Have you ever noticed an itchy or tingly feeling around your bra straps, hooks, or the elastic waistband of your panties?
Actually, that might be hives caused by tight clothing (bras or underwear).
We asked a doctor about the mechanism behind "mechanical urticaria," a condition that can occur casually in everyday life.
When you hear the term "hives," many people probably imagine food allergies that occur after eating certain foods, or animal allergies that occur after coming into contact with animals such as dogs and cats, right?
However, in a more familiar context, tight-fitting underwear such as bras and panties can cause continuous irritation to the skin, which can result in hives.
Unlike ordinary itching, urticaria (hives) is characterized by swelling, redness, and blisters, often appearing in a circular or map-like pattern.
Urticaria caused by physical stimuli from the outside is called "mechanical urticaria."
Similarly, hives caused by tight watches or socks are also included in this category.
The troublesome thing about mechanical urticaria is that it often develops in combination with other stimuli, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause.
For example, even if a stimulus doesn't normally cause hives, sweat can act as a catalyst, causing hives to develop only when you sweat.
Furthermore, hives can occur even with frequently worn clothes due to a combination of chemicals from detergent remaining on the garment.
If you develop hives, first try to identify the trigger and eliminate it.
If you suspect that tight-fitting underwear is the cause, try switching to something less irritating and less constricting.
Another option is to try a different detergent. There are many mild detergents available, so you might want to try one of those.
It would be good to have a proper understanding of mechanical urticaria and to be mindful of wearing clothing that suits your body.
*Doctor's comments do not constitute an endorsement of the product or a guarantee of its effectiveness or benefits.