and may also be carcinogenic. So always take the time to examine as well as understand components that make up the swimwear. Do your own research on which brands are skin-friendly or you can always ask help from a retail store assistant for recommended brands.

Another way to prevent allergies is to wash the new swimwear first before actually wearing them. Most people will just put on newly-purchased clothes without bothering to wash them. Problem is, new clothes contain harmful components such as formaldehyde which can cause skin irritation and itchiness.

Detergents also play a big part in not only keeping your clothes in good condition but also to ensure that you will not experience any allergic reactions. Use only laundry detergents or soaps that do not contain toxins such as dyes and perfumes.

Proper Care and Maintenance for your Swimwear

Swimsuits that are made of special fabrics are most often more expensive than regular ones. The best way to make each cent count is to ensure that the swimwear will last for a good amount of time.

Here are a few tips to properly take care of your swimsuits:

• Always wash your swimsuit after wearing them. Sunscreens contain components that can damage the fabric and will eventually cause breakdown of the material. Chlorine is also known to be harmful to your clothes and can even cause bright colors to fade. So you need to wash swimwear the soonest.  
• Use the right laundry detergent or soap, especially, if your swimsuit is made up of special fabrics. Look for a detergent or soap that is color friendly and will also protect your clothes from any damage.
• Do not put your swimsuit in the dryer. Do not let it dry directly under the sun too. Use the right hanger for your suit and just leave it to air-dry.