Allergic reactions to laundry detergent: What can you do about it?

Do you often experience itching or skin irritation? Doing laundry is something you do regularly without giving it much thought. However, more and more people are discovering that they have an allergic reaction to their detergent, and it’s important to prevent this. We’ll talk about how to recognize allergic reactions to detergent and what you can do to avoid them.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent?

Allergic reactions to laundry detergent can show up in different ways. Here are some common symptoms you might experience:

•Itchy skin: This is often the first symptom. Your skin may feel extra itchy when you wear freshly washed clothes.

•Redness and rash: Red spots or a rash on your skin are clear signs of an allergic reaction. These spots can feel burning and sometimes even be painful.

•Dry, flaky skin: If your skin suddenly becomes dry and flaky, this could also be a sign of a reaction to your laundry detergent.

•Swelling or blisters: In severe cases, you might develop swelling or blisters, especially if you keep washing with the wrong detergent.

What causes these allergic reactions?

The cause of allergic reactions to laundry detergent is usually found in the ingredients. Fragrances often contain a high concentration of perfume, which can cause skin irritation. Colorants are usually added to make the detergent look more appealing, but they can also quickly trigger allergies. In addition, detergents often contain chemicals like formaldehyde, which can especially cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. 

What should you do if you have an allergic reaction?

If you think you're having an allergic reaction to your laundry detergent, there are a few things you can do:

 Tip 1 - Switch to a hypoallergenic detergent

Hypoallergenic detergents are specially made for people with sensitive skin and contain no fragrances, dyes, or other irritating chemicals. This can significantly reduce skin irritation.

Tip 2 - Rinse your clothes extra well

To make sure there’s no detergent residue left in your clothes, you can use an extra rinse cycle. This helps remove all traces of detergent.

 Tip 3 - Don't use scented fabric softeners

Fabric softeners can also contain irritating substances. Choose unscented or hypoallergenic options to prevent skin irritation. Want to avoid skin irritation but still enjoy fresh-smelling clothes? Then we recommend Cosmeau’s naturally scented fragrance pearls.

Tip 4 - Take good care of your skin

If you have an allergic reaction, it’s important to give your skin some extra care. Apply a gentle, nourishing cream to soothe and restore your skin. If you experience severe symptoms like serious rashes, swelling, or blisters, contact your doctor right away for professional advice and treatment.

Prevention is better than cure

Preventing allergic reactions starts with choosing a hypoallergenic detergent. We recommend the hypoallergenic laundry strips from Cosmeau. These laundry strips have a highly concentrated, plant-based formula that's gentle and gets your laundry super clean.

 Also read:

Save up to 50% on laundry detergent and reduce skin irritation? and Rash, irritation, or allergic to laundry detergent? 4 tips