Thread: I think I'm allergic to my new costume..

:(

I just got this costume a week ago, and because it came from Cairo, it smelled of smoke. I let it air out and you can't smell it anymore, but that same night I got it, I tried it on and later had a hard time breathing. no other symptom, just a tightness in my chest (I could breathe fine but I when I took deep breaths, I felt that tightness) and it took about 4 hours to go away. well, the same thing happened last night. I wore it as a mini dress rehearsal because I wanted to wear it this weekend but hours later (like 5 hours later, at the minimum, I went to a yoga class and everything, and I felt no pain), I felt that tightness in my chest again. Now, the costume is also decked out in ostrich feathers, which I'm thinking could also be the cause. I'm convinced it's the costume and not another source because this has only happened when I'm in contact with the costume at one point or another.

So what to do?! I was thinking of trying to clean the costume by spraying febreeze or whatnot on it, but if it's the feathers, then I'm out of luck. Has this happened to anyone else??

You're probably allergic to feathers, my dear. I can't even go near the bedding section in stores because I can literally smell feathers - it's like an immediate headache sick feeling. I can occasionally wear those cute feather earrings but after a couple hours I feel sick.

Originally Posted by anyadance

You're probably allergic to feathers, my dear. I can't even go near the bedding section in stores because I can literally smell feathers - it's like an immediate headache sick feeling. I can occasionally wear those cute feather earrings but after a couple hours I feel sick.

But I have marabou feathers and peacock feathers on other costumes, and I've never had this problem :-/ maybe it's just ostrich i'm allergic to? lol

Originally Posted by ZanaRaqs

But I have marabou feathers and peacock feathers on other costumes, and I've never had this problem :-/ maybe it's just ostrich i'm allergic to? lol

Weird!

Originally Posted by anyadance

Weird!

I know, right?! And what's weirder is that I don't get that feeling until hours later...like wayy later, so it's not an immediate reaction for me.

And removing the feathers isn't an option because then the skirt will be too short :(

My BF is allergic to some of the chemicals they use to treat fabrics and clothes. Sometimes he will touch clothes on the rack in the store and his hands start swelling up! Perhaps its not the feathers but something the fabric was treated with at some point. Is it possible to rinse it out and see if that helps?

I am allergic to tons of stuff. Cotton is my friend.
Did you shower after taking off the costume? No idea if that would help or not, but given the delayed reaction I was wondering if it has to do with the duration the allergen is on you. Do you have any other allergies? Does allergy medication help? I think that febreeze has an anti allergen spray but I'm not sure that would help if it's the feathers, since you can't spray them.
Not sure if any of that was helpful. So sorry you're having trouble. Allergies are a bummer.

I have actually had 2 clients that told me they were allergic to the fabrics from Cairo. Not that they are made there but in Cairo they tend to use really cheap poor quality fabric from all kinds of messed up places. Always bring your own fabric to Egypt when you go to order custom cossies!
And so I do their costumes in high quality spandex and they have had zero issues. So it's a combo of chemicals used in the production and dyeing of the fabric. I doubt it's the feathers because you have other feather outfits/accessories and feathers tend to me manufactured the same way everywhere.

The first time it happened last week, I did take a shower after I tried it on to get ready for a dinner and it still happened. Last night I just changed into yoga gear, then I took a shower when I came home, and then hours later I had that reaction.

Perhaps it is something in the fabric, but I'm not sure how to wash the costume without ruining the feathers on it. I've read on here several times about there being a special concoction that dancers use to spray on their costumes to rinse it out, I'll have to find those threads.

I have just general "allergies" from what a doctor told me yearssss ago that developed over time I guess, but I don't take any medication (I was never prescribed any) and I don't feel any effects in normal life (I have sinus issues sometimes but that's different). What's weird is that I don't feel any other typical allergy symptoms: I'm not red and stuffy, I'm not itchy, etc. It's just that tightness when I take a deep breath. It feels kind of like if you went out running in the cold and your chest kind of hurts, except I don't have that cold feeling (if that makes sense).

Originally Posted by eshtabellydance

I have actually had 2 clients that told me they were allergic to the fabrics from Cairo. Not that they are made there but in Cairo they tend to use really cheap poor quality fabric from all kinds of messed up places. Always bring your own fabric to Egypt when you go to order custom cossies!
And so I do their costumes in high quality spandex and they have had zero issues. So it's a combo of chemicals used in the production and dyeing of the fabric. I doubt it's the feathers because you have other feather outfits/accessories and feathers tend to me manufactured the same way everywhere.

I was thinking that, too, but I've ordered from this vendor before and never had any issues. So strange! I swear these things only happen to me lol

I'm allergic to some fabrics, dyes, perfumes, and other random stuff like that too and have had similar reactions to some clothing (but never a costume). I would try to take the feathers off and wash it. If you don't want to go through that though, either sell it or take some benadryl every time you wear it. lol

I wonder if the costume could have been treated with something (formaldehyde, maybe, or a pesticide) to protect it during shipping, especially since those feathers are on it. This is done to all kinds of clothing and fabrics, not just the cheap stuff.

