Could Your Laundry Detergent Be Behind That Pesky Skin Rash?

If your skin is prone to flare-ups, rashes, or irritation, you may already suffer from contact dermatitis. Don’t blame your diet or stress, though. Something as simple as your laundry detergent may be causing it.

When your skin breaks out in rashes, you would think your diet might have something to do with it. You may even conclude that the flare-ups are stress-related. However, is it the case? You may not realize it, but it may already be contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is more common than you think, and beyond your diet or stress, something simpler that you use every day could be the reason for it–your laundry detergent! Your detergent could play a sneaky role in your skin woes.

Unraveling the mystery of contact dermatitis could mean revisiting your laundry habits to see how it could be causing trouble and discovering simple tips to keep your skin glowing and irritation-free.

What Is Contact Dermatitis?

It’s an acute or chronic skin inflammation that occurs when your skin comes into contact with something irritating or allergenic. There are two main types:

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This is the most common, accounting for 80% of all contact dermatitis, but it isn’t an allergic reaction produced by the immune system. Instead, it occurs when you expose your skin to irritating substances that damage your skin cells. Some common irritants include:
• Soaps
• Solvents
• Bleach
• Detergents
• Harsh chemicals
• Jewelry that contains nickel
• Makeup
• Hair dye
• Belt buckles or clothes with metallic snaps or zippers
• Scissors that contain nickel

Wearing scratchy wool or washing your hands too much with hot water and soap can trigger reactions, too.

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Unlike the other type that produces rashes instantly, allergic reactions for this type appear within a day or two after exposure to an allergen. Some common examples are:
• Nickel in jewelry
• Certain ingredients in skin care products
• Poison Ivy
• Poison oak
• Nail polish
• Some fragrances
• Thimerosal, a preservative present in some topical antibiotics

Regardless of the type, symptoms of contact dermatitis are typically the same and include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Blisters
• A small cluster of bumpy rash
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Flaking or scaling
• Pus or oozing fluid

If you’re having flare-ups, avoid scratching your rash, as it can break your skin open and cause a wound. The last thing you want is for it to become infected.

How Laundry Detergents Can Cause Contact Dermatitis

So, how does your laundry detergent figure in your bout with contact dermatitis? Most conventional detergents contain chemicals and fragrances that can trigger allergic reactions. Yes, your favorite detergent brand may smell heavenly and be effective in cleaning your clothes but harsh on sensitive skin.

You must identify common irritants in your laundry detergent to pinpoint what might be causing your skin troubles. Here are some:

• Artificial fragrances: Although these make your clothes smell fresh and clean, they pose a big problem for sensitive skin. The chemicals in these artificial scents can irritate your skin, causing allergic reactions.
• Dyes: Notice how some detergents are not pure white? These detergents use dyes for aesthetic purposes, making the liquid more appealing to the eyes. Dyes, in whatever form, can be irritating and cause your skin to flare up.
• Harsh cleaning agents: Some detergents contain strong chemicals that stay on your clothes even after laundering. Once worn, the residual chemicals can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Looking for an alternative to your current brand of laundry detergent may be one way to lower your risk of developing allergic reactions.

The Benefits of Using Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergents

A great alternative to conventional laundry detergents is the hypoallergenic type. Hypoallergenic laundry detergents have unique formulations to reduce the risk of skin irritations and allergic reactions significantly.

These don’t contain the usual irritants found in regular detergents like the ones mentioned above. So, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to contact dermatitis, switching to hypoallergenic detergent could be the best decision you’ll ever make. It can make a big difference in your quality of life.

How to Choose the Right Laundry Detergent

Naturally, if you’re allergic to your laundry detergent, it’s best to consult your dermatologist or allergist for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor would be better able to recommend laundry detergent that’s non-toxic and skin-friendly.

Here are some tips to ensure you’re picking laundry detergent that meets your skin’s needs:

• Look for Certifications: Spend time reading the back label. Make sure it indicates there that the product is hypoallergenic or dermatologist-tested.
• Read the List of Ingredients: Check the label to see if the laundry detergent contains artificial fragrances, dyes, or other harsh chemicals. If it does, avoid it at all costs.
• The Simpler, the Better: Go for a laundry detergent with few ingredients. The simpler the formulation, the less likely it is to cause skin irritation.

Your Choice of Clothing Matters

Your clothing choices matter, too, if you’re dealing with skin issues. Most manufacturers treat conventional cotton with harsh chemicals or dyes, which can further aggravate your skin sensitivity.

So, opt for clothing made with 100% organic cotton. It’s a great choice for sensitive skin since it’s free from irritants. Moreover, it’s naturally soft, breathable, and kind to your skin, perfect for your condition.

Cottonique’s Approach to Skin Safety

You can start your journey towards a better and itch-free life by switching to hypoallergenic detergent and clothing. You can shop for your staples at Cottonique.

Here, we’re committed to creating hypoallergenic clothing that’s gentle on your skin and good for the environment. We adhere to a design philosophy that ensures each piece of apparel we create is irritant- and allergen-free.

Explore Cottonique’s range of hypoallergenic, GOTS-certified, 100% organic cotton clothing and start building a wardrobe that’s good for your skin and kind to the planet. Make sure to check out our main product page for more information.

Indeed, contact dermatitis can be a real hassle. However, paying attention to your laundry and clothing choices can significantly reduce skin irritation.