Laundry soaps typically contain chemicals and perfumes that can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. This allergic reaction is called as contact dermatitis. It is important that you are familiar with the signs and symptoms of laundry soap allergy.
Unfortunately, laundry soap is useful in cleaning clothes, bedding and other fabrics present at home. Once skin comes in contact with any residue that the laundry soap leaves behind, it can trigger an allergic reaction. You can learn more about allergic reactions by enrolling in first aid class.
Signs and symptoms of laundry soap allergy
Laundry soap is considered as an essential item at home. If an individual experiences the following signs and symptoms, it simply means that he/she has laundry soap allergy.
Rashes
Laundry soap allergy can cause rashes that are made up of small-sized, red-colored bumps over any skin surface that came in contact with the clothing or fabrics washed using laundry soap. At a distance, the rash can appear like a solid red area with the individual bumps only visible upon closer inspection.
Patches
Dry, red-colored patches can also occur right after exposure to laundry soap. This is another type of skin discoloration and often resembles minor burns. These patches are usually located in areas that came in contact with the laundry soap through the clothing.
Discomfort
Take note that laundry soap allergy can cause moderate to severe itchiness in the areas that came in contact with cloth or fabrics washed in laundry soap. This typically occurs on its own or together with the other symptoms.
Formation of blisters
In severe cases of contact dermatitis caused by exposure to laundry soap, it can result to the formation of large-sized, fluid-filled blisters. Take note that these are more common once the soap itself has been touched instead of the clothes that were washed using the soap.
Important considerations to bear in mind
In case the skin is exposed repeatedly to the irritant present in the laundry soap over an extended period of time, it can become scaly and thick. Long-term cases of contact dermatitis that has been left untreated usually result to hair loss in the affected areas.
It is best to consult a dermatologist in order to provide an accurate diagnosis of laundry soap allergy. Additionally, contact dermatitis will not manifest right away or after the initial contact. The sensitivity to laundry soap can build-up over time before the symptoms will start to manifest.
When washing clothes, it is important to make sure that the laundry soap residue has been completely removed. Initially, less soap must be used. You have to follow the directions on the label and then later on utilize a minimum amount. It is also possible to reduce the amount of residue in the clothes by using an additional rinse cycle. The last process when washing is to add baking soda or vinegar as a final rinse since it helps remove excess residue. Just be careful when using vinegar since too much can weaken the fiber of fabrics.