Soapods is a brand of laundry detergent and soap that uses soap nuts, also known as soap berries. The term "soap nuts" raises concern for people who suffer from nut allergies. However, although their appearance is similar to nuts, soap nuts are actually berries. You should not experience a nut allergy reaction from Soapods products. Soap nuts are part of the lychee fruit family, though, so you may experience a reaction if you are allergic to lychee fruit.
Soapods
Soap nuts are the fruit from a medium-sized tree called sapindus. It belongs to the sapindaceae family and grows wild in south India. Soap nuts contain saponin, which is the active ingredient in soap. Soapods contain no added perfumes or chemicals and is marketed as a natural, environmentally friendly way to wash your clothes. You can also use the liquid soap as a general household cleaner.
Allergy
Since Soapods do no contain nuts, you should not worry if you have a nut allergy. If you experience an allergic reaction to Soapods, discontinue use and consult your doctor. You may have an allergy to fruits in the sapindaceae family. If you experience raised welts on your skin known as hives or your skin becomes itchy after using or handling Soapods, then you may have an allergy.
Testing
If you have a known allergy to fruit in the sapindaceae family, such as the lychee fruit, you may experience an allergic reaction to Soapods and other brands that use soap nuts. If you suspect that you may have a soap nut allergy, you can request that your doctor perform a skin prick test. This involves exposing your skin to soap nuts to determine if there is a an allergic reaction.
Serious Allergy
In susceptible people, a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur when you come in contact with an allergen. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as swelling of the lips, tongue and face, or labored breathing. If you are allergic to Soapods, do not use Soapods products or products containing soap nuts.
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