Individuals who are suspected with detergent allergy might experience rashes. In most cases, the skin irritation can be caused by various factors that range from generalized stress, allergies and specific irritants that came in contact with the skin. Oftentimes, it simply requires observation as well as patch testing and substance elimination to determine the type of skin irritation that develops and its actual cause. Take note that the reactions to certain substances in laundry detergent are considered common.
What is contact dermatitis?
The indications of contact dermatitis can include the following:
- Mild patches of redness and dryness
- Hives and swelling
- Itching or burning sensation without evident sores
If the rashes and itchiness occurs in infants or young children, the issues might be eczema. - Oozing blisters
- Intense pain and darkened leathery peeling and even cracked skin
Contact dermatitis is subdivided into cases triggered by actual allergies, usually the most severe and those triggered by prolonged exposure to a substance that caused the chronic irritation.
Soaps, laundry detergents, household cleaning agent, waxes and other chemicals are common sources of skin irritation and can even wear down the protective layer to trigger irritant contact dermatitis.
Rashes from eczema or atopic dermatitis
If the rashes and itchiness occurs in infants or young children, the issues might be eczema. Take note that eczema is not an allergy, but hypersensitivity of the skin to various substances, thus the condition can be triggered by allergies.
A small percentage of children develop eczema. The susceptibility to the condition is usually hereditary and quite strong among families who have asthma or hay fever. Infants and young children with eczema usually develop itchy, red and dry skin with small-sized bumps on the forehead, scalp and cheeks.
The rashes can spread to the entire body up to the legs and arms with open lesions. The symptoms come and go over time that can be triggered by exposure to dust, mold, pollen, dry skin, animal dander or dry winter air. In addition, other triggers include harsh soaps and detergents and other substances.
Diagnosis
The doctor can perform a patch test if contact dermatitis is triggered by an allergy. If the individual has detergent allergy, the doctor should be informed.
When diagnosing eczema or atopic dermatitis, it can be more challenging since every child has a slightly different combination of symptoms. The eczema can also be confused with seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis or psoriasis. In most cases, a diagnosis is mainly based on deduction since there is no absolute test. In addition, the family history can also provide a vital clue.
Management
When it comes to contact dermatitis, it is vital to avoid the suspected detergent or other irritating or allergic substance. Cortisone creams and oral cortisone can be prescribed by the doctor.
It is also recommended to use mild soaps and slather on lotion or hand cream. These measures can also be prescribed when managing atopic dermatitis along with anti-itch lotions, antihistamines and an oatmeal bath to minimize the itchiness. Do not forget to trim the fingernails of children to prevent scratching and switch to cool short baths and hydrating the skin with lotions.