Challenges in Textile Contact Dermatitis

Purpose of ReviewPatterns and causes of textile dermatitis change over time as manufacturing practices change.Recent FindingsReactions to occupation-related clothing and wearables other than clothing appear to constitute an increasing percentage of identified allergic textile reactions over the last two decades. This may be due to increased difficulty in diagnosing contact allergy to dyes and other chemicals in retail apparel that are poorly characterized in textile manufacturing. The most commonly used patch test screening series do not completely screen for causes of allergic contact dermatitis due to textiles.SummaryIncreased transparency between textile manufacturers and retailers and better labeling of dyes and finishes used in textiles would help guide more accurate diagnostic patch testing and better identification of alternative garments for patients with textile allergies.

Automated summary

Patterns and causes of textile dermatitis change over time due to changes in manufacturing practices. Recent findings suggest that there is an increasing percentage of allergic textile reactions caused by occupation-related clothing and wearables other than clothing. This is because it has become more difficult to diagnose contact allergy to dyes and other chemicals in retail apparel that are poorly characterized in textile manufacturing. The commonly used patch test screening series do not fully screen for causes of allergic contact dermatitis due to textiles.