Allergic Reaction To Fabric Softener What Does It Look Like

Contact dermatitis is when an irritating substance or allergen such as the chemicals in fabric softener makes contact with the skin causing a rash or allergic reaction.

Most allergic reactions to fabric softener would present as a rash in areas of contact often called contact dermatitis. For most people itchiness is the most prominent and bothersome symptom. This is particularly common if the cause of your allergic reaction to washing powder is actually the fragrances used in the product. Additional symptoms you may encounter include a sniffly nose sneezing and or itchy eyes.

Reactions to fabric softener are usually contact dermatitis and so if you avoid using it you won t get the reaction. Contrary to this you could also have a reaction after just one exposure to the irritant. The signs and symptoms of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis are often nearly identical particularly with the type of low level widespread skin exposure that occurs with fabric softener. Generally the reaction is seen as itchy red scaly bumps on the area of skin exposed to the irritating substance.

It can take the immune system a while to identify allergens says dr. If your child has a true allergy to laundry detergent or fabric softener you may not notice redness or itching for up to a week.