Allergies can be caused by food, cosmetics, some plants, or animal hair. But, in addition to this, there is another rather strong and dangerous allergen. Powder allergies can occur in both adults and children. To protect your family from skin rashes and other unpleasant manifestations of an allergic reaction, you need to learn how to choose a safe cleanser.
The composition of washing powders
On sale there are many varieties of household chemicals that differ among themselves in the manufacturer, price, composition. As a rule, their components are basically the same, with the exception of special tools that are classified as hypoallergenic (when using them, an allergy to the powder does not occur). The main components:
• Surfactants (surfactants). They are the main components of washing powders (anionic, cationic and nonionic). Anionic - the most effective and inexpensive, but at the same time the most dangerous for the body.
• Phosphates (phosphonates, phosphorites). These components are necessary to soften water. They have strong toxicity and enhance the negative effects of surfactants. In some countries, they are not allowed to be added to washing powder.
• Chemical bleaches are chlorine-containing substances that are dangerous in themselves. Their negative impact is enhanced by combining them with dirt of biological origin.
• Enzymes - they are designed to better remove contaminants.
What component of the powder causes allergies
Basically, an allergic reaction is caused by phosphates, flavors and bleaching components. They are dangerous in that they remain on things after washing and are not removed from it even after rinsing. It follows that allergy to washing powder can occur in two ways:
- when used, the product gets on the skin;
- we put on clean linen that was washed with powder.
When using any detergent, safety precautions must be observed.
The reasons for the negative impact of washing powder
The negative effects of the detergent may occur if the conditions for handling it are not observed. The main recommendations for the use of detergents:
• Do not use large quantities of powder;
• household chemicals are not allowed to be stored near foodstuffs, and they should be kept out of the reach of children;
• an allergy to powder may occur due to hand washing without the use of gloves;
• so that the particles of the detergent do not enter the respiratory system, it must be carefully poured into the washing machine;
• thoroughly rinse clothes;
• Do not wash children's clothes with the same detergent as adult things;
• It’s best not to use cheap detergents.
Powder Allergy: Symptoms
A symptom of an allergy can be one symptom or several at once. This is due to the individual characteristics of the body and depends on the type of contact with the detergent:
• Powder allergy: symptoms of contact dermatitis - a rash of a nodular or vesicle nature in contact with the skin of a detergent or clothing on which its particles remain. Rashes are accompanied by itching, swelling, peeling.
• Allergic conjunctivitis is manifested by redness of the eyes, lacrimation, itching, photophobia develops.
• How does an allergy to a powder occur when inhaled particles? Rhinitis usually begins, coughing, sneezing, and discharge from the nose are also characteristic.
• Allergic asthma - asthma attacks, shortness of breath.
Powder allergy in a child
Due to age-related characteristics, a child cannot explain and show what worries him. Parents can recognize the disease and help the baby, for this they need to imagine what an allergy to washing powder looks like. A photo of an allergic rash is presented in the article.
• There is a small red rash on the skin.
• What does an allergy to powder look like? roughness and peeling of the skin is observed.
• There is constant itching of the affected areas.
• There is swelling of the skin.
When particles of detergent get into the respiratory tract, an incessant cough appears, which is accompanied by attacks of suffocation.
It is worth noting that an allergy to powder in a baby is manifested not only by skin rashes, but also by all kinds of intestinal disorders (bloating, stool disturbance). Treatment of allergic manifestations in children should be not only with the use of local antiallergic drugs (creams, ointments), but it is also necessary to give the child funds that will remove toxins from the body. Quite often there is an allergy to the Eared Nanny powder, which is associated with its composition, which has a large amount of phosphates. In this case, you should consult a pediatrician before buying a powder for washing baby clothes. In case of allergic symptoms in a child, first of all, it is necessary to eliminate the allergen, give the baby an antihistamine that is appropriate for his age, and consult a pediatrician, in severe cases - immediately call an emergency.
How to choose a safe detergent
• An allergy to washing powder most often occurs due to the presence of phosphates in it, so make sure that they are not in the composition.
• Hypoallergenic detergent should not contain strong fragrances and fragrances.
• High-quality washing powder should not foam too much.
• A good product should have a homogeneous mass without lumps.
• The package must indicate its composition in different languages, as well as the address of the manufacturer.
• Hypoallergenic household cleaning products are best purchased in specialized stores.
Allergy treatment
With manifestations of allergies, antihistamines are indicated:
• "Fenistil";
• "Suprastin";
• "Tavegil";
• "Coaritin";
• "Diazolin";
• "Tsetrin".
For local use, the following drugs are prescribed:
• "Fenistil-gel";
• "Solcoseryl";
• "Visible".
In the presence of strong scratches, cracks, antimicrobial and wound healing preparations are prescribed:
• "Bepanten";
• "Curiosin";
• "Methyluracil ointment".
If the rash appears in the form of vesicles with a transparent content and a wetting surface, then medications are prescribed:
• "Elokom";
• "Dermozolone";
• "Belosalik".
In addition, sedatives are prescribed:
• "Persen";
• Novo-Passit;
• "Trivalumen";
• "Glitsesed";
• "Corvaltab".
In addition to treatment, the patient is shown a hypoallergenic diet.
Alternative methods for allergies
In combination with the use of medicines, you can use effective alternative methods of treatment.
• A soda bath relieves itching and soothes the skin. In a bath with water, dilute half a glass of soda. It is recommended to take a bath for 30 minutes. After applying ointment to the skin. The procedure can be performed in the morning and evening.
• Dried dandelion and burdock roots relieve itching and reduce rashes. The ingredients must be ground. 2 tbsp add the mixture to 600 ml of water. To insist the night. Boil in the morning and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. Take a decoction of 100 ml 5 times a day.
• Shevchenko’s mixture is effective against allergies. 30 g of unrefined oil mix with 30 g of vodka and drink. The mixture is recommended to drink 10 days 3 times a day before meals at the same time. Then take a 5-day break. Then you can repeat the treatment, after which take a break for 2 weeks. Also, this composition can be used to treat allergic skin areas.
If there is an allergy to the powder in a child, then it is strictly forbidden to use traditional medicine methods. It is necessary to show the baby to the doctor who will prescribe the necessary treatment.
Preventive measures
The disease is better to prevent than to treat, so you need to follow simple preventive measures.
• An allergy to a powder occurs due to the presence of phosphates in its composition, it follows from this that hypoallergenic powders are best used.
• Household chemicals must be stored in sealed containers.
• During washing, the dosages indicated on the packaging must be observed.
• Always wear gloves when hand washing.
• After washing with powder, it is recommended to rinse the laundry several times.
An allergic reaction to a powder depends on the individual characteristics of the body, how sensitive it is to certain components. But unfortunately, today there are common cases of allergies to powders due to non-compliance by manufacturers with standards for the production of detergents. Therefore, before buying, carefully study their composition, especially if they are designed for washing baby clothes.