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Detergent for Allergies

Finding the right detergent for someone who has detergent allergies can be difficult. There are many substances that can trigger an allergic reaction and these are frequently found in many laundry detergents. Unlike other allergens where complete avoidance is possible, laundering clothes is an essential part of life. Finding a detergent that can effectively clean clothes without triggering an allergic reaction can be a challenge.

  1. Causes

    • Having an allergy to certain detergents is not uncommon. It is usually caused by the chemicals in the detergent, such as perfumes and dyes. The condition of having an allergy to detergent is also known as "irritant contact dermatitis." Sometimes the reaction is immediate, other times it is delayed.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of an allergy to detergent can include dry and peeling skin, itching, red skin patches, rashes and inflammation. While the symptoms can be uncomfortable, they usually do not lead to any sort of a severe reaction.

    Treatment

    • The first response to an allergic reaction is to treat it with appropriate medications. Topical creams can be used when problems are limited to the skin. A low-dose steroidal cream, such as hydrocortisone, works well. If other internal symptoms are present, an over-the-counter antihistamine may be in order. The best treatment is to avoid exposure to the offending detergent.

    Determining the Cause

    • Once the skin clears, determine exactly what chemical or substance triggered the allergic reaction. While it is possible to gradually ease back into your old routine and slowly determine the trigger of the allergic reaction, seeing an allergist might be helpful. Allergists are trained to know what substances are more likely to cause an allergic reaction. They can do testing to ultimately determine what the offending agent is. This information is useful so you can avoid the allergen in other products, such as body soaps and lotions.

    Detergent Options

    • Avoid detergents with harsh chemicals including those with scents and colors. There are many hypoallergenic detergents on the market that eliminate the problems that most detergents cause for those with sensitive skin. It may help to rinse clothes twice to eliminate all traces of detergent from your clothes.

    Homemade Laundry Detergent

    • Although it might seem rather impractical, making your own laundry detergent at home is not difficult. It is a good way to make a laundry detergent that is good for allergies. It uses few harsh chemicals that tend to trigger allergies.

      Mix one cup of soap flakes (either Ivory brand or Fels Naptha brand work best), ½ cup Borax and ½ cup washing soda. Blend these three ingredients in a food processor well until they create a powdery substance. Use two tbsp. of this detergent in place of regular detergent for a hypoallergenic alternative for detergent. It works well for those who suffer from detergent allergies.

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