Is Laundry Detergent a Common Cause of Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

Cutis. 2023 Apr;111(4):172-175. doi: 10.12788/cutis.0748.

Abstract

Both patients and health care providers commonly suspect laundry detergent as the cause of skin problems; however, research suggests that the prevalence of laundry detergent-associated allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) may be quite low. Herein, we provide a summary of the evidence for the potential allergenicity of laundry detergent, including common allergens present in laundry detergent, the role of machine washing, and the differential diagnosis for laundry detergent-associated ACD.

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / adverse effects
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact* / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact* / etiology
  • Detergents* / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Patch Tests
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Detergents
  • Allergens