Wig Allergy?

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

Hi everyone. Due to chemotherapy I lost all my hair and now am wearing a wig. It seems whenever I have it on for awhile my eyes get really red and puffy and I get tired and sleepy. Could this be that I am allergic to the dye in the wig? It is a synthetic wig. I did wash it hoping to get some of the dye out. Any suggestions or tips? Thank you.

Angelgrlsue

[VickySGV]

I doubt that it would be any of the dyes in a synthetic wig that do it to you, since the color in the soup used to create the fiber is not going to wash out like dye on human hair wigs can do. What washing will do is to remove any dust or pollens that can be caught in the fiber. When a synthetic wig is VERY new, there still can be some chemical residue from the solvents in the plastic that the wig is made of, and yes, synthetic fiber is plastic fiber.

If the wig is brand new, put it on a wig head and put a loose pillow case over it and blow an electric fan at it for several hours, wash the pillow case, and repeat for a few more hours. Another treatment would be with a fabric anti-static spray to keep pollen from being attracted into the fiber.'

Last item that could be a problem is simply, do you have it on too tight? I loosened my wig elastic one night when it gave me a terrible headache even though I thought it would be moving all over my head like a scared cat, and sure enough, all of it cleared up. (It was the wig in my avatar by the way!!

[Charlize]

I am bald and what little hair i have i shave. It makes wearing a wig simpler and more secure. I have never had problems with a wig allergy. I would think that washing it would take care of any residues on the fibers. It may be that you are having a reaction to the wig or something else in your environment. I would ask your doctor as well and maybe you could be tested to see if you do have an allergy.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

Thank you Vicki and Charlize. I will try your suggestions. I do wear a wig cap under my wig, ti could be that it is too tight as well or possibly just dust in my home, it only just started yesterday and I was home all day. Will see how it is when I go out today.

Angelgrlsue

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

Ok, I know what was going on, I have to wear a wig cap under my wig because the wig I purchased is rough inside and scratches my head. The extra heat with the wig cap was making my body temp to rise some and thus the other symptoms I mentioned. I may end up buying another wig that is capless or at least is softer inside and breathes better. It has been a long time since I wore a wig since I use to have natural long hair before I started chemo.

Angelgrlsue

[VickySGV]

There are several products available if you look for actual Chemo Therapy wig supplies that can line the wig but are not going to keep heat in. I agree that you need a better wig. You are in So. Calif, and I know a couple of stores here that sell that stuff, as welll as better wigs, and they are discrete and will help even Trans* people. www.WilshireWigs.com is one place where I go into without fear. There is at least one other I know about that works with people from City Of Hope. .

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

Thank you Vicki. I heard of Wilshirewigs.com. There is a site that the American Cancer Society has that is called TLC, I have visited that site as well. There is one wig that I like on there called the Meagan wig. Another option I have found is that the American Cancer Society has wig banks in which they provide free wigs to cancer patients. I will be in the area of where they are located next week and may drop in and see what they might have available. One other store that is in San Diego that does cater to the trans community is Secrets Wig Designs, that is my other option. Thank you for your suggestions Vicki on other ways to protect my head and prevent from heat exhaustion.

Angelgrlsue