How would you feel if your freshly washed clothes would give you allergies?
Not so happy. It’s pretty unpleasant knowing something that’s so necessary can cause such unpleasant side effects.
The cause of these reactions may be represented by the laundry detergent you are using and the ingredients used to make that product. Certain chemicals have been linked to allergic reactions.
Using an allergy-free laundry detergent can be a great alternative. These products are created using ingredients which cause little to no allergic reactions.
It’s similar to a hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner.
Using an allergy-free laundry detergent can have some great benefits for you.
Benefits of using an allergy-free laundry detergent
No harsh allergy-related chemicals on your skin
Harsh chemicals can greatly contribute to allergies. Whether we are speaking of skin rashes, uncontrollable sneezing, or coughing, they can all be related to detergent ingredients.
Imagine taking on a freshly washed shirt on a Monday morning. You are leaving for work and suddenly start feeling something itchy on your arms. You arrive at work, check your arms, and discover red spots on different parts of your arms. Great way to start your week!
Using an allergy-free laundry detergent can help you avoid such situations.
To be sure you are buying the right product, always check the ingredients list. I’ll tell you a bit later about the ingredients you need to keep an eye open.
Can help you save money
Having allergy problems is pretty awful. Trying to discover what you’re allergic to can be even more difficult.
If you’re not thinking to plain things such as food (fruits, seeds), pollen, plants and you’re referring to certain chemicals, allergy tests can become really expensive.
Taking allergy tests for specific substances can cost a lot, depending on the substance you’re testing for.
An allergy-free laundry detergent can save you from these additional costs and eliminate the risks of allergies.
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Great at cleaning your clothes
An allergy-free laundry detergent is a combination of a product which eliminates the risks of allergies and cleans your clothes.
These products can do a wonderful job of removing stains and keeping your clothes clean.
If you’re not sure what product to purchase, look at the reviews of different products. It can be a great starting point.
Chemicals used in conventional laundry detergent products that can cause allergies
Sulfates
Sulfates are the chemicals which act as surfactants and detergents, making the product get all foamy.
They are used in a wide variety of items, including shampoos, conditioners, lotions, moisturizers, soaps, and makeup.
The sulfates you are very likely to find are SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate).
Sulfates are known for causing skin and eye irritations. They can also affect the oil layer of the skin, causing it to become really dry.
Very dry skin can lead to irritations and even more serious health problems.
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Fragrances
Fragrances, although not necessary, are used in several laundry detergents.
All the smells you’ve encountered in detergent products are due to these chemicals.
They can cause allergic reactions and are also endocrine disruptors.
Another issue related to fragrances is that you don’t know how many chemicals are used to create a specific scent. They are listed on the ingredients list as fragrance or perfume.
Companies are not obliged to disclose exactly what they use to create their fragrances. This means the term can hide a few chemicals or maybe tens of ingredients.
Do you understand why I said allergy tests for these substances can turn out to be really expensive?
Phosphates
Phosphates are the ingredients which break down the dirt stains and remove them.
These chemicals can also cause skin irritations, as well as nausea and diarrhea.
How to deal with allergies caused by laundry detergents
If you’ve used a laundry detergent and discovered you experienced different allergic reactions, here are a few tips to help you deal with them.
Stop using the product
This is the number one thing you do. Eliminate at least one cause of the problem.
You may discover that the allergy does not go away, or even gets worse. This is the moment you go to your doctor immediately.
Allergies to laundry detergents usually include these symptoms:
- skin rash – redness in different parts of skin, accompanied by swelling and skin temperature elevation
- itchy eyes
- sneezing
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Clean the affected area
This goes more rashes.
Applying some cold water on the skin can calm the allergic reaction. It may work for itchy eyes too.
This is a temporary solution, so don’t count on it too much.
A proper solution comes from a doctor.
If it does not go away, pay your doctor a visit immediately
Some allergies may go away with some medication.
If you see yours persists or it even gets worse, don’t wait another minute and go to the doctor.
Note: Remember, these are just tips! For a proper diagnosis and treatment, go to a specialist.