Blog — chemical-free clothing

5 Reasons Why You Should Get a Front-Closure Bra 0

Your bra wardrobe should be as diverse and dynamic as the rest of your wardrobe. If your bra wardrobe only consists of the traditional ones, maybe it’s time to add something new and exciting to your lingerie routine. Sure, you’re used to wearing traditional ones, but you really should give front-closure bras a chance. 

You Could be Wearing Toxic Clothing and You Don't Know It 0

We are aware of the toxins in pesticides that make their way to our food, but the chemicals in our clothes are rarely thought of as a concern. Despite our measures to avoid chemically-sprayed foods and toxins in our drinking water, what we often don’t hear about is the possibility that the clothes we’re wearing may be toxic for you.

Allergen-free Gift Guide For The Holiday Season 0

It’s the season of giving! And picking out gifts for family and friends with allergies and skin sensitivities can pose a challenge but fret not, we are here to help you!

Here are some gifts you would want to avoid:

• Scented Items – Most people with common allergies are sensitive to smells. Any product that is odor-packed like scented candles, perfume, lotions, oils, and bath products can be a cause of an allergy outbreak. Go for unscented products and make sure that they are hypoallergenic.
• Cosmetics – Cosmetics are common holiday gifts but they may also contain ingredients that activate the allergies. However, there are various organic and hypoallergenic options that are available in the market that you can purchase instead.
• Flowers/Plants – Flowers and potted plants may be pretty, but they can also present harm to some who are allergic to pollen.
• Edibles/Food – As much as you would love to spread the cheer with edibles, make sure your friend doesn't have food allergies before spreading these holiday delectables. Chocolates, dairy, nuts, and cheese are the most common edibles that people react to.   Try to opt for allergen-free and organic treats if they are available.
• Clothing – For those with skin sensitivities and allergies, gifting clothing or wearables might not be the best way to go. Latex allergy is pretty common and most apparel, especially those with waistbands, contains latex. This may trigger allergic reactions and may be risky to your giftee. For this, you may opt to go for 100% organic cotton apparel and accessories that Cottonique offers. Our allergy-friendly products will surely bring a smile on their faces and comfort for the holidays.

Buying a gift for your allergic friends and loved ones doesn't need to be a daunting task. It will just require some extra thought and effort to the find the perfect present that they will truly appreciate. Happy gift giving! 

Cottonique Supports "Latex Allergy Awareness Week" 0

October 4 to 10 is Latex Allergy Awareness Week as announced by The American Latex Allergy Association and revolves on the theme “Latex Can Be Everywhere.” Avoidance, Prevention, Awareness, Education, and Vigilance are given focused as these are the keys to living with latex allergy.

We at Cottonique supports this advocacy as we are forerunners when it comes to an allergy-free lifestyle. We provide products that are made from natural and chemical-free 100% combed cotton material that is dedicated to serving health and environmentally-conscious consumers.

Our research and development team is focused on combining natural material with innovative technology to develop allergy-free products with unique design concepts. Our elasticized products are fully latex-free and spandex-free, perfect for our consumers who are sensitive to latex.

We also support allergy prevention, awareness, and education hence we provide useful information via our blog to spread further understanding the nature of allergies and how to begin an “allergy-free” living.

Here are some useful articles that you can check out for your “allergy-free” journey:

• Most Common Type of Allergies Part 1 and Part 2
• Why Wear Organic?
• Three Common Clothing Chemicals You should Avoid (If You’re Allergic!)
• How Do I Know if I’m Allergic to Latex?

How to Prevent Fall Season Allergies? 0

As fall season rolls in, it can also mean new allergy triggers are at bay. Amidst the reds, yellows, and oranges that dominates the Autumn months, Ragweed allergies are at its peak as it is the biggest allergy trigger during fall season.

Ragweed usually produces pollen during August to October and dispersed in the wind, causing allergic reactions. Most people who are allergic to spring plants are also allergic to ragweed, and foods like bananas, melon, and zucchini can also cause allergic symptoms to ragweed-sensitive individuals. Mold is another suspect to fall allergies as humidity increases.

What are the common symptoms of fall allergies?

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny Nose
• Watery Eyes
• Itchiness around the eyes and nose

How can I prevent it?

• Carry a face mask around. It will be highly useful on windy days as well as when raking leaves outside.
• Keep your windows closed at home and use a dehumidifier.
• Try drying your clothes with a dryer instead of airing them outside as it can gather pollens this way.
• Brush off pollen from your body by taking a shower frequently.
• Remove decaying and deposited leaves on your yard and gutters as they can be home to molds and pollen.
• Clean your heating vents and filters before turning them on.
• Stay indoors when pollen is at peak, which is usually during late morning or midday. Check pollen counts in your area to be guided.

If you are not sure if you allergic to these common fall triggers, it is best to visit your doctor or allergist for a skin test to identify which allergens trigger your symptoms.

Be Itch-Free on the Road: Tips for those Traveling with Allergies 0

Don’t let your allergies take the fun out of your adventures! Whether you’re going on a road trip or an overseas vacation, you don’t have to pack the itch in your luggage with you.

