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How to Get Rid of Allergic Reaction to Laundry Detergent

  • by Brodie Cook
how to get rid of allergic reaction to laundry detergent

Why Your Laundry Might Be Causing Skin Problems

If you notice an itchy rash, dry spots or irritation after putting on freshly washed laundry, you might be dealing with laundry detergent allergies. These reactions are more common than most people realise and often begin when certain chemicals found in laundry products come in contact with your skin.

Some detergents contain preservatives, artificial scents or ingredients that break down stains but also trigger adverse skin reactions. Over time, repeated exposure to those chemicals can lead to contact dermatitis, especially in areas where fabric touches the body.

If you've started to experience symptoms like a laundry detergent rash, it might be time to look more closely at your routine. Whether you're using the same detergent for years or just started a new detergent, this guide will help you spot the early signs and symptoms, figure out if your laundry habits are to blame, and explore safer options to help your skin recover.

What Happens If You Ignore the Signs

It might start with a small itch or patch of dry skin. But if the reaction keeps coming back after every wash, it could be more than just irritation. Some people develop allergic contact dermatitis, a condition where the skin reacts to a specific allergen after repeated contact. In this case, it’s often a chemical or fragrance in your detergent.

Ignoring these early signs can lead to more serious skin issues over time.

What can happen if it's left untreated?

  • Skin barrier damage. The outer layer of your skin helps lock in moisture and block out irritants. When it breaks down, your skin becomes more reactive and easier to inflame.
  • Ongoing irritation or infections. Scratching the same spot or exposing it again through washed clothes can lead to open wounds or bacterial infections.
  • Lasting changes to your skin. Some people experience thickened texture or uneven tone that sticks around long after the rash fades.
  • Wider allergic sensitivity. Once your body starts reacting to one thing, it can become more likely to react to others, like dust, pets, or fragrances in other products.

Common Skin Reactions Linked to Detergent Use

common skin reactions

Allergic reactions don’t look the same for everyone. If you’re unsure what to look for, here are a few of the more common signs.

1. Red patches or itchy spots

This is often the first sign. The rash caused by laundry detergent tends to show up where clothes sit tight against the body, like under arms, around the waist or behind the knees.

2. Flaky or dry skin

Some detergents contain surfactants that strip oils from the skin. This can leave it feeling rough or flaky, even if you moisturise.

3. Puffiness or swelling

Inflamed or swollen areas may appear after regular contact with clothes or linen. This can sometimes feel warm or tender to touch.

4. Changes in skin tone

If the skin starts to darken or lighten in patches, especially after repeated irritation, it could be a sign the skin is reacting and not healing properly.

5. Open sores or small blisters

In more extreme cases, reactions can lead to blisters or broken skin. These usually come from repeated scratching or ongoing exposure to the same product.

What to do When You Have Allergic Reactions to Detergent

What if you just found out that you are allergic to detergent? What would you do if you had already reacted to the detergent?

1. Stop Exposure to Detergent Immediately

The first step you should take is to stop exposure to detergent. If you feel you are having an allergic reaction after washing clothes, immediately remove any clothes that have been washed with the detergent suspected of causing the reaction. This is important to prevent the allergic reaction from becoming more severe.

Research from PLOS ONE shows that detergents contain chemicals that can damage the skin barrier and trigger allergic reactions. By stopping exposure immediately, you can prevent further reactions on the skin.

2. Wash The Skin with Soap and Water

After stopping exposure to detergent, immediately wash the exposed skin with mild soap and cold water. Soap that does not contain fragrances or harsh chemicals is highly recommended to maintain the skin's pH balance. Cold water helps to soothe irritated skin.

The Mayo Clinic recommends using mild soap and cold water to remove detergent residue from the skin, which can reduce irritation and prevent further inflammation.

3. Cold Compresses to Reduce Inflammation

To reduce heat or itching, apply a cold compress to the irritated skin area. Simply wet a clean cloth with cold water, then compress the exposed area for 15–30 minutes. This step will help soothe swollen skin and relieve inflammation.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that cold compresses can provide temporary relief by reducing heat and swelling in irritated skin.

