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Clothing & Allodynia Help
Does anyone else diagnosed with allodynia, have any suggestions about the type of clothing to wear so it won't be so painful, or what type of clothing brands are good for people with allodynia and won't irritate it.
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Hello @christine32, Welcome to Connect. I know it must be difficult trying to find clothing that doesn't cause you pain. I know you are not alone and hopefully other members can share suggestions that they have found helpful. I think the following articles might be helpful if you haven't already seen them.
"Tactile allodynia: This is pain caused by touch. This can include clothing pressing against the skin (especially the tighter parts of clothing, such as …"
— Allodynia: A Rare, Distinct Type of Pain in Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS: https://www.verywellhealth.com/allodynia-definition-and-types-fibromyalgia-715929
--- Fibromyalgia Pain From Clothing: https://www.verywellhealth.com/fibromyalgia-clothing-pain-715962
@rivermaya34, @rowun4, @andiedeluca1949, @grannymary7077 and @jamsiep have mentioned similar symptoms in other discussions and may have some suggestions for clothing to share with you.
If you don't mind sharing more, how long have you been dealing with the allodynia symptoms?
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4 ReactionsIve been dealing with it for years even as a kid and I thought it was just due to my autism. But I went to the dermatologist and thats what they diagnosed me with. I would just like to know some stores or brands that may be good for someone with tactile allodynia. I heard someone say walmart has a few good choices of leggings.
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3 ReactionsWould wearing maternity jeans maybe be an alternative to wearing regular jeans that way, I can still wear jeans but not have it bother me?
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1 Reaction@christine32 Hey there Christine, it's so nice to meet you here!! 🙂 I'm so sorry to hear of all your struggles and suffering...I truly can relate. I'm thankful my symptoms didn't start until I was an adult, though, many days are not ideal, regardless. You mentioned WalMart - I really like any pair of pants that's made of microfiber polyester (similar to dry tek - very smooth'n'shiny look). For my legs, I usually prefer loose clothing, but for my arms I prefer them to be more fitted, due to my pain areas. I like a very soft cotton or cotton/polyester blend. The canvas tshirt brand is really nice, and I have some tubigrip sleeves I wear underneath my shirts most days, or a pair of sport compression sleeves. Other days when I'm totally sensitive and cannot bear the touch of clothes, I will just grit'n'bear wearing tank tops (even if it's cold) and shorts. I like Bobbie Brooks leggings (polyester/spandex blend) or UnderArmour or Nike. For shorts, I like Russell brand; sports bras I like Puma; socks, they must be 100% cotton, and pants it just depends on the day for me, and how bad my pain level is. I do not like jeans, so I do not wear them at all. I do know that Vera Wang makes some really comfortable stretch pants, but otherwise I stick with the loose sport/dress pants. For tank tops, I like adidas mostly. And hoodies - I wear them everyday - as long as they're soft and comfy, I don't really care 🙂 I hope this helps you some. If you have any other questions, I'd love to answer them if I can. Wishing you joy and pain-free days ahead, my friend!!
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2 ReactionsHello, Christine32, Welcome to the forum.
I have tacyile allodynia on my entire back. Neck to below hips and side to side, stopping under my arms. I've had it for almost a year. I take gabapentin, which I know isn't suitable for everyone, but it helps me. It doesn't completely eliminate the pain,, but it does make it a bit more tolerable.
As to clothing, I find more snugly fitting jeans work better for me, as they don't rub like looser fitting ones do. I wear my Jockey cotton underwear inside out, so the seams don't rub, and Wacoal (and other brands, I'm sure) make seamless underwear. Many years ago, before this started, I splurged and bought 2 silk camis from Nordstrom. I brought them out of storage, and they are a godsend. I dread the time coming when they wear out. Unfortunately, Nordi's doesn't make this quality of product anymore, but they do have silk camis that might work for you. I think they are $68 each. If that's out of your price range, I'd bet that a nice poly or cotton/poly blend might be soft enough.
I hope you find some help, here and from other responders. Good luck to you.
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3 ReactionsYes I definitely have some more questions I think you could answer.
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2 ReactionsThe issue I have with sports bras is the ones I always get they always make me feel constricted and uncomfortable. And with regular bras I can't ever get the size right and the underwire almost feels like it's being pushed into my chest; and then I always feel if I get a more fitted size the bras going to get lifted up my chest which is why I buy them bigger. Any suggestions?
Do you know if they have tubigrip or compression things for your stomach because I feel like thats what bothers me the most and would make a big difference ?
I think that tubigrip is only for arms/legs, but I have an abdominal binder they gave me after my spinal surgery which really helped me. It's a DeRoyal, universal size. Two companies that I know of - Evoshield and Royal Knit - they both make compression garments (apparel) of various types/sizes. I would look into maybe a compressive undergarment (shirt) or an abdominal (or pelvic) wraparound brace with velcro.
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2 ReactionsI have never been able to use anything with underwire in it; too irritating for my skin. Target has a sports bra (All in Motion brand) that I really like - not too tight nor too loose - and I also like Puma + Under Armour. I recently tried Puma earlier this year, and I alternate between those and All in Motion. As for regular bras, I only wear them on Sundays mainly - but Hanes makes a nice one that's polyester/spandex blend and I don't feel like it's going to fall off nor be too tight. The material is really soft and there's no underwire, but after many years, they are still holding up.
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