if i'm allergic to wool can i wear alpaca

You can expose a small area of skin to cashmere to see how you tolerate it. It will also be prudent to avoid products that contain lanolin, a natural oil found in wool. You may might be allergic to the dyes and other chemicals in them. And it’s worth figuring this out, because wool garments are a great investment. Answer: For long johns, there are plenty of polyester options. The Under Armour line is good as well. But: I'm allergic to wool. In fact, I've even heard the word "hypoallergenic" bandied about. However, I have never had the same problems with alpaca, merino or cashmere, which have the same properties as 'regular' wool, but are so much softer, so they don't irritate my skin at all! The point of comparison depends on what properties you want to compare. Wool fibers have small overlapping scales on their surface; it is the protruding edges of these that give wool a scratchy texture. Even the finest cashmere made me itch....but not because it's itchy. Basically everything I've read about this says Smartwool!!!!! Alpacas have a low micron count, which makes their fiber less prickly than wool. Trust me when I say I've tried wearing it over things or under things or different types of wool or wool blends. It also is flame resistant. Based on your post, she’s allergic to sheep’s wool like I am. People with wool allergy can wear alpaca wool without suffering an allergic reaction. If you have a true allergy to wool, any creams or makeup containing lanolin will cause the same allergic reaction, as when exposed to the fiber. Now, just knowing what might cause a ?wool allergy? Alpaca wool is the solution. What people commonly call an “allergy” to wool is not an allergy. Alpaca is much more resistant making this material excellent for travel wear. Here is what makes alpaca fiber so darn special and expensive: It’s hypoallergenic, so people like me who are allergic to traditional wool, can wear it. It is highly breathable, elastic, and warm, which makes it comfortable in all occasions. Look at how scratchy wool is when compared to cotton, polyester and alpaca wool. I myself am allergic to wools in clothing unless they are lined. If a wool sweater makes you itch, ... You can also: Wear natural fibers and loose clothes to help cut how much you sweat. Alpaca is hypoallergenic and a good alternative for those allergic to wool. My palms will tingle and itch forever! I’m part of that small percent who have an actual allergy and it makes my eyes run, I sneeze and cough, and if I persist I start having skin problems around the eyes. I will also mentioned that I'm plus sized wearing 14/16 or 18 depending on materials if that limits suggestions. People allergic to wool can also wear clothing made of alpaca. I am extremely allergic to wool. Whether as sweaters, socks, or blankets - the wool is tear-resistant, moisture, and dirt repellent. Hi Kristin, You've said the best baselayers, socks, and some of the best insulating layers are wool. Even if trace amounts remain & you have a lanolin allergy (you'd know you do because you'd also be allergic to all skin care and makeup products that contain lanolin), it will not transfer to your clothes. Like, hives and itchy swollen eyes allergic. I can not wear any other kind of wool although am tempted to try cashmere. I have a wool allergy too, but only for the more course wools, which give me a rash if I wear them right next to my skin. I’m always on the look out for nice cotton / cotton blend sweaters for work. I go to work and order latex exam gloves to wear. Wool Allergy Treatment There's no permanent cure for wool allergy. The camelids (alpaca and llama) are quite similar to each other in fiber and background, and though they bear some similarity to sheep, the differences between the fibers of these herding animals are outstanding. The itching and the rashes are just officially not worth it. That may be different enough to allow you to tolerate it. As if that is not enough, I need an alternative to wool, because as I stated before wool makes me break out in hives. Thank you ... or perhaps try Alpaca. Merino, alpaca, cashmere, 50%, 5%, whatever. Coolmax is a durable man-made fiber that is ideal for warmer temperatures. I'm allergic to wool, can I wear Alpaca? I swear by Patagonia’s capilene baselayers – no wool and they work great. Alpaca and llama fleece are classified as specialty or luxury fibers, but sheep fleece or wool tops the list of animal fibers used today. In most cases yes. These alpaca slippers are a luxury that will treat your feet just by slipping into these fluffy alpaca slippers first thing in the morning and last thing at night for the ultimate cosy feeling. When I started wearing … The image above shows a few of the most popular sock materials under a microscope. Hi. Lol. Alpaca wool does not contain lanolin - also known as wool wax. Try a Two-Sock Combo. Alpacas are sheared once a year, usually in May or June when the weather gets hot. Alpaca fiber can be sold to hand spinners, knitters, fiber cooperatives and made into farm store products. Stretch Resistance: Excellent: Poor: Cashmere easily stretches and often 'clings' to you. People with wool allergy should avoid products that