Sudden & new allergies??

girl_withno_name

Is it possible to suddenly develop new allergies?

I'm 25 years old and 'currently' my only allergy is hayfever which I've had since I was about 15. However, I've recently developed a rash across my chest which has since spread and due to the pattern of the rash (more severe around underwear areas, less so on legs) I'm wondering whether I could be allergic to the washing powder... although, strangely, we've already been using this powder for several months and I haven't previously had any issues.

Am I being silly or could I actually now be allergic to the washing powder?

(I've sent the OH out to buy some new powder and have set the washing machine on self-clean to remove any remaining powder in the machine)

Nile

girl_withno_name wrote: »

Is it possible to suddenly develop new allergies?

I'm 25 years old and 'currently' my only allergy is hayfever which I've had since I was about 15. However, I've recently developed a rash across my chest which has since spread and due to the pattern of the rash (more severe around underwear areas, less so on legs) I'm wondering whether I could be allergic to the washing powder... although, strangely, we've already been using this powder for several months and I haven't previously had any issues.

Am I being silly or could I actually now be allergic to the washing powder?

(I've sent the OH out to buy some new powder and have set the washing machine on self-clean to remove any remaining powder in the machine)

Yes, it's possible to suddenly develop allergies (as an adult).......... from my experience anyway.;)

However, asking forum members for medical advice on whether your rash is due to washing powder, a course of penicillin or some other cause is not allowed I'm afraid.

The safest option is to seek professional medical advice............ask your GP to look at your rash.

I hope you're looking and feeling better soon.

Nile

girl_withno_name

Oops sorry - wasn't looking for a definitive answer as to the cause, just whether developing new allergies (to products already in use) would be possible.

My intention is to go to the docs, although I assume they're not open again until Tuesday now!!

Thanks

Humphrey10

If you can find a pharmacist open tomorrow (it's a normal working day) they might be able to help re: antihistamines etc.
Don't rush to change your diet, get rid of your pets, or rush out buying expensive fancy washing powers before you've spoken to your GP.
I get urticaria (an itchy red raised rash), once every few years or so, which can be caused by an allergy, but there is no obvious trigger. It stays for a few weeks and then goes.
I'm not saying that this is what you have, just saying it's possible, so don't do anything expensive or drastic until you know!

girl_withno_name

Cheers - I now have antihistamines and calamine lotion, plus a small box of Wilko washing powder to try out... nothing too expensive but hopefully it'll help until the surgery is open again and I can get back to un-distracted studying!

Blether

Could also be caused by soap/body wash or shampoo.

belfastgirl23

Many washing powders also irritate my skin, particularly underarms and more delicate areas I find Fairy powder is ok though I'm still careful to use as little as possible. I'm still using up my old powder on sheets etc and it's ok for them, but again I'm very mean with the quantities. DH had also complained about sensitive itching from the old powder and he's normally pretty hardy on these things so it does happen.

building_with_lego

I was allergy free for the first 18 years of my life, then developed allergies to penicillin, plasters and my feather pillows within 4 months. :eek:

Some years later I read a very hardcore ethical-living type book on women's health, which claimed that the combined pill causes allergies. I was on the pill at the time so dismissed it as scaremongering rubbish, but on reflection I had developed the first allergy within a month of starting the pill. :eek:

Yes, it is possible to suddenly develop allergies. Speak to your gp asap, and keep a note of what it may be. It may take some detective work to narrow things down!

Outer_Limits

Apparently allergies can come and go (wish mine would go!)

Modern washing machines are more ecological - which means they use less water to rinse so the detergent isn't properly washed out You could try the 'extra water' button if you have one, or put your wash through an extra rinse cycle when it finishes.

It could well be the products you're using, but some posters have that problem if they eat more sugar. As Nile says: check with your GP as rashes in the underwear area can indicate e.g. that you're heading towards diabetes. Unlikely - but best to check

jenniewb

My mum developed a new allergy to latex plasters and she was 50 at the time. She only caught on to it after a blood test where they stuck a plaster on. Very strangely I developed a similar reaction to latex plasters a few months later. (We don't live together or close to each other so its unlikely to be in the water/food!)

OP, just make sure the rash doesn't get really itchy or develop broken skin as it could end up with scarring, hope your on top of it. Does sound like a reaction to something in the clothes your wearing, could even be that your washing machine didn't rinse out the washing powder/tab/liquid and left a residue on your clothes which anyone would react to. Maybe see if you have a similar effect when washing the clothes elsewhere?

samuela66

girl_withno_name wrote: »

Is it possible to suddenly develop new allergies?

I'm 25 years old and 'currently' my only allergy is hayfever which I've had since I was about 15. However, I've recently developed a rash across my chest which has since spread and due to the pattern of the rash (more severe around underwear areas, less so on legs) I'm wondering whether I could be allergic to the washing powder... although, strangely, we've already been using this powder for several months and I haven't previously had any issues.

Am I being silly or could I actually now be allergic to the washing powder?



(I've sent the OH out to buy some new powder and have set the washing machine on self-clean to remove any remaining powder in the machine)

Hiya,

I developed an allergy to the sun about 4/5 years ago!
Your rash sounds exactly what I get, and it is mainly on my chest.
Have you been sunbathing in the past few days perhaps (I know it hasnt been brilliant but you never know)
I now have to use Piz Buin Allergy sun lotion, you should see the state of me if I get caught out say just walking 5 mins and I look terrible.

Just a thought anyways!:D hope you get it sorted soon hun