Allergic reactions to dry cleaning fluids are not common, but they do occur. The most common dry cleaning solution used in the United States is perchloroethylene. According to OSHA, more than 70% of dry cleaners use dry cleaning liquid perchloroethylene. Human skin is allergic to dry cleaning fluid after one contact or multiple exposures.
Allergic reactions to dry cleaning solutions may occur. (Source: Andrew Hetherington / Digital Vision / Getty Images) Allergic reactions to dry cleaning solutions are contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an allergic skin Reacts a substance that it has been exposed to. This is a delayed response that occurs 12 to 72 hours after skin exposure to allergens. Hemorrhoids are allergic reactions that can cause redness, itching, dryness, scaling, darkness, cracked skin, oozing blisters or urticaria. The main symptom is intense itching.
This skin reaction or rash is not contagious and will not be transmitted. Most allergic skin reactions will resolve completely within 2-3 weeks.
However, according to the Merck manual, reactions to allergens are usually lifelong.
What should I do?
] If you are exposed to dry cleaning fluid, thoroughly wash the skin at the contact area with mild soap and cold water. If you are unable to wash in hot water, wash off the clothes in the hot water or discard them.
Determining the exact source of an allergic reaction is important because allergic skin can be important. In addition to the dry cleaning solution, there are substances related to clothing. According to MedlinePlus, certain fabrics such as zippers, straps, bra hooks or buttons, and clothing such as nickel or other metals can cause allergic skin reactions.
If your rash does not disappear,
Diagnosis and Treatment
According to the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Yearbook, the patch test is to determine allergic contact dermatitis The "gold standard" of allergens. In this test, a small amount of chemical sample was placed directly on the skin area without needing a needle or puncture to see if a skin reaction occurred. These skin areas were then evaluated again at 94 hours or one week after 48 hours.
Treatment of allergic reactions depends on the type of symptoms presented. In some cases, the best treatment may be without treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor. Treatments include topical or oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, lotions and/or creams.
Prevent allergic reactions to dry cleaning solutions
If you are allergic to dry cleaning fluids, avoid using dry cleaners such as perchloroethylene that use dry cleaning fluids. If you work in a dry cleaner, wear gloves and long sleeves to minimize contact with the dry cleaning fluid. Have the dry cleaner write down the name of the dry cleaning fluid used. Provide this information to your doctor and ask them.
