Is it safe for kids with eczema to wear new clothes without washing first?
No. Wash skin-close clothes before first wear, especially for kids with eczema.
Short answer
Wash new clothes before they touch eczema-prone skin. This is most important for pajamas, underwear, socks, leggings, shirts, and anything worn all day.
What can be on new clothes
Children's clothing can contain dyes, fragrance chemicals, plasticizers, and other textile chemicals from manufacturing, storage, and shipping. Eczema skin has a weaker barrier, so it can react faster to skin contact.
What the research says
A 2026 Contact Dermatitis study tested skin-close children's clothing. The highest number and levels of chemicals were found in 100% polyester. Light-colored cotton had fewer and lower levels. Washing reduced some chemicals, especially in cotton garments.
A 2022 Dermatitis study of children with atopic dermatitis found 40% had positive patch test results. Contact allergy was more frequent in children with severe atopic dermatitis.
What to do
Wash new skin-close clothes before first wear with a fragrance-free detergent. Choose light-colored cotton or organic cotton for pajamas and base layers. Avoid scratchy seams, heavy fragrance, and tight synthetic layers when eczema is active.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Occurrence and Washout of Health-Hazardous Chemicals in Children's Clothing. | Contact Dermatitis | 2026 |
| Contact Sensitization in Pediatric Population With Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study of 80 Patients. | Dermatitis | 2022 |