We may not think about our skin until it is red, itchy and uncomfortable. A skin rash, called contact dermatitis, can pop up seemingly out of the blue and be a significant annoyance.
Trying to identify what causes contact dermatitis can be a challenge. So, is it the detergent’s fault?
What Is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a particular kind of eczema, a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to itch, become inflamed or break out in a rash.
When a person has contact dermatitis, these symptoms occur after contact with an irritant or an allergen, causing a reaction. This differs from atopic dermatitis, which is related to genetics and environmental factors.
Types of Contact Dermatitis
There are two different types of contact dermatitis: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Of the two, irritant dermatitis is the more common. According to the National Eczema Association, it accounts for 80 percent of all contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a reaction that occurs when skin cells are irritated by a product such as detergent, soap or even scratchy clothing. You can also develop irritant contact dermatitis when your skin reacts to soap and hot water during frequent handwashing—something people have done more often during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Allergic contact dermatitis is a true allergic reaction. It’s a reaction that occurs within a few days of exposure to a specific allergen. A common example is poison ivy, which is known to cause an incredibly itchy rash after a person comes into contact with the sap of a poison ivy plant. Another common example is allergic contact dermatitis from specific topical antibiotics in over-the-counter products for skin infections.
A less common cause of contact dermatitis involves an allergen and sunlight. It may be triggered by certain perfumes or even the oil from the peel of a lime.
Anyone can develop contact dermatitis although it is common in those who work around chemicals, including healthcare workers and hairstylists. It can develop at any time during your life.
What Contact Dermatitis Looks Like
Feeling itchy but not sure if it’s due to contact dermatitis? Contact dermatitis can look like all other forms of dermatitis, with red, itchy skin that may have small bumps or blisters. It may be in an area of contact with the product or can be widespread.
What to Do if Your Laundry Detergent is Causing a Skin Rash
Let’s go back to the laundry detergent scenario. If you’ve recently started using a new product and then suddenly develop itchy skin or a visible rash, it may be connected with the detergent.
It can often be difficult to identify the cause of contact dermatitis. In daily life, people encounter hundreds and even thousands of potential irritants or allergens.
Adding to the challenge of identifying a trigger is the fact that you can develop an allergy or irritation to a substance you’ve previously used for years without a problem. In fact, repeated exposures to a chemical or substance over time can make it more likely to cause contact dermatitis.
At-Home Treatments for Skin Rashes
If you develop an itchy rash, your first step is not to scratch it. While it might seem like scratching the itch is the only way to stop the unpleasant sensation, it worsens it in the long run. If you scratch too much, you can even open the skin and cause an infection.
Instead of scratching, look for alternative ways to stop the itch and other symptoms. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can be comforting, since it temporarily numbs the skin sensations. You might also try applying an over-the-counter anti-itch medication, such as hydrocortisone, which can temporarily soothe the skin. In cases of a rash affecting the lower extremities or a large portion of the body, an oatmeal bath might be helpful.
When to See a Doctor
Beyond basic at-home care, your doctor may also recommend oral or topical medication to reduce symptoms and clear up a rash. If the rash associated with contact dermatitis is particularly widespread or doesn’t disappear quickly, an oral or injected steroid may be prescribed to temporarily suppress the immune system and calm the reaction.
Identifying the Cause of a Skin Rash
Your next step is identifying what caused the reaction so that you can avoid it in the future. Your doctor will want to first rule out other conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or other skin conditions, with a thorough history and physical exam.
If you believe you’re experiencing contact dermatitis related to your laundry detergent, you should avoid this product and see a doctor for evaluation and treatment of your rash. You may need a referral to a dermatologist who may suggest patch testing, where skin patches containing specific allergens remain on your skin for 48 hours and then are “read” for a reaction. You will return in a few days for a delayed “reading.”
If your laundry detergent is causing your rash, it may seem obvious that you’ll need to stop using it. Some ingredients in detergents, such as fragrances and preservatives, are also found in many laundry and cleaning products, as well as some hairstyling products. If avoiding the laundry detergent for example does not cure your rash, further evaluation with a physician will be necessary.
