Natural dishwashing liquid

MoonJelly

I have developed irritant dermititis. The GP gave me a steroid cream which offers some relief but of course it doesn't "cure" it. He said that I have to go private for allergy testing -which I can't afford. In any case because the dermititis is mostly on my hands I would like to test if the allergy comes from my dishwashing liquid (I do a lot of washing up). I try to use gloves but water always seems to find its way in and I end up with damp soppy hands!

I am currently using Aldi's Magnum dishwashing liquid and I would like to try a natural version that is cost effective but doesn't cost the Earth. Again I want to test if it is the dishwashing liquid that's playing havoc with my hands. Any ideas?

Nargleblast

Ecover do a washing up liquid, and the big supermarkets also do their version of a "natural" washing up liquid. Also there is a brand called Surcare or something like that which is for people with skin problems. It will be a case of trial and error, of course, and if you find the one that works is a bit pricey then you can always trim a bit off the budget elsewhere - whatever the price, it will be worth it because dermatitis is a miserable condition to have.

dandy-candy

Also marigold make washing up gloves with longer cuffs. I used to get water in the old type of washing up gloves, but never with the longer cuff ones!

Better_Days

Ecoleaf do a nice gentle wul and handwash. I get ichy hands if I use the big brands.
http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/frameset/detail/961042_Ecoleaf_Washing_Up_Liquid_1ltr.html

http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/frameset/detail/961195_Ecoleaf_Liquid_Hand_Soap_5ltr.html

Have another go with rubber gloves too. You can get them which are 'extra long'. I wouldn't do any washing up without rubber gloves.

I also use Body Shop Hemp Hand protector - only buy when it's half price as it is expensive, but I find it very good to stop my hands drying out, and despite trying lots of hand creams have never found anything as good
http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/hemp/hemp-hand-protector.aspx

bluebag

I think soap nuts can be made into a liquid soap.

SailorSam

I was just about to suggest soap nuts, i use them in the washing machine and you can mix with water to make a general cleaner; get shampoo and body wash so possibly they work in a dishwasher.

http://www.soapnuts.co.uk/

Nicki

Bear in mind that lots of people are allergic to rubber gloves or develop an allergy to them. So it could be the gloves themselves which are causing the problem or making it worse.

MoonJelly

Thank you ALL for the replies. I haven't seen the marigold gloves with the longer cuffs but I can look for them! I hadn't thought about trying the store's own brand either. I have seen Surcare but you say it is a matter of trial and error. I tried the soapnuts for clothes but I have to confess it didn't work on stains (sigh).

MoonJelly

Nicki wrote: »

Bear in mind that lots of people are allergic to rubber gloves or develop an allergy to them. So it could be the gloves themselves which are causing the problem or making it worse.

OMG :eek: please don't say that. What do I do then...?

SailorSam

MoonJelly wrote: »

I tried the soapnuts for clothes but I have to confess it didn't work on stains (sigh).

I find that as well, now i've tried to rub things while they're dry before going in the wash with 1001 or Vanish type soap.

Broomstick

MoonJelly wrote: »

OMG :eek: please don't say that. What do I do then...?

Have a go at using something like this under the rubber gloves?
http://www.eczemaclothing.com/mac?product_id=241

B x