Here are some tips to keep your allergies in the bag:

• Research the pollen count at your destination. You can do it so by checking http://www.allergynursing.com/climate/pollen.html
• Pack all your meds and keep extra medication handy for quick allergy relief. If traveling by plane, pack your medications in their original containers and properly labelled. Keep a saline nasal spray handy to keep nasal passages moist while on air.
• Pack comfortable clothing. It is best to opt for light, hypoallergenic, 100% organic cotton clothes and intimates to keep you itch-free while on the road.
• Hotel rooms can harbour lots of allergens and if you’re easily allergic, consider taking with you your personal dust-free pillowcase. Or inquire beforehand with your hotel if they are offering asthma- and allergy-friendly rooms or hypoallergenic beddings.
• When traveling by car, check your car vents beforehand and turn on the air conditioner at least 10 minutes before getting in to aerate the dust mites and molds in the upholstery.
• On dining, be extra cautious if you have food allergies. Pack some light snacks that you can nibble on in the event that there is limited or no other options available. Inform your host or server beforehand for any allergies.
• Be careful with treats and delicacies as they may have ingredients that you can be allergic to, always read the label or inquire about the ingredients. If heading to an international destination, research the local cuisine and have a handy card with you with a translated list of your allergies. This is especially useful when the language barrier is present.
• Have a handy EpiPen with you if you are known to have severe allergies with food.
• Identify beforehand clinics and hospitals nearby your destination where you can go get immediate treatment in the event of an unmanageable allergic attack.

Always consult your doctor on prior to leaving for what’s the best approach on your allergy management. And lastly, enjoy your trip to the fullest!

Help! My eyelids are dry, swollen and itchy! 0

The common causes of eyelid allergic reactions are preservatives in eye products and makeup, contact lens solutions, airborne allergens and other substances (such as nail polish) that our eye gets exposed to from rubbing it with our hands.

Symptoms of eyelid allergic contact dermatitis include dry, inflamed, wrinkled and swollen eyelids, redness, blister development, itchiness and burning sensation.

How to treat eyelid dermatitis:

Identify the cause and avoid the allergens. This is the foremost step as prevention is always better than cure. With the help of your doctor, identify what causes your allergic reactions and try your best  to avoid it.

Keep your hands clean at all times and it is highly recommended to use non-irritating cleansers on the face and never forget to remove ones make-up before heading to bed; and opt for hypoallergenic face products as much as possible.

If itchiness persists, your doctor may prescribe a cortisone ointment to alleviate the itch. The use of hypoallergenic eye mask during sleep to avoid you from scratching it is highly recommended. Cottonique’s newest truly hypoallergenic 100% Cotton eye mask is perfect for the job and it will ensure a great night’s sleep and completely itch-free!

The Facts on Vulvitis: What, Who and How 2

What is Vulvitis?

Vulvitis is the inflammation of the vulva or the soft folds of skin on the external female genitalia. It is not a condition or a disease which is a common misconception; it is but a symptom that results from various causes such as an infection, allergic reaction, injuries, and other irritants.

Who can get Vulvitis?

Women of any age can be affected by vulvitis. Young girls who have not yet reached puberty are at possible risk due to inadequate hormone levels and post-menopausal women may be at higher risk of getting vulvitis because of lower estrogen levels and thinner vulvar tissues.

Susceptibility of the vulva to the irritation is due to its moist and nature. Stress and poor hygiene and nutrition can increase susceptibility to vulvitis.

What can cause Vulvitis?

Vulvitis can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Use of dyed or scented toilet paper
• Allergic reaction to bubble bath or soap used to clean the genital area
• Use of vaginal sprays or douches
• Irritation by chlorinated swimming pool or hot tub water
• Allergic reaction to spermicide
• Allergic reaction to sanitary napkins
• Wearing synthetic underwear or nylon pantyhose without a breathable cotton crotch
• Wearing a wet bathing suit for extended periods of time
• Bike or horseback riding
• Fungal or bacterial infections including scabies or pubic lice
• Herpes
• Skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis

What are the symptoms of Vulvitis?

• Extreme and constant itching
• Redness and/or burning sensation in the vulvar area
• Vaginal discharge
• Small cracks or blisters on the skin of the vulva
• Redness and swelling on the vulva and labia (lips of the vagina)
• Soreness
• Scaly appearance
• Thick or whitish patches

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to immediately consult your healthcare provider as these symptoms may also suggest other genital diseases or disorders.

How is Vulvitis treated?

The first treatment is intervention, immediately stop using any product that can cause the irritation. Wear loose-fitting garments and ensure breathable cotton undergarments.

Doctors may also prescribe cortisone treatment to reduce the irritation and itching.

How to prevent Vulvitis?

