Wool allergy
Skin irritation or allergy to wool fibres.
About wool allergy
Skin problems from wool are, in most cases, a matter of irritation rather than true allergy. Coarse wool fibres have prickly ends that mechanically irritate the skin, causing itching and redness, especially in people with sensitive skin or eczema. This is not an immune allergic reaction but a physical response, which is why finer wools such as merino are often much better tolerated. Genuine type IV allergic contact dermatitis to wool itself is uncommon; where a wool-related allergy exists it is more often to lanolin (wool alcohols) in creams, or to dyes and finishing chemicals in the fabric.
Wool irritation shows as itchy, red skin wherever the garment touches, typically the neck, wrists and torso, and it can trigger flares in people with existing eczema. It usually eases once the wool is removed, and does not tend to blister or spread in the way a true contact allergy does. Because the effect is largely physical, wearing a soft cotton layer underneath often prevents it.
Most wool sensitivity needs no testing and is managed simply by avoiding coarse wool, choosing softer fibres or cotton, and using emollients to soothe the skin. If a true allergy is suspected, particularly to lanolin or fabric dyes, patch testing by a dermatologist can identify the cause; skin-prick testing is not used. Topical steroids may be advised for stubborn flares. See your GP or a dermatologist if an itchy rash persists despite avoiding wool, as another cause may be involved.
Common triggers
- Wool and products containing it
Symptoms
- Red, itchy rash (contact dermatitis)
- Dry, cracked or scaly skin
- Blistering or weeping in severe cases
- Burning or stinging where skin met the trigger
Avoidance & management
- Avoid skin contact with the trigger
- Wear gloves or use barrier creams
- Choose products labelled free from the allergen
- Rinse skin promptly after contact
- Use emollients or prescribed steroid creams
Sources & references
Allergy safety: what everyone should know
Mild-to-moderate reaction signs
- Itching, hives or a raised rash
- Swelling of lips, face or eyes
- Tingling mouth, sneezing, runny nose
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
Anaphylaxis — call 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) immediately
- Difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze, persistent cough
- Swelling of the tongue or tightness in the throat
- Dizziness, collapse, pale and floppy (young children)
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen) at once if prescribed, then call an ambulance even if symptoms improve
Allergy or intolerance? A true allergy involves the immune system and can escalate quickly; an intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance) is unpleasant but not life-threatening. The symptoms overlap, so self-diagnosis is unreliable.
Getting tested: home-testing kits based on IgG are not diagnostically valid. If you suspect an allergy, ask a GP for referral to an allergy clinic for skin-prick or specific-IgE testing and a supervised food challenge where appropriate.