I t may seem like the punch line to a bad joke, but it wasn’t amusing to an Ohio woman when she developed an itchy, inflamed and blistering rash after wearing her newly purchased bras from Victoria’s Secret. The suspected cause -- formaldehyde. The claim is widely disputed, but it does focus awareness on a common allergen, formaldehyde. It is known to be a toxic chemical but formaldehyde-based resins are commonly used in the production of a wide variety of products, from shoes to upholstery to household cleaners. Formaldehyde-based resins are frequently applied as a fabric finish to make garments more durable -- i.e., more wrinkle-resistant, color-proof and stain-resistant. Fabrics typically treated with formaldehyde-based resins include rayon, blended cotton, corduroy, wrinkle-resistant 100% cotton and synthetic-blended polymer fabrics.

A POTENT ALLERGEN

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and also a potent allergen, cautions Audrey Kunin, MD, founder and CEO of DERMAdoctor (www.dermadoctor.com) and coauthor of The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual. Some people have no apparent reaction when they come into contact with formaldehyde, but others who are sensitive or allergic to it may experience skin swelling, redness, itching and blistering upon contact or even days later. Formaldehyde allergies can be identified through patch testing and doctors typically prescribe topical cortisone cream and/or oral antihistamines to treat them. Dr. Kunin also recommends soothing compresses (such as Domeboro, available at http://www.bayercare.com/domeboro_tablets.cfm) to cool skin and relieve itching, stinging and inflammation.

Whether you have a known formaldehyde allergy or not, it is good practice to wash all new clothing before you wear it. For those who do have such allergies -- or indeed any allergies -- it’s especially important to do so, as people who have atopic dermatitis or a history of contact dermatitis often are more sensitive. In fact, some very allergic people may not be able to wear these treated fabrics at all, even after they've been washed.

Not all clothing is produced or shipped with formaldehyde-based resins, though fabrics that are permanent press, wrinkle-resistant, color-fast or stain-resistant are more likely to be. Better choices are natural fabrics, including those labeled as 100% silk, 100% linen and organic or eco-friendly cotton or, among synthetics, those made from 100% polyester, 100% acrylic or 100% nylon. After all, even the neatest or most attractive apparel won’t look good with a rash.