If you or someone in your household has had an allergic reaction, your new fabric softener may be to blame. Fabric softeners can be especially irritating to sensitive individuals because they remain on your clothes for an extended period of time. And because fabric softeners can contain undisclosed chemicals, it can be difficult to determine which particular ingredient is wreaking havoc on your skin. If you are prone to allergic reactions, choose your fabric softener wisely in order to avoid compounding any existing allergic tendencies.
Allergic Reactions
One type of allergic reaction associated with fabric softener allergies is contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is the term for an allergic reaction to a substance that has come into contact with your skin. Symptoms can include a red rash or bumps, itching, blisters and pain or tenderness, according to MayoClinic.com. The itching may be severe and the blisters may weep and crust over in severe cases. In addition to these symptoms, an allergic reaction on the skin can also result in dry, cracked, red patches that resemble a burn.
Fragrance
Don't be deceived into thinking clean is synonymous with a perfume-fresh fragrance. Fragrance often is not just one chemical when listed on the ingredient label; it can denote several chemicals under one name, increasing the chance that one of them is triggering an allergic reaction.
Managing Symptoms
MedlinePlus offers some pointers in dealing with generalized itching that can be caused by allergies. Take lukewarm baths with oatmeal or cornstarch to ease the discomfort. Over-the-counter antihistamines can ease the itching but may cause drowsiness. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can soothe itchy areas. Cold compresses applied to an itchy area can temporarily soothe skin. Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas and avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat or humidity.
Alternatives
In addition to choosing a fragrance-free fabric softener, you can rinse your clothes twice to lessen any residual chemicals on your freshly laundered clothes, thereby reducing your chances of an allergic reaction. Another non-toxic alternative is to add 3/4 cups of vinegar to the final rinse cycle to soften your clothes. This solution can also save you money. Another option is to add 1/2 cups baking soda to the final rinse cycle of your laundry.
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