Dangerous Washing: Powders, Gels, and Capsules That Can Cause Dermatitis 0 9

Currently, the market offers washing powders, gels, and capsules for washing machines in any scent, color, and size. However, if used incorrectly, there is a risk of getting irritation and even burns along with clean laundry.

"Doctor Peter" asked doctors how and with what to wash clothes to avoid harming health.

Real Case

A resident of Kazan was admitted to the Republican Hospital with alarming chemical burns. Huge blisters formed on his back and shoulder.

According to the hospital, the man developed health problems after sleeping on bed linen. It turned out that his wife had previously washed the sheets with new capsules from Asia.

Doctors diagnosed the 34-year-old patient with first and second-degree burns.

Maya Parfenova, dermatologist

It Depends

An allergic reaction is always an individual response of the body. It can be triggered by a variety of components — from fragrances and flavorings to any other chemical substance in the composition of washing powder or gel.

There is quite a comprehensive list of possible allergens, but it is much more important not to look for a specific component, but to notice the reaction in time: if redness or rash appears on the skin after contact with washed items, it may be a sign of allergic dermatitis.

People with already diagnosed allergic diseases, such as hay fever, asthma, or atopic dermatitis, should be especially careful. I recommend that they choose hypoallergenic products — for example, from lines for washing children's laundry.

Universal Life Hack

Does this mean that any powder is better than trendy washing capsules that are supposedly impossible to rinse out of clothes? There is no objective data that gels or capsules rinse out worse than powders if the correct washing mode is followed. The problem arises not from the form of the washing agent, but from errors in its use, such as insufficient rinsing time.

The simplest and most effective way to minimize risks is double rinsing. This feature is now available in almost all modern washing machines. It helps to remove detergent residues as much as possible from the fabric fibers. After this, clothes can be worn without problems even by those with the most sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

Elizaveta Shukhman, dermatologist

The Most Dangerous Components

If you know that your skin is prone to allergic reactions, it is better to study the product's composition before purchasing.

Here are some components of washing powders that most often cause allergies:

• Surfactants — they destroy the skin's lipid barrier, causing dryness, itching, and contact dermatitis;

• Enzymes (proteases, amylases, lipases) — used to dissolve protein and fat stains, can cause allergies when inhaled (powder forms) or when in contact with skin;

• Fragrances — the most common cause of allergies. Often contain linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol, citronellol — components recognized as potential allergens;

• Preservatives — for example, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT), compounds that release formaldehyde. They can cause contact allergies even at low concentrations;

• Phosphates and optical brighteners — although they less frequently cause allergies directly, they exacerbate skin irritation in predisposed individuals;

• Fabric softeners — contain cationic surfactants (for example, dimethyl distearoyl ammonium chloride) and fragrances in high concentrations.

The Main Thing — Don’t Overdo It

Most people overdo the dosage of powder or gel, believing that more is cleaner. This is a mistake.

It is always better to check the recommended amount indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

There are several rules that can help avoid pouring or adding too much washing product.

• Use a dispenser — don’t estimate by eye.

• For soft water, 1/2–2/3 of the recommended dose is sufficient. For example, if the instructions say — 70 ml for 5 kg, and you are washing 3 kg, then use 30–40 ml, not by eye, but with a measuring spoon.

• If you have allergies or sensitive skin, choose hypoallergenic products without fragrances, enzymes, and phosphates (for example, with labels "hypoallergenic", "dermatologically tested", "fragrance-free").