• As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure,” women can take several actions to prevent vulvitis. These include the following:
• Use only gentle and unscented cleaning products on the genital area. Avoid the use of vaginal douches and other fragranced feminine products.
• Thoroughly dry the genitals after bathing.
• Wear breathable, loose-fitting cotton undergarments can also help prevent vulvitis. Cottonique offers 100% Natural Organic cotton garments that is completely chemical-free and suitable in preventing any skin irritation.
• Immediately change into dry clothing soon after swimming and exercising.

Source - http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-vulvitis

What to Wear For Those With Eczema-Sensitive Skin? 2

Eczema is a skin condition that affects both adult and children. It is very important to pick comfortable and suitable clothing that will not trigger or worsen the itching that comes with Eczema. Loose-fitting clothes made from natural cotton with flexible seams and labels purposefully placed at non-sensitive areas are highly recommended. Picking the right clothes will not only avoid the symptoms of eczema, particularly the itching, but will also provide the wearer utmost comfort so they can fully carry out their tasks and enjoy their everyday activities.

What are the things to consider in picking up clothes for those with sensitive skin?

• Go for 100% Natural Cotton Material. Fabric choice can greatly make the difference in choosing the right clothes to wear – 100% natural cotton is the best option as it breathe-easy and will not irritate the skin. Natural cotton is both latex-free and spandex-free so it is perfect to use for those with sensitive skin. Woollen fabrics are to be avoided as its stiff fibres are irritable to the skin; same goes for fabrics made of stretchy material as they may contain spandex which can be an irritant.
• Look for Irritation-Free Labels. Typical labels stitched on the seams are irritable even for those unaffected by Eczema. Look for garments with irritation-free labels either sewn inside or into side seams; those with labelling information printed directly on the fabric is also recommended.
• Pick Clothes with Soft Seams. Stiff or uncovered seams can easily cause irritation to an eczema-prone skin. Pick clothes that have soft and flexible seams for maximum comfort.

These three are the top factors in choosing the suitable clothes for your everyday comfort. Other tips include: Choose clothes with very minimal embellishments as mesh fabric, adhesives and patches can also trigger itchiness; ensure necklines have generous openings easy movement and comfort, and be careful with garments with elastics which is the stretchy material mostly found on armbands, waistbands and cuffs of products, ensure that they are of hypoallergenic material or wound up in a natural cotton lining.

Here at Cottonique, we highly value comfort and we have taken these factors with great consideration so we can provide allergy-free garments to benefit our customers that have dermatological concerns like Eczema and various skin sensitivities.

So what are you waiting for? Take better care of your skin and grab a Cottonique wear today!

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Five Natural Household Remedies for Skin Allergies, Atopic Dermatitis, and Eczema 1

How Clothing Affects the Environment 0

How Do I Know if I Have Eczema, and Not Something Else? 1

The truth of the matter is, eczema has a lot of overlapping symptoms with other skin problems. The most common signs - dry, itchy skin; swollen reddish patches; and rashes - are the same with other conditions, like seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. Other times, it could just be an allergic reaction to something in your environment, and therefore remain relatively harmless. While you'll only know for sure whether or not you have eczema after a visit to the dermatologist, here are a few ways to make sure that a trip to the doctor is even necessary at all:

Check the risk factors

Like all conditions, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of symptoms being connected to eczema. The more the following factors apply to you, the greater the chance is that you have eczema:

1. Your parents have it

Eczema factors into our genetics, and if one or both of your parents have it, there's a chance that you've "inherited" the condition from them. Even if your parents don't have it, there's still a small chance that you're predisposed towards eczema if other relatives have the disorder.

2. You're female
According to this 2009 study about eczema prevalence in children, the condition was more common in girls than in boys. Although further research is required to explain why this seems to be the case, the trend is supported by other studies.

3. Asthma and hay fever run in the family

There's also a higher prevalence of eczema in families with members suffering from asthma or seasonal allergies. It doesn't necessarily have to be a parent with the condition; brothers, sisters, and even cousins with asthma may mean a larger chance of you having eczema.

4. Latex allergies

Although the symptoms you experience may be an allergic reaction to the proteins of latex, it appears that eczema is more common among individuals with this sensitivity. If you experience any adverse reactions to latex, get yourself tested for eczema as well as the allergy itself.

It acts up in the more common spots

The symptoms of eczema occur most often in specific spots; the back of the knee and the outward-facing side of your elbow. This is one of the ways the condition is most easily differentiated from psoriasis, and should be a tell-tale sign that you have eczema. 

Your environment brings out the symptoms

Your surroundings might be telling you more than you think. Eczema is more common in urban areas with lower humidity levels, so try to see if leaving these places helps in dealing with the symptoms. Eczema symptoms also tend to flare up during the winter. Significant temperature changes - such as moving into a very cold room after spending an afternoon in the summer heat - might also exacerbate the effects.

If any of the above apply to you, there's a chance that the itching and rashes you experience are symptoms of eczema. Head on to your dermatologist to get yourself checked, and try adjusting your lifestyle accordingly. Wearing chemical-free, 100% organic cotton clothing is always a good start.

Image from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Physical_Exam_-_Stethoscope.jpg