Synthetic clothing

[Countryelement]

Hi everyone. I hope someone can help me. I recently suffered a brain inkury (tumour) that though removed has left permanent damage. One particular problem I seem to have now is an inability to wear synthetic clothing without going into sweats as soon as I exert myself. I know my brain can't moderate body temperature effectively anymore, however is the synthetic clothing issue real or just a general temperature response? To complicate matters, I now have Fibromyalgia,

Cheers

[Painting-girl]

Hello Countryelement, and welcome to the forum, you'll find people to talk to, or listen when you vent, or share some useful info, and it usually helps to know that you aren't alone with the strange mixture of symptoms we experience. I'm sorry to hear about your brain injury, and hope someone can reply more specifically soon. Have you spoken to the Headway helpline yet at all too? They're open office hours and offer informed support on 0808 800 2244 - they re-open the line on 3rd - so Tuesday. (Headway also have local groups.)

[Countryelement in reply to Painting-girl]

Thank you for the welcome. I’ve received four replies all with helpful advice, so glad I’ve joined the community. I haven’t spoken to you advice line yet but intend to in the next week or so. Best wishes!

[Pairofboots]

Hi, welcome. Synthetic material is less absorbent than natural, or blended material. I'm not sure that they are a direct cause of over heating. Natural fibers will have a wick effect drawing moisture and heat away from the skin. There are medications, lotions, and treatments that can help, so it is worth having a chat with your GP, possibly having a referral to a dermatologist that may help with the outward sines. I'm not sure how the actual cause could be managed, but it is worth exploring this with the dr's. Good luck. Happy New Year 🍀

[Countryelement in reply to Pairofboots]

Thanks Pairofboots. I sweat very easily, believe it’s called Hyperhydrosis, though I’m not affected as badly as others it seems. Synthetics definitely make me sweat more though but as you say that’s because they don’t breathe so well as cotton. I’m in the process of changing GP’s but this will be on the list for investigation that’s for sure. Cheers!

[cat3]

Hi C.e. It's a relief for me to see Hyperhidrosis mentioned on Headway, although it's not something I'd wish on anyone else ! You have my sympathy. It became a problem for me after a brain haemorrhage in 2011. And it's an odd coincidence that I too have Fibromyalgia.

I'm often asked if I'm ok when out shopping in wintery weather. I invariably need to removed my jacket and end up walking about in a sleeveless tee shirt. My summers are spent wandering between the shower and a large pedestal fan.

I've given most of my tee shirts & other tops away replacing them with pure cotton ones, as any synthetic material exacerbates the overheating and sweating. But, of course, the dreaded bra is an extra discomfort for women.

Doctors haven't helped apart from suggesting medication so, as the sweating only affects my chest & neck areas, I wear only pure cotton tops. I use a spray deodorant for problem areas as well as my underarm roll-on.

There are various options if you look on the NHS site, though none I'd personally consider. And there's mention of certain medications, alcohol or spicy foods as possible causes. But as I don't drink since the Bi, rarely eat spicy food and my meds haven't changed I'm not convinced by that theory.

I hope you'll come to manage this damnable problem, if not find a permanent solution ........please let me know if it's the latter ! Best wishes, Cat x

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) - NHSnhs.uk › conditions › excessive-sweating-h...

[cat3 in reply to cat3]

Link not working but you'll get there via Google ! 🤔

[Countryelement in reply to cat3]

Thanks for all the advice Cat. Your words about summer really resonate with me. Summer 2021 was the first year I would go out for a short walk, even on just a warm day, and be soaked in sweat by the time I got home. I’ve already cut out alcohol, caffeine, spicy and fatty foods, which I’m sure helps. So cotton and wool clothes from now then!! All the best for now.

[Writeronstack]

Happens to me too - just naturally averse to the synthetic materials, nothing to do with the brain injury. Actually, now you mention it, it seems to be slightly worse now. Like Cat above, and the answer is only cotton clothes.

Have a happy new year - and then get to know your local charity shop.

They will first be grateful for your several donations. Then even more so, if you refill your wardrobe with 'tryout' second hand clothes from their shop. It took me a while, and some of my favourite clothes are actually charity shop 'finds', but slowly you can find cotton versions of most things. After that, its all plain sailing..... or not, as Cat says.

[Countryelement in reply to Writeronstack]

Happy new year. Funnily enough I have already started trawling the charity shops, something I never did before in my previous life pre-tumour. There is a great vintage/retro shop where I live which has lots of older but good quality clothing so I’ll be going back there on a regular basis now. Cheers!