Allodynia: Anyone else sensitive to touch?

Posted by maria7521 @maria7521, Jul 22, 2018

Has anyone heard of the term allodynia?

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@jeffrapp

Simply my opinion, partly based on experience: the elastic material, being synthetic and tightly woven, may aggravate your symptoms of allodynia. As I've said before, shearling lined boots and loose and soft wool like merino work best for me. I think it's because it's airy. The pressure of stretch fabrics like lycra may be misinterpreted as heat.

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So no stretch fabrics then? Another problem I have is body heat and feeling too hot; even when it's not; I don't know if it has to do with my autism, fabrics I'm wearing or if I'm drinking too much caffeine on top of taking my medication. Which is why I don't wear wool fabrics or anything like that.

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As I said, only my opinion, and it may not apply to you. Plus, I don't even follow my own advice, as I wear Lycra bicycle pants when riding (and it feels itchy and burns a little, but it's not on my feet).
Everyone must decide for themselves, mostly by trial and error, what works and doesn't. This is still a very mysterious disease.

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@jeffrapp

Simply my opinion, partly based on experience: the elastic material, being synthetic and tightly woven, may aggravate your symptoms of allodynia. As I've said before, shearling lined boots and loose and soft wool like merino work best for me. I think it's because it's airy. The pressure of stretch fabrics like lycra may be misinterpreted as heat.

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Where are some stores that would sell these type of fabrics in their clothing? And you think that some of the fabric may be whats causing me to feel hot body temp wise even when its cold? Does anyone else with allodynia have a problem with overheating?

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@jeffrapp

I find wearing fleece lined shoes, like Ugg, helps.

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So allodynia can cause excessive sweating as a side effect?

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@rivermaya34

@christinejarvis91 Hey there! Sorry you're suffering in this way, but know you are NOT alone! Wanted to ask - is it stretchy elastic of any kind you are sensitive to, or a certain type of sewn band, if that makes sense? I really like Vanity Fair underwear - it's super soft and I would only know it was touching my skin if I looked. As for bras (regular ones), I like Hanes the best. No underwire, very soft and minimal. Sports bras - I like All in Motion or Puma the best. Under Armour or Nike are ok, but depends on the model. Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any other questions or we can make any other recommendations for anything. 🙂 Wishing you pain-free days and good vibes!

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What about jeans I don't know why but the fabric threads on the side really bother me? Could jeggings or sweatpants work instead? Is there a possibility that I'll just never be able to wear fitted clothes because of my allodynai?

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@colleenyoung

Welcome, @christinejarvis91. I'm tagging fellow members like @cekkk @jeffrapp @rivermaya34 @andiedeluca1949 and @christine32 who also experience allodynia and are talking about clothing options and sensitive to touch.

Finding undergarments without elastic waistbands can be challenging, but not impossible. Or is the experience for you the whole garment, not just the waist?

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HI there. To clarify my previous post - I have found Wacoal underwear (panties, more expensive) with no seams at all, and a flat waistband. They are very stretchy. I also wear Jockey cotton briefs (less expensive, but not cheap) inside out so the side seams don't rub. I don't know why the waist doesn't bother me, but it's okay. Also, if you can find a good quality poly or blend cami, rather than very high-priced silk, go for it!
I'm very lucky not to have to wear a bra (double mastectomy). I'm grateful I don't have to find one that would work for me, but sorry I can't make any recommendations about that. Good luck to you all.

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@justandie

HI there. To clarify my previous post - I have found Wacoal underwear (panties, more expensive) with no seams at all, and a flat waistband. They are very stretchy. I also wear Jockey cotton briefs (less expensive, but not cheap) inside out so the side seams don't rub. I don't know why the waist doesn't bother me, but it's okay. Also, if you can find a good quality poly or blend cami, rather than very high-priced silk, go for it!
I'm very lucky not to have to wear a bra (double mastectomy). I'm grateful I don't have to find one that would work for me, but sorry I can't make any recommendations about that. Good luck to you all.

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Thanks for the advice.

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In reply to @christinejarvis91 "Thanks for the advice." + (show)
@christinejarvis91

Thanks for the advice.

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Also, does anyone else have problems with underwear usually briefs rubbing against the inside part of their thighs from the bottom/elastic part of the underwear especially if it's lycra or cotton underwear

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Also, I'm very sensitive to the catch stich on the inseams especially on jeans; its super painful when it lays against my skin. Would using a body wash with oatmeal in it potentially help the textile dermatitis and the pain of the catch stitch; as well as taking the gabapentin and using the moisturizer/ prescribed cream?

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Interesting topic. I don’t have allodynia per se, but I do have some weird SFN related sensitivity issues. For example, yesterday while outside in my yard, I sat down twice to remove my shoe and sock, convinced that there was a string around my toe that was getting tighter and tighter. The second time I knew for sure there was no string, but I humored my nervous system anyway. After that I ignored it.
But bras. I spend too much time and money on comfortable bras. One frequent source of irritation is the back hook area. There is some type of thread used that is scratchy to the point of constant irritation. I do micro-surgery on it with my manicure scissors, and even a nail file. But inevitably there is one tiny area that irritates me all day.
Reading this thread reminds me that this is not normal behavior! I’m going to poll my friends, and see if a single one experiences this!
I’m sure they don’t have the thread-around-toe problem!

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