contain wool. Alpaca wool is comfortable for most wearers. Alpaca Although it’s a less common option, alpaca is just as warm as merino wool! I would recommend trying those. Are you sold yet? But people frequently comment they can’t wear wool because it’s itchy, or uncomfortable or they think they’re allergic to it. Alpacas do not produce lanolin at all. Medical experts believe the allergen is from the alcohols that make up lanolin, the oil in sheep’s wool. For many people, alpaca equals wool, and wool equals allergy. One way alpaca wool may be uncomfortable is that it has a silky fiber that can move around unwantedly. I can often wear it. Anyway, I'm going to try the alpaca this week and switch to Dawn soap and see what happens. Possibly not: Cashmere is from goats, while wool is obviously from sheep. There are sheep wool, alpaca, merino, cashmere, and more. However, I recently bought a wool sweater that has 2% cashmere and I could feel my chest tightening when wearing it the first time. People with wool allergies can wear alpaca, because it does not contain lanolin. Alpaca is the worst even 5% makes me crazy. You can test if you actually have a wool allergy by wearing a second pair of socks under the wool socks. All of the “best” socks / baselayers are wool. When it comes to winter wear, wool is my go-to choice. What are good non-wool alternatives? If you will compare Mohair in terms of strength, then it is by far the toughest. Well, some people are, but in other cases, the wool itches for different reasons. I cannot touch cashmere to save my life: it itches my skin like mad, even hugging a friend wearing cashmere is a nightmare. If it has any wool… I can’t wear wool, and it is especially a problem backpacking! In other words, the person wearing the garment begins to itch. The high wearing comfort is due to the fine fibers - especially in the Baby Royal and Baby Alpaca quality class. You can fold, twist, and stretch it without breaking the fiber. I'm going to disagree with other answerers. runner101 I just can't win. Of course, your socks are going to be itchy. Submitted by - Lauren - Potsdam, NY. I'm in dentistry so I'm thinking ok this is an allergy to latex/spandex. Alpacacollections.com is aiming to be a one stop shop to find the best Alpaca products. I'm allergic to wool (and sheep), and even "no itch" merino is itchy, especially when I'm sweating. Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial which means you can wear merino wool socks for days on end without them getting that funky workout smell. But I heard that sometimes people who are allergic to wool can use alpaca. So same detergent no rash any where on my body. Because there is no lanolin in pure alpaca wool, it is hypoallergenic and safe for allergy sufferers to wear, meaning that there is almost 0% that alpaca wool could induce an allergic reaction of itchiness, redness or irritation on your skin. This means that alpaca wool is hypoallergenic. Thanks :) I tried some "natural, untreated" wool that is supposed to be soft & non-toxic for ppl allergic to wool but I found it itchy. Merino wool has a different type of fibre that is smoother and bendier so that's why no itching. It is also a hollow-core fiber, meaning it keeps you warmer than wool in low temperatures while still being able to breathe. Source - Exclusivity: Alpaca - Rare: Goat - Common: China mass produces over 67% of all cashmere products. Thanks! It is hypoallergenic, soft on the skin and mostly itch-free. I think I'm going to have to just stick with the non-animal fibers. However, antihistamines and allergy shots may be given to subdue the symptoms of the allergy. But I’m hoping the world’s newfound love of alpacas and llamas will help more Americans see the value of this wonderful wool. These aren’t just any ordinary pair of slippers , you will be wearing one of the most luxurious fibres in the world on your feet and you won’t want to take them off! However, I tried baby alpaca dk yarn and it gave me hives too. Alpaca wool contains a minimal amount of lanolin, which is elimated during the production process. Alpaca wool doesn?t contain any lanolin and it comes in 22 different colours starting from white to fawn, different shades of brown, grey, even black. I enjoy wearing wool, and am fine with alpaca. I now realize that when I told people that Alpaca wasn't like wool and "no, they wouldn't have an allergic reaction to it," I was right -- only because most all the garments in Julie's store are made from baby Alpaca, which averages less … There is a solution: alpaca wool or fleece! Lanolin is washed away during the manufacturing process of wool dryer balls. At this point I'm thinking ok I've over done the laundry detergent. ! Without lanolin, alpaca wool is considered hypoallergenic, meaning its far less likely to induce any allergic reaction or itchy sensation. I need fabric help ASAP coz the auction ends soon! Most of our alpaca products are crafted by small artisan shops in Peru. The rash can occur immediately after contact, or appear a couple of days later. (I’m very allergic to cats, and evidently, cashmere goats.) So skip ahead and many miles later I'm still having the same problem. 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