Yes, laundry detergent can sometimes trigger eczema. It may worsen atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form of eczema and a chronic condition.
However, laundry detergent can also trigger contact dermatitis, which can flare up and then disappear again once a person is no longer in contact with the irritant or allergen that caused it.
In either case, the symptom of a flare-up can include:
- an inflamed rash
- dry or cracked skin
- itchiness, burning, or stinging
If a person has atopic dermatitis, they may experience new patches of eczema or an overall worsening. If they have contact dermatitis, they may get symptoms only in areas where the detergent came into direct contact with the skin.
To reduce a sudden flare-up, a person and try:
- removing the clothing
- washing the affected skin gently but thoroughly with soap and water
- applying eczema treatments, such as corticosteroid cream, if relevant
- applying an emollient moisturizer
A cold compress may also help soothe the skin.
How long it takes for the reaction to calm down will depend on the type of eczema a person has and the type of reaction.
In people with contact dermatitis reacting to an irritant, symptoms can peak within
For allergic reactions, this may take longer, peaking at 72 to 96 hours after exposure before they start getting better. For atopic dermatitis, symptoms may vary depending on how severe the underlying condition is.
Whatever the type of eczema, changing to a nonbiological laundry detergent that is suitable for sensitive skin may help reduce future flare-ups. The National Eczema Association (NEA) recommends looking for products that are:
- hypoallergenic
- fragrance free
- dye free
- liquid, rather than powder
People can find detergents that have the NEA’s approval in its Eczema Product Directory.
Other ways people can reduce exposure to laundry detergent include:
- washing clothes, bedding, towels, or soft toys before using them for the first time
- rinsing clothes an extra time with clean water at the end of a wash
- laundering the clothes or bedding of someone with eczema separately, if necessary
If taking these steps does not help, people can contact a doctor about the symptoms.
A person needs to seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe symptoms, a rash that spreads rapidly to cover most of the body, blistering, or signs of an infection, such as a fever.