The truth about the effects of detergent on eczema

The truth about the effects of detergent on eczema

Eczema is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy, swollen areas that occur in response to a variety of triggers.

In addition to good skin care, you need to monitor these triggers to find out which ones cause reactions. Believe it or not, everything from air pollutants to chemicals in your laundry detergent can be off-putting to your skin.

While you may not be able to control triggers you encounter in public, you can make changes to the products you use in your home to reduce flare-ups.

Eczema and Detergent: An Itchy Problem

Although many studies show that reactions to detergents are rare with normal exposure, chemicals tend to build up in fabric over time.

This creates a cycle of repeated exposure that can cause irritation, especially in babies and children whose skin is most sensitive.

The cocktail of chemicals and enzymes found in most commercial cleaning products is useful for breaking down dirt and removing stains from clothing. However, it is by no means the only way to keep your family's wardrobe clean.

Scented detergents can be particularly problematic for eczema sufferers. Therefore, it is best to look for alternatives that use more natural ingredients.

Select detergent

When choosing a Detergent for eczema Look for these items to reduce chemical exposure and associated irritation:

• Vegetable or plant-based ingredients

• Enzyme-free

• Fragrance-free instead of odorless

• Hypoallergenic

• Neutral pH

• Dye-free

• Child friendly and safe for babies

An added bonus to purchasing these products is that many are biodegradable and not tested on animals, making them good for the environment and your skin.

The right way to do laundry

No matter what detergent you use, it's important that you follow proper washing instructions to ensure your clothes are not only clean, but also free of residue that can lead to eczema.

Read the bottle on your chosen natural laundry detergent and follow the instructions for use in different size loads. Check your washing machine to make sure you're not overloading it and are selecting the right cycle for the amount of laundry you're washing. This ensures that all clothes get clean without retaining excess soap. At the end of cleaning, run an additional rinse cycle for additional insurance against irritation.

It is important to wash all clothing items carefully before wearing, including brand new items. New garments often contain chemical residues in the fabric and can carry other environmental contaminants from packaging, shipping and simply sitting on warehouse shelves.

After switching to a new detergent, it may take a few wash cycles to remove all of the old soap that has built up in the fabric. If you find that your skin is still irritated despite using a natural product, wash your clothes again and rinse them well.

Reduce irritation

Switching detergents will only help your eczema if you choose clothes made from gentle fibers that won't scratch, rub, or scratch your skin. If possible, aim for 100 percent cotton and avoid synthetics and itchy fibers like wool or hemp. Look for unmarked brands and check the seams for rough edges before purchasing.

Choosing this type of clothing and switching to natural, plant-based detergents can give you and your family relief from eczema and its associated irritation. Focus on gentle products made from ingredients not created in laboratories to find the safest products, and be mindful of other chemicals in your home that may trigger skin reactions.

Inspired by Steve Medeiros