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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Bleach Used In Clothes Lead To Skin Rashes?

I used a little to much bleach and more than usual laundry detergent when I washed my sheets. I have been getting a rash on different parts of my body for the last two days. It really itches do you think it was the bleach and or detergent? What can I do?
Mon, 18 May 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern.

Thanks for your query .Yes laundry products like bleach and detergents can cause cause skin allergy or rashes .The condition is known as contact dermatitis and occur when immune system respond against such irritants.

Treatment starts from avoiding the allergen .I would suggest you to stop bleaching your cloths ,wash off detergent from your cloths properly so that no detergent remains with cloths,bath in simple water to remove any laundry product stick to your body and apply calamine lotion , apply hydrocortisone cream to your rashes and don't scratch your skin.

If condition persists or get worse contact dermatologist .Doctor may perform patch test on your skin ,so that he/she can tell exactly what allergen is responsible and may prescribe antibiotics in case of infected rashes or creams like tacrolimus where steroids do not work.

Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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Does Bleach Used In Clothes Lead To Skin Rashes?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. Thanks for your query .Yes laundry products like bleach and detergents can cause cause skin allergy or rashes .The condition is known as contact dermatitis and occur when immune system respond against such irritants. Treatment starts from avoiding the allergen .I would suggest you to stop bleaching your cloths ,wash off detergent from your cloths properly so that no detergent remains with cloths,bath in simple water to remove any laundry product stick to your body and apply calamine lotion , apply hydrocortisone cream to your rashes and don t scratch your skin. If condition persists or get worse contact dermatologist .Doctor may perform patch test on your skin ,so that he/she can tell exactly what allergen is responsible and may prescribe antibiotics in case of infected rashes or creams like tacrolimus where steroids do not work. Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari