Detergents: the unexpected factor that can explain your itching and skin rashes

Contact dermatitis is a little-known disease in Chile, which consists of skin inflammation caused by direct contact with a person with a substance that causes an allergic reaction.

According to the information provided by the UC Chistus Clinic, there are many elements that cause annoying skin reactions, most of them have high chemical components such as acids and alkaline materials.

The health institution adds that these reactions take time to appear on the skin in a period that varies between 24 and 48 hours. Common signs are mild inflammation and redness up to open ulcers, depending on the component contacted.

On the other hand, the dermatologist at Clínica Las Condes, Pedro Lobos, indicated that rashes are common in people with allergies, regardless of the contact time they have had with the material.

“Dermatitis presents with redness, scaling, oozing (small blisters that break and fluid appears in the area) and intense pruritus (itching) in the area of ​​skin affected by the substance, which are generally beauty products or personal hygiene," he declared.

In this sense, the mentioned institution detailed that the elements of common use that can be more harmful are: rubber or latex, cosmetics, fabrics and clothing, solvents, adhesives, fragrances, perfumes and detergents.

It is precisely the latter that generate the most doubts, since they are compounds that are in contact with the skin throughout the day. Among its components are surfactants or surfactants, enzymes, bleaches and perfumes.

Although it is true that this is one factor among many, the detergent could be that silent product that is affecting the skin, causing allergic reactions that are difficult to control.

In this sense, the commercial manager of “Popeye” soaps and detergents, Pablo Maritano, indicated that the advancement of these products should be aimed at caring for the skin and not exposing it to unnecessary risks.

“When our skin itches, we don't always think that the cause could be the detergent. In general, skin care is more associated with creams and sunscreens. People don't know that using a detergent that takes care of the skin is also protecting themselves," she explained.

In this sense, the executive indicated that the care should be oriented both in the skin of babies and children as well as in that of adults.

What to do about it?

There is no doubt that the trend should be oriented towards the manufacture of hypoallergenic products, which act as preventive skin care products.

“Not only baby skin is sensitive. The skin of young people and adults is also exposed to allergic reactions and this is why we are constantly developing products to care for the skin of the whole family”, she explained.

As a pioneering solution in this regard, the brand developed an "Ecofriendly" detergent, which has 96% natural active ingredients that allow dirt to be removed from clothes while taking care of the environment and the skin.

It should be noted that, according to UC Christus, Contact Dermatitis usually resolves without complications within two to three weeks, but may recur if the offending substance or material is not identified and avoided.