4. Use of 1% Hydrocortisone Cream

If your skin feels very itchy or inflamed, using a 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortizone 10) can be very helpful. This cream has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and itching caused by allergic reactions.
 
Healthline recommends hydrocortisone cream to relieve allergy symptoms, particularly to reduce inflammation and itching. It is highly effective in addressing mild to moderate irritation caused by reactions to chemicals.
 

5. Antihistamines to Reduce Allergic Reactions

If your reaction comes with swelling or widespread itching, you can take a non-drowsy antihistamine like Telfast or Claratyne. These are available without a prescription and can help reduce symptoms while your skin recovers.

 Antihistamines help reduce allergic reactions by blocking the effects of histamine in the body, which causes itching and swelling.

The Mayo Clinic also recommends the use of oral antihistamines in more severe cases of allergies to effectively reduce allergy symptoms.

6. Skin Moisturiser to Accelerate Healing

After treating an allergic reaction, it is important to maintain skin moisture. Use a fragrance-free moisturiser specially formulated for sensitive skin.
 
Moisturisers help speed up the healing process by maintaining moisture in skin affected by allergic reactions.
 
According to Healthline, fragrance-free moisturisers help maintain skin moisture and speed up recovery from dermatitis caused by detergent allergies.

7. Clean Your Washing Machine if Detergent Was the Cause

If you've identified a specific detergent ingredient as the trigger, it's important to clear out any residue left behind. Run a clean cycle or an empty hot rinse cycle to flush the drum. Don’t forget to wipe out the detergent tray and seals, where old product can build up. This helps stop leftover ingredients from transferring to freshly washed clothes and causing future reactions.

Natural Ingredients Used to Relieve Detergent Allergies

If you prefer natural ingredients, here are some you can try:

  1. Manuka Honey. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Suitable for relieving mild eczema.
  2. Tea Tree Oil. It is effective in relieving itching and irritation, but it must be diluted first so it doesn't worsen the skin condition.
  3. Evening Primrose Oil. It contains GLA, which helps combat inflammation. Consult a doctor before use.
  4. Aloe Vera. The gel can be applied directly to soothe the skin. Make sure the aloe vera is pure.
  5. Oatmeal Bath. Calms the skin and reduces itching. However, ensure you are not allergic to oats.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

If the steps above are not enough to help, it's time to seek medical help. Here are the signs you need to consult a doctor.

  1. Symptoms Are Not Improving. If you have tried first aid but the rash and itching persist, consult a doctor immediately.
  2. Allergic Reaction Is Spreading. If your face, lips, or eyes start to swell, it could be a systemic reaction. You must be examined immediately.
  3. Signs of Infection, like Pus-filled skin, severe pain, or wounds that don’t heal, are signs of infection. They must be treated immediately.
  4. Swelling Doesn’t Subside. If the swelling gets worse, it could be a sign of a serious reaction. Especially if it becomes difficult to breathe.
  5. Difficulty Breathing or Dizziness. If this happens, don’t wait any longer. It could be a sign of anaphylaxis. Go to the emergency room immediately.
  6. Occurs in Children or Infants. Their skin is more sensitive. Do not delay in taking them to a paediatrician.
  7. Unusual and Unexplained Rash. If unusual symptoms appear or you suspect a particular product, request an allergy test from a dermatologist.

A Fragrance-Free Detergent That’s Easy on Your Skin and the Planet

Lucent Globe’s offers a fragrance-free and dye-free laundry detergent sheet are a simple way to avoid the irritation that comes from regular washing products. They’re gentle on sensitive skin, and made without harsh ingredients that often cause reactions.

Each sheet is light, compact and dissolves fast in water. No mess, no plastic, and no leftover residue. Just clean, fresh clothes without the itch.

Shop the Fragrance-Free Option

 

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