There are several kinds of soaps available. Some come with extra moisturizers, while others are added with oils, fragrances etc. If you find redness, swelling and pain after using your soap, you might be having a soap allergy. In such cases, it would be better to switch to another soap immediately to control the allergic reaction. You can choose hypoallergenic soaps or milder soaps to control the allergy.
Not all reactions to soap are due to allergies. Some of the harsh chemicals used in soaps can irritate the skin and result in contact dermatitis. This does not involve the immune system and is not classified as an allergy. An allergy is caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies the soap additives as harmful and reacts against it.
Soap Allergy Symptoms:
Soap allergy involves the following symptoms:
- Redness/rash
- Swelling
- Pain
- Itchiness
The fragrances, chemicals and oils present in the soap may cause allergies. For example, mustard oil present in soaps can trigger hand soap allergy in a few people.
To treat the redness and swelling due to soap allergies, you can apply calamine lotion, moisturizer or corticosteroid cream. Anti-histamines can also be taken to relieve the reaction.
Preventing Soap Allergy:
- Stop using the soap if you find redness and swelling. Switch to another soap
- Hypoallergenic soaps can be used to prevent allergies
- Milder versions of soaps contain few chemicals and may be helpful to prevent allergies
- Soaps with moisturizers are better, as normal soaps can dry the skin and aggravate the allergy
- Read the labels of the soap to see if any allergy-causing chemicals are used
If your soap allergy is persistent, do consult your dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
More Symptoms of Soap Allergy:
- Skin Rash: The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reveals that a common symptom of soap allergy is a non-blistering, itchy, red, skin rash.
- Cracked, Dry Skin: Another common symptom is cracked, dry skin that peels.
- Swelling: The U.S. National Library of Medicine reveals that swelling in the region of contact is another symptom of soap allergy.
- Tenderness: More symptoms include sensitivity and tenderness in the skin area washed with the soap.
- Skin Lesions: Severe symptoms are blistered skin lesions, or sores from which thick fluids ooze out.
