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What hypoallergenic socks do you wear?

Posted by tim1028 @tim1028, Oct 10, 2023

I get itchy ankles and calves from socks that are made from synthetic materials and/or too tight. Have any of you who also experience this found a solution with socks that eliminate this?

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Oct 13, 2023

@tim2018 Don't itches just drive you crazy?
I'm not sure there is such a thing as hypoallergenic socks, but there are some called "diabetic socks" which have wide and very stretchy tops. If you are sensitive to synthetics, there are also some that are nearly all cotton. My husband, who has diabetic neuropathy and cannot stand tight socks around his ankles wear them. The good news is, as they have become popular, they are available in many colors - at first he had his choice of white or light gray.

Here is something else to consider - I react to nearly every laundry detergent and softener on the market, even some of the "free and clear" ones. We use the minimum free and clear detergent in any laundry load, boosted with 1/4 cup of old-fashioned "washing soda". Then add 1/4 cup of vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser to rinse away any traces. If I get lazy and try to use just detergent I itch in unmentionable places!

Good luck getting rid of the itch.
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
tim1028 | @tim1028 | Oct 16, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "@tim2018 Don't itches just drive you crazy? I'm not sure there is such a thing as..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@tim2018 Don't itches just drive you crazy?
I'm not sure there is such a thing as hypoallergenic socks, but there are some called "diabetic socks" which have wide and very stretchy tops. If you are sensitive to synthetics, there are also some that are nearly all cotton. My husband, who has diabetic neuropathy and cannot stand tight socks around his ankles wear them. The good news is, as they have become popular, they are available in many colors - at first he had his choice of white or light gray.

Here is something else to consider - I react to nearly every laundry detergent and softener on the market, even some of the "free and clear" ones. We use the minimum free and clear detergent in any laundry load, boosted with 1/4 cup of old-fashioned "washing soda". Then add 1/4 cup of vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser to rinse away any traces. If I get lazy and try to use just detergent I itch in unmentionable places!

Good luck getting rid of the itch.
Sue

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This is very helpful advice,Sue. Regarding the socks, I have ordered bamboo hypoallergenic socks from a supplier specializing in clothing for those with atopic dermatitis. They worked pretty well. I will search for diabetic socks and see what I can find.

I appreciate the added information about laundry detergents. I will get some washing soda and try your formula. Ordinarily I wash clothing with 1/2 the amount of detergent suggested, which seems to work well and not leave soap residue on my clothing.

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