Detergent Allergy Pictures - The Not So Pretty Truth Behind These Allergic Reactions

by Taylor @Stain-Removal-101.com

This site has become one of the go to locations on the web to discuss detergent allergy problems, and as such several readers have actually sent in pictures to me showing the problems they've experienced because of these allergic reactions.

I considered not showing them, since they aren't necessarily very pretty. However, there are some people who doubt that people could actually be allergic to laundry detergent or other laundry supplies, and I think these pictures graphically show that is definitely not the case.

If you would like to share your own pictures (family friendly only please!) I would be happy to put them up too. You can submit your own pictures and explanation here (tell which detergent caused it for you, please).

This page is a good resource to show not only doubters, but also those who are trying to figure out if they've had an allergic reaction to a laundry product.

If you're using this page to help with self-diagnosis please be aware each person is different, so their allergic reaction symptoms may also look different from your own. In addition, lots of things can cause allergic reactions, not just detergents so there is no guarantee this is the cause of your problem.

Hopefully though, this page will help show you what some detergent allergy reactions look like and help you figure out what's happening to you too.

Photo by Cyron

Picture Of Severe Laundry Detergent Allergy Reaction

by Joe
(Shelby, MI)

Joe shared his experience when he had an allergic reaction to laundry detergent.

Joe says:

I have been using regular Tide for a long time and would get minor rashes/irritation from time to time. Then, 2 days ago, while using Tide HE with bleach alternative I had a HUGE flare up and had large lumps and rashes all over my groin, underarms, waistline and legs (picture of underarm included) and both my eyes were half shut from swelling.

I went to the local urgent care clinic and received treatment. While getting the prescription filled I grabbed some Arm And Hammer Perfume And Dye Free Detergent hoping it would help me. I washed approximately 5 loads of clothes including bedding and the next day my hands were very swollen and throughout the day my legs, waist and arms developed more rashes and swelling.

I had to go back to urgent care and get another shot, which didn't seem to help much this time.

Now I am trying an all natural detergent that is plant based. I am REALLY hoping this help me. All I can do is wait it out now and keep taking meds.

Taylor says:

Thanks Joe for sharing your experience with me, but I'm sorry it was so bad for you.

It is no fun to have an allergic reaction, and by the looks of it you've had quite a bad one. I'm glad you've gone to the doctor and hope you'll be on the mend soon.

If you do have luck with this new detergent I'd love to hear about it from you. In addition, you may want to check out this list of hypoallergenic laundry detergent brands to see if it may help you find another detergent to try.

I actually have gotten a couple of complaints very recently about scent free Arm & Hammer, saying that although they had used it without problems for years, it had started giving them an allergic reaction (see the link above). I'm still investigating that issue, but it sounds like it didn't help you.

The other thing is that when you re-wash clothes that have detergent that has caused an allergic reaction you sometimes have to wash a couple of times, or do multiple rinses to get all the offending detergent out of the clothes. If you didn't get all the residue from the Tide out, that may have caused your symptoms to get worse, instead of the Arm & Hammer. It is hard to say for sure.

Has anyone else had a severe allergic reaction to any type of detergent? If so, please share your story here, and how you fixed it (if applicable).

Am I Allergic To Xtra Laundry Detergent?

by Travis
(Weirton, WV)

Travis asked me this question about a possible allergic reaction to detergent he had.

Travis says:

I just went to Walmart and just grabbed any kind of laundry detergent, which happened to be Xtra, and man am I regretting it.

I have done nothing but break out since I last washed my clothes in this detergent. I have like pimple like bumps without the white head and they're really irritated as well as kind of swollen up pimples. When I first got one I thought it was a pimple and squeezed it, and white hard like puss came out.

This detergent is the only thing I can think of that broke me out. Do you have any ideas or input on if this would be the actual cause? Like I said, I've not had a problem until I washed my clothes. Does the symptoms sound like that of an allergic reaction?

Taylor says:

Travis, I'm not a doctor so I can't say for sure if you had an allergic reaction to laundry detergent or not, but it very well could be.

I would suggest going to the doctor to deal with the break out if it came suddenly, since it may need medical attention.

In regard to dealing with the possible allergy, I would first worry about your health and then I would rewash all clothing you previously washed in the Xtra detergent in another detergent you have previously used without problems. It may take a couple of washes to remove any perfumes or other allergens from these clothes.

If this, by itself, calms your break out you'll have a better indication that you and Xtra detergent don't get a long and you shouldn't use it anymore.

I hope that helps, and that you feel better soon!

Does anyone else have laundry detergent allergy pictures to share (family friendly, of course). If so, you can share your pictures and experience here.

Related Links At Stain-Removal-101.com

Best Laundry Detergent For You: Reviews Of Major Brands

Ask Me Your Laundry Questions

Laundry Detergent Allergic Reactions Symptoms & The Cure

Allergic Reaction To Laundry Detergent - What Should I Do?

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