Detergent is something we inevitably come into contact with in our daily lives. Whether it's for washing clothes, dishes, hands, cleaning the kitchen, or maintaining hygiene, we rely on detergents. However, sometimes our hands can have allergic reactions after coming into contact with detergents. So what should we do if we have a detergent allergy?
What causes detergent allergies?
Detergents can be classified into natural and synthetic detergents based on their sources. The detergents we commonly use are usually synthetically made with multiple chemical components. Most of them are acidic or alkaline, and some, like degreasers and toilet cleaners, can be quite irritating. While removing stains, detergents also unknowingly damage the protective layer of your skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is easy to develop allergies, leading to symptoms such as rashes and itching. So how should we deal with this situation?
Apply ointment after washing hands
If you feel a burning sensation in your palms after using detergent, wash your hands immediately and soak them in clean water for a while. If you develop severe rashes, it is recommended to take some vitamin E supplements and apply anti-allergic ointments such as urea cream to the affected areas.
Wear plastic gloves
For people with fragile skin who may experience allergic reactions when using detergents, it is advisable to wear plastic gloves when doing laundry or washing dishes. Choose gloves that fit snugly to your hands for better convenience.
Use neutral detergents
Many detergents contain substances that can be quite irritating in order to enhance their effectiveness. It is recommended to use mild neutral detergents in your daily life to reduce the damage to your hands caused by detergents. Avoid using alkaline detergents and provide some simple care for your hands after completing household chores.
What precautions should be taken while using detergents?
1. Avoid mixing different detergents together, as this can produce toxic gases that can harm your health.
2. It is best to avoid direct contact with detergents if you have any wounds on your hands. Instead, wear plastic gloves. When the skin is damaged, the surfactants in detergents can penetrate the skin cracks and cause irritation, leading to skin eczema.
3. When using strong detergents like toilet cleaners, it is advisable to wear a mask to prevent the inhalation of irritating odors that could cause discomfort.