Most of us just love the feel of a warm sweater or fleece so we can still make the most of the outdoors in the colder seasons. However, it’s not uncommon for some of the usual materials to cause irritation, rather than provide the comfort you are looking for; if you find more traditional materials irritating, clothing made from alpaca might just provide a solution. This article will detail the benefits of choosing a hypoallergenic fleece like alpaca, but first let’s begin with an explanation as to why you might find wool difficult to tolerate.
Why Traditional Wools Can Cause A Reaction
In some cases, it could be the wool itself that is causing the reaction but the experts say that these types of allergies are quite unusual. However, you could be allergic to the lanolin contained in more traditional wools. An allergy to lanolin can lead to contact dermatitis and cause itching, redness and blisters. These symptoms are common on more sensitive areas of the skin and around the wrists and neckline.
As well as irritating the skin, lanolin can cause hay fever type symptoms such as itchy, red eyes. Or you could develop other indications of an allergy like sneezing and nasal congestion, or respiratory problems. For some, a reaction to lanolin can be mild enough to ignore, but in others the symptoms can be severe and difficult to relieve.
Another reason for a reaction could be the dyes or other chemicals that might have been used. Your skin could be particularly sensitive to a chemical contained in the wool or to an ingredient used in a dye. Again, this type of sensitivity can lead to skin irritation and contact dermatitis if you come into contact with it on a regular basis.
However, for others the discomfort they feel when they wear wool could just be the texture of the wool. The fibers in wool are often coarse, making it feel itchy and uncomfortable, especially if your skin is easily irritated. Also, if the wool is of poor quality, this can make it more likely to ‘scratch’ against the skin.
The Benefits Of Choosing Alpaca Wool
Those who can’t tolerate more traditional wools might find alpaca is a better alternative. First of all, alpaca wool doesn’t contain the lanolin that is natural to sheeps; the lack of lanolin is the reason alpaca fleece is considered hypoallergenic. The fact there is no lanolin also means your alpaca clothing won't need to be washed at such high temperatures or with harsh chemicals. The chemicals in detergents are another potential form of allergen, which can lead to contact dermatitis for those with sensitive skin.
However, there is another reason why you may find alpaca wool more comfortable to wear: it’s much softer. By nature, alpaca has fewer scales, the fleece is naturally smoother and the fibers are shorter, all of which can contribute to your comfort levels when it’s worn.
Moreover, alpaca wool has many other benefits beyond the fact that it’s considered hypoallergenic. First, it’s considerably warmer than sheep’s wool, which is why it’s used for base layers in some clothing ranges. It also resists the wet and keeps moisture away from the skin. Finally, despite its fine structure, alpaca is strong and durable, which makes alpaca clothing a great investment.
Conclusion:
Alpaca is an excellent alternative to more traditional wools. Apart from its hypoallergenic properties, it’s also warmer, softer and less likely to cause irritation. Alpaca is also a good choice for outdoors lovers due to its strength and durability. To find out more about the Woop! Wear range of alpaca clothing please visit our website.
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