Allergic dermatitis - despite using non bio washing powder?

usignuolo

OH who is not normally an allergic person, is being plagued by a rash (under arms, in elbows and all round neck) which GP says is most likely caused by allergy to washing powder. We have always used Fairy non bio, and so changed to Persil non bio, but problem remains. We use Comfort fabric softener mostly, in the non allergenic baby form.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Hermia

Are you still using powder? I have eczema and get dermatitis and cannot use powder even non-bio. It has to be non-bio liquid.

Pthree

As its a recent thing, give your washing machine a good clean with a cup of vinegar and stick it on the hottest wash it could be its not rinsing properly there for your getting more powder in contact to the skin.

It may also be worth checking how much powder (or liquid if you change) you are using.
Look at what it says on the packet and cut it in 1/2 (or more, I only use about a tablespoon per load these days), unless your clothes are very mucky this should be plenty.

Pthree

usignuolo

Sorry I should have made it clear we only use the gel capsules not the powder, although I did wash some tablecloths with powder detergent the other day. So will try giving machine a rinse out.

j.e.j.

Apparently most modern washing machines don't rinse well, even the better makes, because they try to keep water consumption as low as possible.

I always give mine an extra rinse, - might be worth a try? I can also recommend Surcare washing powder. It's not fragranced or bio and is said to be good for sensitive skin.

belfastgirl23

I get this a little too. I'd suggest switching to powder and using only a tablespoon as already suggested. And do you really need fabric conditioner? Try doing without. I do this and it cleans the clothes but doesn't break me out . Edited to say I use fairy non bio powder

Alton_Towers

Surcare washing powder is good. Fairy is actually one of the worst for causing reactions.

Time_to_get_up_and_go_2-2

I use surcare and Aldi non bio liquid for my daughter, she has the least reaction to these and been through them all!

suki1964

Modern machines use so little water that half the powder or gel is left in the clothes

Half it

Use vinegar as a conditioner

If once you know all clothes are washed in the new regime and symptoms still remain, go back for testing. It could be a simple fungal infection esp as its areas which will sweat

Fire_Fox

There are laundry brands tested to be hypoallergenic/ for sensitive skin. I am allergic to a couple of the big name brands, and it's not the bio/ enzyme ingredient. I don't have a problem with any of the supermarket own brands but YMMV. Try leaving off the fabric conditioner, just get the cleaning product sorted then add that back in later. Use a small amount of powder and a programme with a longer rinse cycle.

Is your partner sulphate free in terms of shampoo and shower gel? Those ingredents may not be causing the reaction but are proven to damage the skin's barrier function which increases reactivity in susceptible individuals. Alkaline soaps are not much better.

faerie~spangles

usignuolo wrote: »

Sorry I should have made it clear we only use the gel capsules not the powder, although I did wash some tablecloths with powder detergent the other day. So will try giving machine a rinse out.

I wouldn't use gel capsules ever.