Speaking as a person with asthma, I wouldn't spray it with anything else. You'd just be adding an extra layer to what's already there, not removing anything, and possibly making things worse. I'd let it air out for a good long time and see if that helps. If not, you could try handwashing it gently--birds do get wet sometimes, after all--and if necessary, replace the feathers. You can buy ostrich feathers at craft stores.

The concoction is vodka and water which neutralizes odors.

My question is are you allergic to cigarette smoke and the by products there of? What you are describing sounds like the run up to an asthma episode. I wonder if the oils from the cigarettes in contact with your skin might not be part of the issue.

Just a thought.

{{{HUGS}}}

Zana, it looks like you've had this problem before (related thread from April 2010). You must be allergic to something in spandex...either the dye, the chemicals or the elastic. I hate to say this, but this will probably not improve with "cleaning". You probably need to sell the costume and try to order something new.

Do you think you can dry clean the costume to try eliminate whatever's bothering you?

I totally understand your dilemma, btw. I'm very chemically sensitive to the point that upon going into a furniture store my eyes tear up, my nose starts to run, and I cough. Sorry to hear that your costume, which is probably gorgeous, is giving you so much trouble.

Alright, I covered my nose and mouth with my scarf (i looked like a ninja lol) and sprayed down the costume with odor eliminator (even the feathers), hung it up in my bathroom and am gonna let it dry there. let's hope that takes care of the problem, if not, then off for sale it goes :-/

Andalee, i thought about that instance too! it was the strangest thing, i had worn that troupe costume plenty of times before and nothing ever happened, and every other part of my body except where the costume was touching me was red..so strange. but it never happened since then, only that one time

if this problem persists though (with this particular costume or not), i will have to go to the doctor and figure it out.

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

The concoction is vodka and water which neutralizes odors.

My question is are you allergic to cigarette smoke and the by products there of? What you are describing sounds like the run up to an asthma episode. I wonder if the oils from the cigarettes in contact with your skin might not be part of the issue.

Just a thought.

{{{HUGS}}}

I'm not allergic to cigarette smoke, that I know of, and my parents are smokers so I don't get an allergic reaction to that. Asthma came to my mind, too. :-/

You could be reacting to something else as well... just a coincidence w/ the costume perhaps. Are you eating anything new? Sometimes you can develop allergies to something you weren't allergic to before. Could be dust or mold in the air as well. I'm highly allergic to dusts and molds... I get hives all over my skin and cannot breathe so well. It'll just hit me on random days, sometimes when it's windy, or when there is construction nearby, or in new places, or just without any apparent cause. I'd stay away from the costume for a while and see if you still have a reaction. Maybe it's something else.

...

do you have a latex allergy? I'm wondering if spandex/lycra have latex in them........

I'm so sorry you are having a reaction. I'm plagued with allergies and it's no fun. I hope you find a good solution. I will say that you can eliminate the odors but unless you can really wash the costume the allergen will still be present. I am allergic to cats and could spray febreze all day long on a cat hair infested sweater but I would still break out in hives if I put it on.

I found this

http://www.latexallergyresources.org..._allergies.cfm
Spandex
Spandex (now called Lycra or Lycra Spandex) was introduced in 1958. Spandex is a synthetic fiber made of at least 85% of the polymer polyurethane. Spandex is made from several chemicals that are known sensitizers. TDI and MDI (Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate; Methylene bisphenyl-4,4-diiisocyanate) are precursors of the polyurethane used to make spandex. TDI, a toxic chemical, has proved carcinogenic and can cause severe dermatitis. MDI is also toxic. Manufacturers of spandex products must use strict quality control procedures to ensure that no residual unreacted MDI or TDI exists in the final product.

Spandex threads are lighter, but also more durable and supple than conventional elastic threads. Spandex doesn't suffer deterioration from oxidation like the fine sizes of rubber thread, and it is not damaged by body oils, perspiration, lotions, or detergents. Spandex is never used as 100% of any fabric construction.

Cases of dermatitis to spandex have been traced to rubber or rubber-processing chemicals added to spandex. The spandex polymer itself has not been proven to be a sensitizer.

How do you tell if a spandex garment contains latex? According to one manufacturer, the more sheer a garment is, the less likely it will have latex. Latex threads make a much heavier garment and can’t be woven in the very fine sheer configurations that characterize spandex garments.

Waistbands are the most likely place to find latex thread. Sewn-in waistbands are more likely to contain latex threads than knitted-in waistbands. In contrast, another manufacturer says that you can’t tell whether a waistband is made from rubber yarn or spandex yarn. U.S. garment manufacturers say that cheaper brands of clothing that are made in other countries are more likely to contain latex since latex is cheaper than lycra spandex. Most manufacturers I surveyed say that lycra spandex products are moving away from latex—not because of latex allergies but because newer technology makes all lycra spandex garments more durable.

Usually a latex allergy victim is atopic with multiple allergies. When a reaction to a garment is strictly dermatologic, the individual may react to a chemical dye or some other sensitizing component.

