Allergy Climates search:
click here

Could a Hydro Pulse Nasal Sinus Irrigation system help you? Click here to learn more.

Luxurious, Allergy Free Down Comforter that's worth every penny!

HONCode

Consumer WebWatch

AllergyNursing.com supports the Consumer WebWatch guidelines to promote credible information practices on the Web.

Translate this page

Allergy to wool

January 15, 2002

I think I'm allergic to wool. If so what would my reactions be? -- Marvin, South Carolina

Most medical authorities agree that true wool allergy is rare. However, as a person who has been "allergic to wool" all her life, I can attest that some of us experience great discomfort from contact with wool.

In spite of my "wool allergy" I was determined to make (and wear) a wool skirt in my high school sewing class. When I began cutting the fabric, my hands and arms broke out in a rash where the wool particles contacted them. But once I got it cut out, I was able to sew the skirt without extreme discomfort. The skirt was lined and didn't come into actual contact with my skin so I was able to wear it also.

But I can tell you if a sweater has wool in it just by trying it on. The scratchy itch is so immediate and so miserable that I won't keep it on!

So is this an allergy? Most authorities agree that some of us are more prone to experience irritation from wool, but not a true allergic response. However for those with atopic dermatitis or eczema, physicians recommend avoidance of wool, because of it's irritating tendency.

I've never had a problem using products with lanolin. Lanolin is wool alcohol, extracted from wool. Many people do have a true contact allergy to lanolin. For a photo of a lanolin-produced allergic contact dermatitis, see Reference #1 below.

In an interesting note, the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reported that a person may experience increase in respiratory allergies from wearing wool. This is not from the wool itself. Research indicates that a person who wears a wool sweater experiences more exposure to cat and dust mite allergens than a person who wears a cotton T-shirt.

In spite of my "wool allergy" I was determined to make (and wear) a wool skirt in my high school sewing class. When I began cutting the fabric, my hands and arms broke out in a rash where the wool particles contacted them. But once I got it cut out, I was able to sew the skirt without extreme discomfort. The skirt was lined and didn't come into actual contact with my skin so I was able to wear it also.

But I can tell you if a sweater has wool in it just by trying it on. The scratchy itch is so immediate and so miserable that I won't keep it on!

So is this an allergy? Most authorities agree that some of us are more prone to experience irritation from wool, but not a true allergic response. However for those with atopic dermatitis or eczema, physicians recommend avoidance of wool, because of it's irritating tendency.

I've never had a problem using products with lanolin. Lanolin is wool alcohol, extracted from wool. Many people do have a true contact allergy to lanolin. For a photo of a lanolin-produced allergic contact dermatitis, see Reference #1 below.

In an interesting note, the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reported that a person may experience increase in respiratory allergies from wearing wool. This is not from the wool itself. Research indicates that a person who wears a wool sweater experiences more exposure to cat and dust mite allergens than a person who wears a cotton T-shirt.

[See our Advertising Policy]

Working to help you,

References:

1. Solving Problems Related to the Use of Cosmetics & Skin Care Products, American Academy of Dermatology
2. Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis , American Academy of Dermatology
3. What you wear impacts allergies, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology findings on the development of childhood asthma and allergies and allergen exposure, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, November, 2000
4. Eczema Overview , University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
5. A retrospective analysis of contact allergy to lanolin, Brittish Journal of Dermatology, July, 2001
6. Understanding the Causes of Prickle and Itch from the Skin Contact of Fabrics, Textile and Fibre Technology, 1968

Links updated 5/28/04

Copyright ©2001-2010, Lois Turley. All rights reserved. Allergy Nursing, Dear Allergy Nurse, and Your Allergy Nurse are trademarks of Nursing Communications. The phrase "Your Allergy Nurse" is used as a trademark only, and is not intended to imply a personal or professional nurse-patient relationship. AllergyNursing.com is provided for general information only. It is not meant to substitute for advice from your physician or his nurse. You should always consult your physician before making decisions regarding your health. Medical professionals are invited to print items from AllergyNursing.com directly from the website with the "AllergyNursing.com" logo, copyright notice, and all legal disclaimers intact, and to stamp or write on the item their clinical contact information for non-commercial educational purposes only. Commercial use and online publication is forbidden without written consent. This site is primarily supported by income from advertisements. It is our policy that our editorial content is entirely separate from our advertising.