Question from Anne V.
Dear Debra,
After two years of a very bad rash all over my body (except my face), my dermatologist and I came to the realization that the clothes I had been wearing (primarily “travel-ready” clothes)were the cause of the rash. In addition, I have serious reactions to leather, spandex, rubber, glue, paper, etc. Consequently, I have been wearing only 100% cottons and linens, as well as cotton gloves. Now my skin is clear except for some spots on my hands and feet.
I live in New York State, and with the approach of the fall and winter seasons, I’m not sure what to do about clothes. I know denim is okay, but what about 100% cotton corduroy, cotton/linen blends, and crinkled cotton? I have read several sources that say to avoid corduroy, but was heartened to see that you wear it in winter. The articles also say 100% polyester, nylon, and acrylic are okay, but aren’t these fabrics treated with formaldehyde resins?
In advance, thanks for your help. Love your site!
Debra’s Answer
I’m not sure what articles you are reading, but I wouldn’t say 100% polyester, nylon, and acrylic are okay. All polyester is treated with formaldehyde resin. Nylon is pretty nontoxic, I wouldn’t wear acrylic.
As you know, I live in Florida, where it rarely gets what you could call “cold,” but last year I had to travel in the midwest in January and February and I needed to stay warm. I was in Chicago when it was snowing.
What I did was use layers to keep my body warm. I bought a set of cotton long underwear and it really worked. I wore them under my cotton corduroy pants, with several pairs of cotton socks and hiking boots. My feet were warm and dry. Over the top, I wore a cotton turtleneck, a cotton flannel shirt, a cotton sweatshirt or sweater, a scarf, and my oversized men’s nylon raincoat. I got an extra big raincoat so I could put lots of layers under it. It’s a stadium jacket with big pockets and a hood. I got a wool hat and gloves, but a cotton hat will do. Just layer, layer, layer.
