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Fabric Conditioner Allergy Reaction: How To Treat It

If you are one of the unlucky few who suffers from a fabric conditioner allergy, then you know how difficult it can be to find a product that doesn't make your symptoms worse.

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Fabric Conditioner Allergy Reaction: How To Treat It

Does it seem like every time you try a new fabric conditioner, you end up with a nasty rash or itchy skin? We’ve put together a guide on some of the best at-home remedies you can try to calm that allergic reaction down when it’s happening, and we give you the solution to keeping your clothes soft and free from allergens without any of the side effects.

Fabric Softener Allergy Symptoms

In our blog, Reasons You Have A Fabric Conditioner Allergy we discussed the reasons why some people react to fabric conditioners badly. Here is a summary of what a fabric softener allergy most likely presents as;

  • Dry, itchy skin

  • Red, inflamed skin

  • Watery eyes and runny nose (usually from an allergic reaction to the fragrances)

If you are experiencing a severe allergic reaction like shortness of breath, blurred vision, or increased heart rate, it’s best to get medical attention immediately and either go to your nearest GP or hospital.

At-Home Remedies For Fabric Softener Allergies

If you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to fabric softener and are displaying one or more of the symptoms above, try these at-home remedies to calm the skin down quickly. You want to ideally get the skin to stop being inflamed and itchy as quickly as possible.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar – you want to test this one on a small patch of skin first before putting over your whole body. Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it should promote skin healing and make it less red and itchy. Mix a tablespoon of the vinegar in a cup of warm water and apply it to the skin with soft cotton wool.

  • Coconut Oil – take some coconut oil (organic or as pure as you can get it) and rub it in your hands to melt and warm it. Apply to the affected skin area and leave it to soak in for at least 30 minutes before patting it off. You can reapply every hour or so too.

  • Essential Oil Bath – taking a warm (not hot) bath with a mix of essential oils that have anti-inflammatory properties is a very soothing way to calm down the skin. We recommend adding 5 – 10 drops of peppermint oil and tea tree oil as a soothing combination.

Benefits of Using Comfort Pure for Sensitive Skins

Ideally, if you know that your skin is reacting to the fabric softener you’re using, you are going to want to stop using it immediately. The next question you might have though, is now what do I use? Luckily for you, we can recommend Comfort Pure fabric softener which is ideal for people that are sensitive to fabric softeners.

Comfort Pure is a wonderfully gentle fabric conditioner that has been dermatologically tested to be safe for allergy-prone skins and it’s also the perfect product to use for baby clothing and their sensitive skin too. Here’s how to introduce it:

  • Stop using the fabric softener that has caused the allergic reaction immediately.

  • Allow your skin to calm down (using our at-home remedies or over-the-counter medication prescribed by your GP). This process can take 1 – 2 weeks.

  • Once your skin is happy, start using Comfort Pure as your fabric conditioner of choice.

For more clothing care tips and tricks, visit Cleanipedia

Frequently Asked Questions on Fabric Softener Allergies

What Does an Allergic Reaction to Laundry Detergent Look Like?

Allergic skin reactions to fabric conditioners or detergents usually present as dry, itchy skin, or red, inflamed or blistered skin.

How Do you Treat an Allergic Reaction to Fabric Softener?

Stop using the fabric softener that is causing the reaction immediately. Try the at-home remedies we recommend above to stop the inflammation on your skin and soothe it.

Can I be Allergic to Fabric Conditioners?

If you are experiencing the symptoms we’ve described above, you could very well be allergic to the perfumed fabric conditioner you’ve been using. Stop using it immediately and allow your skin to calm down for a week or two to see if the allergic reaction stops.

How Long Does Detergent Allergy Last?

This kind of allergy will persist as long as you continue to use the product that is causing the skin irritation. If you stop using the perfumed product, the reaction should stop too.

Is Fabric Softener Necessary?

Using fabric conditioner like Comfort Pure is a great decision. It is dermatologically tested* and is designed to be gentle on the garments of people with sensitive skin.

Originally published