Are You Allergic to Wool? The Truth About Wool Sensitivity & Lanolin Allergy

Many people believe they can’t wear wool, yet wool allergies are actually incredibly rare. So why do some experience itching and discomfort? Could it be an allergy, or is it something else? 

While it's often thought to be one, wool itself is very rarely an allergen. The discomfort some people experience when wearing wool is usually due to the coarseness of the fibres, which can irritate the skin if they are over a certain diameter. A true wool allergy, however, is a reaction to lanolin, a natural wax found in sheep's wool. This very rare condition can include skin irritation, such as redness, itching, or a rash, sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose. That is why many people who claim that they are allergic to wool can wear finer wool fibres, like those found in Merino wool or simply lambswool. These are more gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.

So, how do you know whether or not you are allergic to wool or not? Let’s find out! 

Demystifying Wool Allergy: Allergy or Sensitivity?

 When we say 'wool allergy', we're talking about an allergic reaction to proteins present in wool or its lanolin, which triggers an immune response causing skin rashes, allergy asthma, inflammation or even sneezing. 'Wool sensitivity', otherwise known as 'wool irritation', describes a cutaneous reaction induced by the physical attributes of wool fibres. These hypothetically 'aggressive' fibres can irritate sensitive skin, inciting itchiness and discomfort. It's worth noting, however, that this does not trigger an immune response and the symptoms appear only where wool is in direct contact with the skin and where the wool fibre is thick enough or coarse enough to rub against the nerve endings in the skin, enough to irritate it.

Both wool allergy and sensitivity can cause discomfort, but their root causes and treatments differ vastly. It's also worth debunking the myth of wool allergy: it's actually quite rare and what we often label as 'allergic reaction' is more often than not sensitivity. Understanding this difference is the first step in effective management and treatment.

Here are the common symptoms to watch for if you're concerned about wool allergy:

• Skin Irritation: Redness, itchiness, and swelling are often signs of an allergic reaction. The cutaneous response to wool is immediate and noticeable.
• Hives and Rashes: An individual with a wool or lanolin allergy can expect the occurrence of hives or rashes where the skin has been in direct contact with wool.
• Contact Dermatitis: This is a type of skin inflammation that can be triggered by wool allergy. It presents as an itchy skin rash on areas touched by wool.
• Respiratory Issues: Issues such as sneezing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing point towards wool allergy. These symptoms occur if wool fibres are inadvertently inhaled.

Not everyone displays the same symptoms, and some may not exhibit any at all. Hence, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you or a family member exhibit these symptoms and suspect a wool allergy

What is not a Wool Allergy?

The myth of common wool allergy has been debunked by extensive research. The skin irritation often associated with wool is not due to an allergic reaction, but rather the coarse fibres in the fabric. 

Textile fabrics are composed of fibres. A prickle sensation can occur on the skin when the ends of coarser fibres within a fabric press against the skin, triggering nerve receptors. These sensations are not specific to wool. Fabric made of any fibre can cause the sensation. The thickness and stiffness of the fibre is the critical factor.

Superfine merino wool and other wools with fibres less than 30 microns in diameter have been shown to cause minimal or no skin irritation, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin and have been shown to relieve conditions like eczema.

The graphic on this page shows how the ends of coarser fibres trigger nerve endings known as ‘nociceptors’. These nociceptors send electrical signals to the brain. If the brain receives enough of these signals from the same area of skin, it interprets them as “prickle”, but this does not cause an immune response.

What Causes Wool Allergy?

An allergy to wool is generally triggered by the body's unusual reaction to proteins found in the lanolin in wool. This reaction occurs when these proteins are perceived as foreign invaders by the immune system, causing the release of chemicals that lead to allergic symptoms. It is crucial to understand that not every interface with wool equals an allergic reaction. Factors such as genetic predispositions, the presence of other allergies, and frequency of wool exposure can hugely affect the incidence of a rare wool allergy.

The exact reasons why some individuals develop allergies while others do not, remain unknown. Current research focuses on potential triggers, including dietary aspects, environmental variables, and even the role of climate change. All this generates a deeper comprehension of allergy causes - a key factor to productive allergy management.

How is Wool Allergy Diagnosed?

The process of diagnosing a wool allergy typically starts with an in-depth discussion about your symptoms with your healthcare provider. It's crucial to share all relevant details such as onset of the symptoms, their severity, and if they improve or worsen in different situations.

Once your doctor has a thorough understanding of your symptoms, they may suggest an allergy quiz. This could entail questions regarding your lifestyle, fabric preferences, and exposure to wool. This questionnaire helps the physician to eliminate other potential causes of your discomfort.

If wool allergy remains a possibility after this, suitable tests may be suggested to confirm. The medical world coined the term 'wool allergy symptoms diagnosis' to denote this comprehensive evaluation process seeking evidence of a wool-related allergic reaction.

Differentiating between an allergy and a sensitivity can be difficult because the symptoms tend to overlay. Your doctor will review all the evidence carefully to ensure the correct diagnosis. Initially, a skin-prick test tends to be the first approach. This involves pricking the skin with a small needle laced with wool allergens. The onset of a red, itchy bump could suggest an allergic reaction.

However, sometimes, the skin-prick test cannot be conclusive or is simply not feasible due to conditions like severe eczema. In such instances, a blood test may be carried out. The levels of specific antibodies, known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE), in your blood give insights into whether you are allergic to wool. A high level of these antibodies typically implies an allergic reaction.

Lastly, you may also undergo a patch test. This test necessitates the placement of a patch with wool allergens onto your skin and observing for any delayed reactions in the following few days.

Understanding and Managing Wool Allergy

The skin irritation often associated with wool is only rarely due to an allergic reaction, but rather the coarse fibres in the fabric. Selecting superfine merino wool, cashmere, baby alpaca, kid mohair or lambswool make for an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.

Our soft cashmere blankets offer warmth without irritation, making them perfect for sensitive skin.

Love wool but struggle with irritation? Experience the unmatched softness of superfine merino, cashmere, and lambswool garments, crafted for comfort and softness, including hand-embroidered Kashmiri shawls, soft cashmere blankets, and cosy British wool jumpers. Explore now and enjoy wool without the itch!

FAQs: Wool Allergy & Sensitivity

Q: Can you be allergic to wool?

A: A true wool allergy (immune response to lanolin) is extremely rare. Most people who think they are allergic actually have wool sensitivity due to coarse fibres irritating the skin.

Q: How do I know if I have a wool allergy or sensitivity?

A: Wool Sensitivity: Only causes irritation where wool touches the skin.

Wool Allergy: Triggers hives, sneezing, or breathing issues, even when wool is nearby.

Tip: If you can wear superfine merino without irritation, you likely have sensitivity—not an allergy.

Q: What wool is best for sensitive skin?

A: Superfine merino (under 18 microns), cashmere, and lambswool are the best options, as they have softer, finer fibres that don’t trigger irritation.

Do you have a wool allergy? Tell us in the comments.