However, these chemicals can cause allergic reactions. Two ingredients called hydroperoxides that are often added to make detergents smell better include limonene, which is citrus-based, and linalool, which produces a range of floral scents.
These substances release their scent when they mix with oxygen in the air. Preservatives are added to laundry detergent to help protect against contamination. They are used to prolong shelf life and kill bacteria or fungi that can cause the detergent to break down and be less effective for cleaning.
One group of preservatives, called parabens, has received a lot of negative attention in the media. These chemicals are thought to be endocrine disruptors , meaning they might mimic or interfere with hormones in the body. In reality, allergic reactions to parabens are rare. However, this fear has led to the development of many paraben-free products, including some types of laundry detergents.
Surfactants are another ingredient in laundry detergent that could cause an allergic reaction. These substances help break up stains and keep dirt that's released from laundry into the water from sticking back onto your clothes. Some types of surfactants are particularly helpful for removing oil-based stains, while others act as fabric softeners. Surfactants boost the effectiveness of your laundry detergent, but coming into contact with these substances can cause skin irritation.
Allergy symptoms from laundry detergent are similar to allergic reactions to other substances such as poison ivy or poison oak that cause contact dermatitis. These can include:. Allergy symptoms from laundry detergent can occur within a few hours or as late as 10 days after you've been exposed to the allergen. This can make it particularly difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. However, your doctor can determine the culprit with a series of patch tests.
During patch testing, a series of "patches" containing different allergens substances that can cause an allergic reaction are taped to your back. These patches must stay in place and cannot get wet. You won't be able to shower, and you'll have to avoid excess sweating during the five days it takes to complete a patch test. After 48 hours, the patches are removed. Your doctor will then assess your skin to look for negative reactions.
To assess for delayed reactions, you will return to the doctor after another 48 hours has passed and be reassessed. If you have an allergy to one or more of the substances, your symptoms will still be present at your last visit to the doctor. While you're waiting to see the doctor to determine if you have an allergy to laundry detergent, there are several ways you can help reduce your symptoms while you're recovering.
These include:. Once your allergy has been diagnosed, the most important part of managing your condition is avoiding anything that contains the allergen.
While you can't control how your immune system reacts to substances, you can reduce your risk of laundry detergent allergies by using products that are free from the most common types of allergens. Look for products that are labeled "hypoallergenic" or types that are made specifically for sensitive skin. Use these products for washing both your clothing and your bedsheets.
You can also limit your exposure by reducing excess detergent in your clothing after a wash cycle. Choose liquid detergent over powder versions—liquid tends to leave less residue after washing. Use only the recommended amount of detergent for the size of your load and rinse thoroughly—especially if you're washing something by hand.
Consider using the extra rinse option on your machine to further decrease your exposure. Your doctor will likely refer you to an allergist—a doctor who specializes in treating allergies—to determine whether you have an allergy to laundry detergent.
Your doctor can also prescribe skin creams or medications to help control your allergy symptoms if over-the-counter treatments are not working. You can be allergic to one or more ingredients in a particular laundry detergent. When you have an allergic reaction, your body produces an immune response. Symptoms may include:. Typically, contact dermatitis occurs in specific areas that come into contact with strong irritants, such as the skin beneath a piece of jewelry.
When symptoms are widespread, however, you should consider laundry detergent as a possible cause. Because your entire body comes into contact with washed clothing and linens, symptoms can appear anywhere. Some people find that symptoms are worse in areas where clothing gets wet with sweat, such as the armpits and groin.
A freshly washed pillowcase may cause irritation to the sensitive skin on your face. If your baby or toddler is experiencing rash-like symptoms, consider which areas of their body has not touched freshly washed clothing.
Typically, this would be the face or head and the area underneath their diaper. Most rashes can be treated at home with simple remedies and lifestyle changes.
Then you can take steps to avoid it. To ease your symptoms, consider taking the following steps:. Many people are sensitive to the chemicals in artificial fragrances and dyes. Try a natural alternative, such as Seventh Generation Free and Clear, which is a vegetable-based, dye- and fragrance-free detergent.
Shop for more natural detergents. An extra run through the rinse cycle may be all you need to keep detergent residue from building up on your clothes. Use the hottest possible water to help kill allergens. Cut down on the number of chemicals you use by skipping fabric softener and dryer sheets. Dryer balls, which are usually made of wool, plastic, or rubber, can help soften clothes and reduce static without adding irritants.
Baking soda and vinegar make a great natural cleaning solution. Use them instead of detergent or during a second wash cycle. These non-irritating products can help brighten and soften clothes naturally. You can make your own detergent with washing soda and borax. This solution is fragrance- and dye-free and can even save you money. Chances are, if you develop a random skin rash, you're going to consider the foods you've been eating, the drinks you've been downing, and the skin-care products you've been slathering on your face.
And this is exactly what you should do, especially if you recently deviated from your usual routine in any way — for instance, if you experimented with a new cuisine or tried a different night cream. Once you've ruled the aforementioned factors out of the equation, it's time to ask yourself even more critical questions. For starters, Elliott says you should consider the location of your rash.
One caveat she does note, however, is that you can develop a contact allergy to an ingredient at any given time, so while it's more likely that you'd developed a reaction to a new detergent, you shouldn't rule out one you've been using for a while, either. Finally, you should check to see if anyone else in your household has a similar rash, and if you're still stuck, see a board-certified doctor to figure it out once and for all. You can also see an allergist, who can perform certain tests — such as a patch test — to figure out if it's the cause of your skin irritation.
Luckily, if it turns out you are allergic to most traditional detergents on the market, it's not all that uncommon. Brands are now developing detergents without the aforementioned allergens, so you can safely clean your clothes and linens without having to worry about what weird toxic ingredients might be lingering.
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