How Long Does an Allergic Reaction to Laundry Detergent Last?
While laundry detergents are something that we all use regularly, we don’t always realize the effects that these detergents are having on our health. If you’re experiencing mysterious skin dryness or itchiness, or sneezing and coughing but don’t know why, your detergent may be the culprit.
In this article, we’ll discuss all things relating to laundry detergent allergies. From what does an allergic reaction to laundry detergent look like, to how to get rid of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent, this guide will help you avoid or overcome allergic reactions to laundry detergent.
Say goodbye to skin irritation, congestion, and other allergy symptoms forever – we’re about to change how you approach your laundry and show you a cleaner, safer way!
Can You Have an Allergic Reaction to Laundry Detergent?
Laundry detergent, a staple in every household, helps keep our clothes fresh and clean. But, for some people, this seemingly harmless product can trigger allergic reactions that lead to discomfort and skin irritation.
So why does laundry detergent cause allergies? Let’s take a look at how your laundry detergent, and some key ingredients in particular, could be causing you or someone in your household to have an allergic response.
Common Ingredients that Cause Allergies
Laundry detergents are comprised of a complex blend of chemicals and compounds designed to remove dirt and stains effectively. However, certain components within these detergents can be potential culprits behind allergic reactions.
One common group of allergens found in laundry detergents is fragrances. These synthetic or natural scents, while designed to impart a pleasant aroma to freshly laundered clothes, can provoke skin sensitivities in susceptible individuals.
Also, enzymes used to break down stains might trigger allergic reactions in some people. These enzymes, usually proteins, can cause an immune response that manifests as skin irritation, itching, and redness.
Surfactants, responsible for the detergent’s cleaning action, can also contribute to allergic reactions. SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) are two examples of surfactants that may cause skin dryness, itching, or even exacerbate conditions like eczema.
It doesn’t end there! Brightening agents, preservatives, and dyes can contain chemicals that some individuals are sensitive to, causing adverse skin reactions upon contact with the detergent itself, or clothes that have been washed in certain detergents.
Factors That Increase Allergy Risk
Several factors can increase your chances of developing allergies from laundry detergents. Those with sensitive skin, eczema, or other skin conditions are more prone to reactions.
This is because their skin’s natural barrier might be compromised, making it easier for the allergenic compounds to penetrate and trigger a response. If allergies or sensitivities run in the family, there’s a possibility that you might be more susceptible to developing similar reactions.
The concentration and type of allergenic ingredients play a role. Highly fragranced detergents or those containing a high proportion of enzymes and surfactants can heighten the risk of a reaction.
How frequently you are exposed to the detergent also plays a part. Constant contact with allergens, even in low concentrations, can eventually lead to sensitization and allergic reactions.
What Does an Allergic Reaction to Laundry Detergent Look Like?
So, what does an allergic reaction to laundry detergent look like, exactly? The symptoms of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent can vary from person to person, depending on the specific ingredient that’s causing the allergic response.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of allergic reaction to laundry detergent, and the difference between allergens and irritants in causing contact dermatitis.
Symptoms of Allergic Reaction to Laundry Detergent
Allergic reactions to laundry detergents mostly affect the skin. The main symptoms of allergic reaction to laundry detergent include:
- Skin redness and inflammation
- Itching (sometimes severe)
- Rashes, from small, raised bumps to larger patches of irritated skin
- Irritation around the neckline, waistbands, or cuffs
- Blisters
- Dry and peeling skin
In some cases, allergies to laundry detergents can also cause respiratory symptoms, like sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.
Differentiating Between Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Irritant Contact Dermatitis
There are two common types of skin reactions: allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). Both can be triggered by laundry detergents.
ACD occurs when the immune system reacts to an allergen present in the detergent. Symptoms typically take longer to appear after initial exposure, often a day or more.
A key characteristic of ACD is that the reaction is confined to areas of direct skin contact with the allergen, such as where clothes are worn. A person might not experience symptoms immediately upon using a new detergent but may develop sensitivity over time.
Unlike ACD, ICD is caused by direct irritation from a detergent’s harsh chemicals rather than an immune response. Symptoms usually arise shortly after exposure and can affect a broader area of skin, not just where the clothes touch.
ICD can be triggered by both fragranced and non-fragranced detergents, and it can also be made worse by factors like friction and sweating.
How long does an allergic reaction to laundry detergent last? Let’s look at that next, before we discuss how to get rid of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent.
How Long Does an Allergic Reaction to Laundry Detergent Last?
Ok, so how long does an allergic reaction to laundry detergent last? The duration of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent can vary due to a number of factors which we’ll explore shortly. So how long does an allergic reaction to laundry detergent last, exactly? Let’s find out.
Average Duration of an Allergic Reaction
How long does an allergic reaction to laundry detergent last? On average, the duration of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent can span from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Mild reactions may subside relatively quickly, often within a week, once the allergen is no longer in direct contact with the skin. In more severe cases, where the reaction triggers inflammation, itching, and discomfort, the duration might extend to two weeks or slightly longer.
Factors That Influence Recovery Time
Several factors can influence how long an allergic reaction lasts:
- Reactions that are more severe take longer to resolve
- Individual sensitivity to laundry detergent allergens
- How quickly the allergen is recognized and removed
Your recovery time is also influenced by whether or not your symptoms appeared immediately, or a day or two later. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions tend to resolve faster, while delayed hypersensitivity reactions, where symptoms take a day or more to appear, can take longer to clear up.
