Fibromyalgia, pain, and clothing.
Mechanical allodynia is a reaction your skin may have to clothes.
Fibromyalgia patients often experience this and, at first, may not recognize the relationship between the pain and clothing choices. Mechanical allodynia causes skin to burn or feeling of sharp, stabbing pain. Fabric can feel like sandpaper. Types of clothing that can set off this type of pain are bras, waistbands, ties, or anything that applies pressure to skin.
There are some things that can be done to lessen this pain and discomfort.
- Do not wear control-top hosiery. As the day wears on control top hose feels tighter and tighter especially after eating. Try thigh- high stockings.
- Avoid high waisted clothing- choose bikini briefs, and low rise pants.
- Try maternity clothing. Look for pants that are oversized and have an adjustable underbelly band.
- Sweatpants- with adjustable drawstrings.
- Loungewear all day- for bad fibromyalgia days wear pyjama sets, nightshirts, gowns, etc. Use a bathrobe with a zipper, not a tie. Try leggings instead of pants, a size of two larger than normal.
- Opt for soft-cup bras, NOT underwear. Sports bras are great if they aren’t too tight.
- Socks- many FMS patients also have chronically cold feet. Experiment with length and fabric. Buy diabetic socks if neuropathy is an issue.
- Fabric- softer clothing choices include cotton, silk, fleece, and jersey.
- Fibromyalgia patients have options when it comes to buying and wearing clothes. Be sure to spend extra time choosing clothes that do not contribute to pain.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIBROMYALGIA
