“Clothing and Skin Rashes – What Fabrics to Avoid in This Weather”

“Clothing and Skin Rashes – What Fabrics to Avoid in This Weather”

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You might not think twice before picking your clothes in the morning, but the fabric you wear can silently trigger rashes, itching, and irritation—especially in the kind of weather we get in Shahjahanpur and across North India.

Whether it’s hot and humid, rainy, or a bit chilly, your skin reacts to how your body breathes under the clothes. At our clinic, Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, many people come in with red, itchy rashes that have one hidden cause: the wrong clothing choice.

Let’s break it down simply—what’s causing those rashes and which fabrics you should avoid.

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🤒 Why Do Clothes Cause Skin Rashes?

Your skin needs to:

• Breathe (release sweat and heat)

• Stay dry and clean

• Avoid friction and trapped moisture

When you wear certain fabrics, especially in hot, humid, or rainy weather, they do the opposite:

• Lock in sweat

• Rub and cause friction

• Encourage bacterial or fungal growth

The result?

👉 Rashes under the arms, around the waist, between thighs, behind knees, and sometimes all over the back or chest.

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🚫 Fabrics That Commonly Cause Skin Rashes

1. Nylon & Polyester

These are synthetic fabrics that trap heat and sweat.

• Not breathable

• Often used in sportswear, leggings, and tight undergarments

• Can cause folliculitis, itching, and fungal rashes

Avoid during: Monsoon, summer, or if you sweat easily.

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2. Lycra / Spandex

Used in tight gym wear, shapewear, and cycling shorts.

• Stretches well but doesn’t absorb sweat

• Causes friction, especially in inner thighs and waist area

Skin problem alert: Common cause of fungal infections (especially in men who wear tight innerwear).

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3. Wool (for winters)

• Rough texture

• Can irritate sensitive skin and trigger eczema or itchiness

• Traps heat and sweat underneath if not layered properly

Tip: Always wear cotton layer inside before putting on wool in winter.

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4. Heavy Denim (in summers/monsoon)

• Non-breathable

• Holds moisture

• Can lead to heat rashes and boils, especially around waist and groin

Not ideal for: Humid months or long outdoor hours.

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✅ Fabrics That Are Safe for Skin

✔️ 1. Cotton

• Soft, breathable, absorbs sweat

• Great for everyday wear

• Helps prevent heat and fungal rashes

Go for: Loose, light-colored cotton clothes.

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✔️ 2. Bamboo Fabric

• Gentle on sensitive skin

• Antibacterial properties

• Becoming popular for innerwear and baby clothes

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✔️ 3. Modal or Rayon (If not too tight)

• Lightweight, soft

• Better than polyester or lycra

• Still, should be loose-fitting

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👕 Clothing Tips We Give to Patients

• Loose fits are better than tight clothing during summers or monsoon

• Change clothes immediately after sweating or getting wet in the rain

• Avoid reusing damp towels, innerwear or socks

• Wash new clothes before wearing – especially synthetic ones

• Use antifungal powders in skin folds if prone to rashes

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🚨 When to Visit a Dermatologist

• If rash is red, itchy, or burning

• If it keeps coming back in the same spot

• If over-the-counter creams are not helping

• If skin shows signs of peeling, discoloration or smells bad (may be fungal or bacterial)

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Final Words

Your wardrobe choices can affect your skin more than you realize. In this North Indian weather, choosing the wrong fabric can lead to weeks of irritation.

Wear smart, breathable clothes and listen to your skin. If it’s getting irritated often, it may be time to switch your fabric—not just your skincare.

📍Written by Dr. Mohd Rizwan Khan

Dermatologist | Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

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💬 Got a stubborn rash that’s not healing? Let us take a look. Early care makes healing easier.