Do Stickers in Clothing Make You Itch? Explaining Adhesive Allergy

While customized, full-color adhesive stickers on clothes look appealing and adorable, putting them on into your clothes may cause unwanted irritation. 

People with skin allergies and sensitive skin always check the materials of the clothes that they wear to avoid irritation. They commonly inquire about fabric, the dyes used, and the elastics that the garments have. Yet little do they know that even the tiniest details of garments, including add-on adhesive stickers, can make their day an uncomfortable experience 

Adhesives serve an important purpose. They provide the strength to hold materials together through surface attachment. Stickers on clothes also work the same way. However, the residue that they may leave behind may trigger flare-ups. 

WHAT IS ADHESIVE ALLERGY?

According to VerywellHealth, when adhesives are left on the skin for hours or days, an allergic reaction may occur. People with skin sensitivity may often react to the materials found in adhesive like acrylate and methacrylate, which add to the tenacity of the stickers.” 

In dealing with adhesive allergy, two types of reactions may occur: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The news health website explained that irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with a toxic or irritating material while allergic contact dermatitis results in more severe versions of these symptoms. 

“Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis can get worse with each exposure, while irritant contact dermatitis symptoms are usually the same intensity every time,” it said. 

The common symptoms of an adhesive allergy may include a red itchy rash, bumps on the skin, swelling, dry skin, and blisters. While these manifestations are usually caused by irritant contact dermatitis, having them can still take a toll on your comfort. 

The common symptoms of an adhesive allergy may include a red itchy rash, bumps on the skin, swelling, dry skin, and blisters. While these manifestations are usually caused by irritant contact dermatitis, having them can still take a toll on your comfort. 

HOW TO AVOID?

If you think you have an adhesive allergy, we, at Cottonique, always recommend reaching out to your doctor to confirm your diagnosis. Through patch testing, they can find out exactly what you are allergic to. Until then, the avoidance of triggers greatly reduces the chance of having an allergic or irritant reaction. Here's how to avoid having a reaction: 

1. REMOVE THE STICKERS

If you have a minor allergic reaction to adhesive, remove all the stickers to prevent the adhesive residue in your clothing from coming in contact with your skin. For hardened adhesive residue that won't leave your garments, use an acetone nail polish remover to break down the stain. 

2. TRY A NON-ADHESIVE BANDAGE 

If you're allergic to traditional bandage adhesives, health blog AvacareMedical urges people with adhesive allergies to use non-adhesive bandages over the wounds. Here are some alternatives: 

• Hypoallergenic Tape — A cloth surgical tape or paper tape that prevents allergies from flaring up without adhesive. 
  
  
• Liquid Bandages — Like glue that gives a protective transparent layer on the wound, liquid bandages don't contain adhesive. They're perfect for people who have latex or adhesive allergies.
  
  
• Skin Barrier Films — These wipes provide a thin layer of protection between your skin and the bandage. They are not adhesive, so you can easily remove them with soap and water. 

3. WEAR ONLY ORGANIC COTTON BASICS 

Wearing clothes made with abrasive fabric texture can irritate as well. In fact, formaldehyde, which makes fabrics resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage, can cause dermatitis and other skin conditions to flare up. 

To ultimately avoid experiencing discomfort with the clothing you wear, look for garments that have been made without toxic residual finishing, harmful chemicals, harsh elastics, and other synthetic materials like our 100% organic cotton collections. 

When you have skin allergies and sensitive skin, it is extremely important to select proper clothing to feel comfortable all day long. Clothes contain many different skin allergies and cancer-causing chemicals since it has become standard industry practice for manufacturers over the years to use fabric enhancers, synthetics, and other non-organic materials to create garments. 

At Cottonique, we believe clothing should be created safely for people to live better each day with ease and without discomfort. Minimal chemical treatment of garments should not be the "new normal." 

If you're looking for clothes made from organic materials and safe processes that don't give the skin irritations and flare-ups, check out our "Nothing-But-Cotton" collection. 

Read why it's crucial to wear organic cotton clothes here: Why Wear Organic? You may also read: 4 Top Petroleum-Based Fabrics You Should Avoid

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition.