Many of the patients I have seen complain of skin allergies or rashes. My first question is: What kind of detergent do you use? My follow-up question is: Are you using a fabric softener? I even asked if they would send their clothes to dry cleaning.
(Source: Getty Images / Pixland) What happened?The increased exposure of perfume ingredients in the last century seems to increase the number of people sensitive to these additives.
[ 123] Namali Corea and co-author of "Perfume allergy: assessing the risk of washing fabrics" combined with dermatitis
When chemicals are allergic to skin contact, your immune system overreacts and produces a rash. Metals such as poison ivy and nickel can produce this reaction in many other substances, called irritant contact dermatitis. Symptoms include:
• urticaria, redness or affliction on the skin • itching • rash • blisters • burning • swelling • redness • skin rupture or peeling
irritant contact dermatitis [ 123] [Although the symptoms are similar, irritant contact dermatitis is significantly different from allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by contact with sensitive irritants but not allergic substances.
The American Society for Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that irritant contact dermatitis is usually not caused by allergens. Instead, skin allergies such as detergents, soaps or vegetable oils can trigger it.
Scented and scented laundry liquid Namali Corea and co-author of "Perfume allergy: assessing the risk of washed fabrics" observed in "Contact Dermatitis" magazine, last century perfume The increased exposure of the ingredients appears to increase the number of additives that are sensitive to these perfumes. The Nova Scotia Environmental Health Association warns that clothes, sheets and pillowcases can hold detergent residues that can cause skin irritation.
However, Corea et al. found that perfumes in fabrics pose a risk of allergic contact dermatitis. very low. This is consistent with my observation that irritant contact dermatitis is more common than allergic contact dermatitis.
[123Alternative to Fragrance Detergent
I recommend commercial products for my patients including:
• Seventh Generation Natural Detergent Free Cleansing Powder • Arm and Hammer Necessary Laundry Liquid • No moisture and mild Laundry liquids
Beware of "hypoallergenic" or "odorless detergents". They may still contain traces of chemical fragrances. Labels must be read without fragrance.
About the author [ 123]
Boyan Hadjiev, MD, has been a practicing physician for five years. He has received dual certification in internal medicine, (2003), Allergy and Immunology, (2005).Dr. Hadjiev Graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Ph.D. in Medicine from the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
