Laundry Tips for Those with Eczema
Do you find it a struggle to live with eczema and sensitive skin? Laundry detergents, washing powder and certain fabrics are just a few things that can cause itchy skin and potentially painful flare ups. We’ve teamed up with eczema blogger Jenny from ‘I Have Eczema’ to bring you some top tips to help change your laundry habits, helping you to be kinder and gentler on yours and your loved ones’ skin:
Detergents
Using a sensitive dermatologically tested, preferably unscented, laundry detergent is a must. There is a debate as to whether non-bio or bio is the way to go but I personally have always used the non-biological type 'just in case'.
Fabric Conditioner
It is also important to use a sensitive laundry fabric conditioner. I usually use the supermarket branded ones with no issues.
Careful Washing
To avoid any cross-contamination, try to wash your own clothing separately to the other people you live with. This can be hard if you have a family but it helps to keep clothes the cleanest for the allergy bearer.
Sensitive Cycles
Washing clothing on a sensitive cycle work best. It is also worth giving your clothing an extra rinse if you do not have a sensitive cycle, as this will help to further wash out the detergent and conditioner to stop skin being further irritated. Bedding, towels etc. which are more likely to collect germs and allergens should be put on a hot/boil wash at 60 degrees to help prevent infections from persisting or spreading.
Clean your appliance
It is wise to clean out your washing machine detergent dispenser drawer every few washes to stop mould from occurring as it not only makes your laundry cleaner, it also helps your machine do a better job.
Clothes Drying
When drying clothing, try to avoid using a radiator or heater as this can encourage mould growth which may aggravate eczema further.
Bedding and Towels
I personally prefer to tumble dry bedding and towels as I have allergies to pollens and spores and find that hanging them outside allows them to harbour all manner of nature, inclusive of big spiders, which makes me all itchy and irritable just seeing one.
After Clothes Shopping
Any new clothing should be washed before you first wear it as some people find that the starches and dyes can cause a reaction. You should do this anyway because you don't know who may have tried something on before you or what the piece of clothing may have encountered in the shop or factory environment.
Living in a world of allergens when you have sensitive skin and eczema can be tough, but following a few of Jenny’s tips such as using a tumble dryer instead of air-drying your clothes and washing new clothing before wearing them should help make life less itchy and more comfortable.
Have any other top eczema-friendly tips? Let us know!
If you found these tips useful, check out our washing machine hacks for lots more useful advice.