When to Seek Medical Help
In most cases, allergic reactions to laundry detergents are mild and will resolve on their own once the allergen is removed from contact with the skin. However, there are instances when seeking medical assistance is advisable:
- If the allergic reaction is severe, with persistent inflammation, intense itching, or widespread blisters
- If the affected skin becomes infected due to scratching or open blisters, with increased redness, warmth, pus, or worsening pain.
- If you experience chronic or recurring allergic reactions to laundry detergents
How long does an allergic reaction to laundry detergent last, normally? If your reaction hasn’t improved in 2 weeks, see your doctor or a dermatologist. They can show you how to get rid of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent, which is our next topic!
How to Get Rid of an Allergic Reaction to Laundry Detergent Fast
Dealing with an allergic reaction to laundry detergent can be discomforting, but there are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms and promote faster healing. Here’s how to get rid of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent, fast!
Wash Affected Areas with Cool Water
As soon as you notice the symptoms of allergic reaction to laundry detergent, gently wash the affected areas with cool water. This can help remove any residual detergent and provide immediate relief from itching and irritation. Avoid hot water, as it can worsen skin inflammation.
Apply Topical Treatments (e.g., hydrocortisone, calamine lotion)
Topical treatments can provide targeted relief to inflamed skin. Hydrocortisone cream, available over-the-counter, can help reduce itching and inflammation. Calamine lotion can soothe irritated skin and provide a cooling sensation.
Take Over-the-Counter Antihistamines
Over-the-counter antihistamines can help alleviate itching and reduce allergic reactions. These medications work by blocking the histamine response that triggers itching and redness. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions before you get started.
Avoid Further Contact with the Allergenic Detergent
The most effective way to ensure a swift recovery is to avoid further contact with the allergenic detergent. Switch to a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free detergent to prevent re-exposure. It’s also wise to thoroughly rinse your clothes after washing to remove any residual detergent.
Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing
Wearing loose, breathable clothing can help prevent friction and further irritation to the affected areas. Natural fabrics like cotton are preferable, as they allow the skin to breathe and reduce sweating.
Avoid Scratching or Irritating the Skin
Resist the urge to scratch the affected skin, as this can worsen inflammation and could lead to infection. Applying an ice pack or cold compress to your skin can help relieve itching and discomfort without causing additional harm.
Want to Avoid Skin Allergic Reactions to Laundry Detergent in the Future? Stick With Clean People!
Although learning how to get rid of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent is important, it doesn’t help you prevent or avoid allergies to detergents. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction to laundry detergents is to use a detergent that’s completely allergen free – like ours!
At Clean People, we’ve formulated laundry detergent sheets that are tough on stains but gentle on skin. Our sheets contain no parabens, phosphates, or dyes, and are made with only clean ingredients that are safe for your skin and the environment.
When you look at what laundry detergent is made of, you’ll see that many common detergents use ingredients that are unnecessary and even harmful to our health. How toxic is laundry detergent, you might ask? Well, some detergents even contain cancer-causing ingredients!
At Clean People, we wanted to change all that. We’ve stripped back laundry detergent to include only essential ingredients, and found clean alternatives to replace the common “bad ingredients.” This has helped us bring you the best eco-responsible laundry detergent, allergen free!
More Tips for Preventing Allergic Reactions to Laundry Detergent
As well as learning how to get rid of an allergic reaction to laundry detergent, there are some other steps you can take to prevent these reactions from occurring. Here’s how to protect you and your family against allergies to laundry detergents.
Test New Detergents on a Small Area First
When trying a new laundry detergent, especially one with different ingredients or fragrances, it’s wise to conduct a patch test. Apply a small amount of the detergent to a discreet area of fabric, such as the inside seam of a garment.
Allow it to come into contact with your skin for a short period, and monitor your skin for any signs of a reaction. This can help you gauge whether your skin reacts negatively to the detergent before using it for a full load.
Choose Fragrance-Free and Dye-Free Detergents
Fragrances and dyes are common allergens in laundry detergents. Opting for fragrance-free and dye-free detergents can lower the chances of triggering an allergic reaction. These hypoallergenic options are designed to be gentle on sensitive skin and are less likely to cause irritation.
At Clean People, all of our laundry detergent sheets are dye-free, and we have a fragrance-free option as well.
Follow the Recommended Dosage Instructions
Using more detergent than necessary doesn’t necessarily result in cleaner clothes; in fact, it can increase the risk of detergent residue remaining on your clothes after washing. Following the recommended dosage instructions for your detergent helps prevent over-exposure to allergenic compounds.
Consider Using Extra Rinse Cycles
After the regular wash cycle, consider adding an extra rinse cycle to ensure the thorough removal of detergent residues. This can help minimize the chances of the allergenic compounds lingering on your clothes, reducing the risk of skin contact.
Closing Thoughts on Allergic Reaction to Laundry Detergent
Understanding the different allergic reaction to laundry detergent treatments is important, but using hypo-allergenic laundry detergent is the best way to protect you and your family. With a detergent like Clean People’s laundry detergent sheets, you can prevent laundry-related allergic reactions.
Being hypoallergenic is just one of the advantages of our laundry detergent sheets. These detergent sheets are better for the environment, lightweight, cost-effective, great for travel, suitable for all washing machines, and will leave your clothes fresh, clean, and crisp.
While you’re here, check out our other products to make your home more eco-responsible. We have hypoallergenic laundry detergent pods, laundry pods for baby clothes, tablets to clean your washing machine, powerful oxygen stain remover, recycled garbage bags, reusable storage bags, and dishwasher pods that will leave your glassware sparkling.
Don’t put up with dry, red, itchy skin – switch to Clean People’s hypoallergenic detergent sheets today!
