All You Need to Know about Detergent Allergy
All You Need to Know about Detergent Allergy
Do you ever experience a rash or burning sensation on your skin when you do your laundry or when you use newly washed clothes that are heavily scented? Or do you get dry and scaly skin a day or two after you did the laundry? If you are experiencing any of this, there’s a possibility that you are allergic to your detergent. Detergent allergy is caused by chemical ingredients in laundry soaps like fragrance, dyes and bleaching agents. Those who have a history of allergies and those with highly sensitive skin are most likely to experience the allergy.
Detergent Allergy Symptoms
An allergic reaction happens when the immune system detects the chemicals as harmful to the body; the chemicals are then recognized as allergens. When this happens, antibodies are released to eliminate the allergens, causing a reaction. Symptoms may appear depending on your skins sensitivity and how strong the chemicals are in the detergent. You may experience a reaction a day or two after exposure to laundry soap, either by using newly washed clothes or by direct contact with the detergent.
Most reactions happen on the skin and one can experience the following symptoms:
- Itching
- Irritation on the hands
- Dry and scaly skin
- Inflamed skin
- Rashes
- Burning sensation on the skin
- Blisters
Symptoms may also worsen when exposed to the sun. It is best to keep away from sun exposure when you are experiencing an allergic reaction on your skin.
Those who are experiencing detergent allergy must be cautious when handling laundry soap. When you are doing your laundry and it goes into your eyes, it may irritate the mucous membranes. When this happens, the eyes become red and itchy. If untreated, it may become allergic conjunctivitis. It can also irritate the nasal cavity causing wheezing, congestion, and runny nose.
Allergy Test Kit
Detergent Allergy Treatment
When you experience any of the symptoms, you can treat mild symptoms with antihistamines. There are also topical antihistamines available to treat skin reactions. For severe symptoms, try corticosteroid skin creams. For rashes, you can do cold compress for 20 minutes on the affected area for immediate relief.
If you experience frequent reactions, you have to change your detergent and go see an allergist. You can get an allergy test to determine which specific chemical is causing the allergy. Detergent allergy is not serious but, if it goes untreated, it will cause discomfort due to the reactions. You can opt for hypoallergenic, dye-free, and mild scented brands. Also, don’t forget to use gloves and thoroughly rinse clothes when you are doing your laundry.
Source:
http://www.yadrachel.org/detergent-allergy.html