As a hospital purchaser, make sure you understand the fabrics of the garments you purchase. You can help ensure that your staff and patients stay comfortable and safe.

if you really HAVE to wear it, try taking an antihistamine an hour prior.

Originally Posted by ZanaRaqs

if this problem persists though (with this particular costume or not), i will have to go to the doctor and figure it out.

My issues with asthma tend to be allergy triggered, if that's what you're going through my heart goes out to you. My ribcage and chest tends to feel really tight before my asthma shows up.

Yes, if it persists please see a doctor...because one of the unfun things about allergies of this sort is asking your self "Am I crazy? WTF?" and doubting your own sanity.

ok, i was brave enough to put on just the bra once the costume dried and nothing...SO weird!! ozma, it really does feel like i'm questioning my own sanity now..LOL

i told my mom about it, and she suffers from allergies to various things, and she was wondering if it was stress related, particularly because it a) took a really long time, like hours, to get a response and b) i had no other symptoms. i was sick a few weeks back and the weather change here in FL has been horrendous, so she thought that could be a part of it, too. that and my boyfriend had to go to Brazil for surgery and he had some complications afterward (his vein popped after his surgery, now he's fine though and back at his house with his family in Brazil, resting and recovering). so I could see the stress thing, too.

i'm not allergic to anything latex by the way. i'm stumped at what is causing this, but i wouldn't be surprised if it was stress related considering how this year, especially this last month, has been. but if it does happen again, i will definitely schedule a doctor's appointment. I will go forth and wear the costume as planned for Sunday, and let's hope this craziness doesn't come back. If it does, then off to the swapmeet it goes

Originally Posted by ZanaRaqs

ok, i was brave enough to put on just the bra once the costume dried and nothing...SO weird!! ozma, it really does feel like i'm questioning my own sanity now..LOL

i told my mom about it, and she suffers from allergies to various things, and she was wondering if it was stress related, particularly because it a) took a really long time, like hours, to get a response and b) i had no other symptoms. i was sick a few weeks back and the weather change here in FL has been horrendous, so she thought that could be a part of it, too. that and my boyfriend had to go to Brazil for surgery and he had some complications afterward (his vein popped after his surgery, now he's fine though and back at his house with his family in Brazil, resting and recovering). so I could see the stress thing, too.

i'm not allergic to anything latex by the way. i'm stumped at what is causing this, but i wouldn't be surprised if it was stress related considering how this year, especially this last month, has been. but if it does happen again, i will definitely schedule a doctor's appointment. I will go forth and wear the costume as planned for Sunday, and let's hope this craziness doesn't come back. If it does, then off to the swapmeet it goes

If you are stressed your body will not be able to fight off atopic and allergy-like reactions to certain irritants, so it may be a combination of a slight chemical irritant makings a MUCH larger impact on your because your defenses are down.

Sorry you've been going through a bad time.

I know first hand how one bad asthma/allergy reaction to something can trigger some very similar asthma-like anxiety reactions if you face the same situation or think it might be "happening again!"...so a mild but noticable reaction (due to stress) may also present larger because this isn't your first time having a costume issue like this.

Allergies to latex can increase with exposure but I trust most women to know if they have any latex issue because...well..sensitive parts and membranes and condoms... (wink)...not that we aren't all as pure as the driven snow...just sayin'.

stress is no good. try meditation and relax your mind.

rescue remedy helps, st john's ward, australian bush flower essence etc

take care xxx

Originally Posted by ZanaRaqs

:(

I just got this costume a week ago, and because it came from Cairo, it smelled of smoke. I let it air out and you can't smell it anymore, but that same night I got it, I tried it on and later had a hard time breathing. no other symptom, just a tightness in my chest (I could breathe fine but I when I took deep breaths, I felt that tightness) and it took about 4 hours to go away. well, the same thing happened last night. I wore it as a mini dress rehearsal because I wanted to wear it this weekend but hours later (like 5 hours later, at the minimum, I went to a yoga class and everything, and I felt no pain), I felt that tightness in my chest again. Now, the costume is also decked out in ostrich feathers, which I'm thinking could also be the cause. I'm convinced it's the costume and not another source because this has only happened when I'm in contact with the costume at one point or another.

So what to do?! I was thinking of trying to clean the costume by spraying febreeze or whatnot on it, but if it's the feathers, then I'm out of luck. Has this happened to anyone else??

I'm allergic to cigarette smoke (some of the chemicals in it) and it can trigger an asthma attack. Air the costume out thoroughly, might help.

Originally Posted by ZanaRaqs

I'm not allergic to cigarette smoke, that I know of, and my parents are smokers so I don't get an allergic reaction to that. Asthma came to my mind, too. :-/

you can develop allergies, I'm NOW allergic to cigarette smoke, developed it after I quit smoking, and lactose intolerant.

It could also be the off-gassing. That's why I can't go to the mall or any shop without lots of windows and ventilation. It's very very bad for you.

I wore the costume tonight for a 7 minute performance, and NOTHING. soooo weird!

the mystery shall continue...