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Allergy (allergy) to washing powder can occur in anyone, but most often it occurs in children and infants. An allergy to washing powder usually only causes annoying skin symptoms, but in some cases can be life-threatening. What are the causes and symptoms of a detergent allergy? How is the diagnosis and treatment performed? How can I prevent this type of allergy from reoccurring?

Allergy( allergy )to washing powderis an overreaction of the immune system to the effects of substances or group of chemicals in the detergent.

Allergy to washing powder belongs to a type of contact (skin) allergy - that is, those that arise as a result of direct skin contact with a substance (allergen) to which a person is allergic (rarely leads to a systemic reaction).

Fragrances and preservatives are the most allergenic, therefore the more colorful and fragrant the powder, the greater the risk of allergies.

If you are allergic to washing powder, symptoms of allergy may appear on the skin of your hands as a result of hand washing or after wearing clothes washed in a specific washing powder.

Allergy to washing powder - causes

The immune system is involved in a detergent allergy.

The particles of a chemical compound bind to proteins in the skin, producing allergenic substances that the immune system remembers.

As a consequence, the appearance of allergy symptoms occurs after each subsequent contact with this specific allergenic substance (regardless of its dose).

Allergic to washing powder - symptoms

The skin becomes inflamed as a result of an allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis):

  • persistent itching of inflamed spots
  • reddening of the skin (as in the course of urticaria)
  • within the erythema there are numerous bubbles filled with fluid
  • dry, prone to damage skin

Allergic contact eczema usually occurs in areas where the allergen has been exposed, but the symptoms are most often seen in the elbows and knees.

In addition, a child may develop a number of otherssymptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbances and snoring.

Important
  • Untreated allergy to washing powder can lead to bacterial or fungal infections on diseased skin.
  • If you develop shortness of breath and swelling, see a doctor as soon as possible, as these are symptoms that can be life-threatening.
  • Allergies in young children are more dangerous than in adults because the allergen affects a larger percentage of the surface, which in turn causes more severe symptoms. In addition, the options for treating allergies in young children are more limited as not all medications can be given to them.

Allergy to washing powder - diagnosis

If allergy to washing powder is suspected, skin tests with the use of various detergents are performed.

Allergy to washing powder - treatment

The allergic person is given antihistamines.

Then clean the skin in those places where it has come into contact with the allergen.

To relieve itching and redness, your doctor may recommend topical ointments and creams containing moderate-potency glucocorticoids.

In addition, it is important to moisturize the skin with lotions or creams intended mainly for sensitive skin.

Allergic to washing powder - prevention

1. Use washing powders: hypoallergenic (minimizing the risk of allergies), dermatologically tested and ecological (without harmful zeolites and phosphates). These are specially designed for allergy sufferers.

2. Better not to use bleach, fabric softeners or fabric softeners (they can also be responsible for allergies).

3. When washing in a washing machine, it is a good idea to use the extra rinse function.

4. Wash at a maximum of 60 degrees C, no prewash.

5. Some washing machines have a special program for washing baby clothes. The default program sets an extended wash at a higher temperature and additional rinses, which may be useful for children and people with skin prone to allergies.

6. Each piece of clothing (especially children) should be ironed after washing, because the high temperature of the iron is an ideal sterilizer, thanks to which you can effectively get rid of any residual microorganisms that may be an additional allergenic factor.

Washing powder for allergy sufferers should have a positive opinion of a reputable medical center, e.g. Mother and Child Institute.

About the authorMonika Majewska Specialist journalistin he alth matters, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth care and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Allergies