Most people don’t enjoy cleaning their house but recognize this is a task they must complete. Certain individuals, however, find cleaning their homes to be irritating. When they use cleaning products, they find their skin breaks out and they end up with a rash that is red, swollen, and itchy. Doctors refer to this as contact dermatitis.
Unfortunately, this problem doesn’t get them out of cleaning. They can either pay to have someone else do it or find ways to avoid the rash. Certain chemicals seem to irritate the skin more than others.
Look for products that have a warning label that says danger, poison, or use in a well-ventilated area. These phrases indicate the product likely contains chemicals that could lead to an outbreak of contact dermatitis. Products that may come with these labels include toilet bowl and drain cleaners, disinfectants, furniture waxes, and spot removers.
Fortunately, some companies today make products specifically for sensitive skin. For example, try disinfectant from Clean Boss to see if that helps prevent an outbreak. Until you find products that won’t lead to a bout with contact dermatitis, try the following tips to prevent irritation.
Read Product Labels
Read the label of any product you are using to learn which chemicals are found in it. Make a list of products you have used right before a breakout and look for common ingredients in these products. That may help identify which chemicals your skin negatively reacts to. In addition, always follow the manufacturer’s directions on the product to ensure you use the product correctly.
Go Green
Choose green cleaners, as they tend to be gentler on the skin and the environment. Although there is no guarantee they will prevent contact dermatitis, many people find they have a milder reaction, if any, when using them. Find products that don’t contain dyes or fragrances or make your own cleaning solutions using common household items such as baking soda.
Store Products Properly
To prevent accidental contact with a chemical that causes dermatitis, keep all cleaning solutions in their original containers and never remove the labels. Always close the lid tightly after use to prevent an accidental spill.
Never Mix Solutions
People may decide to mix solutions to create a more potent product that does the job. Never make this mistake. Certain chemicals, when combined, create deadly fumes that can make a person seriously ill.
Wear Protection
Wear gloves and long sleeves when using cleaning products to prevent accidental exposure. However, choose the gloves wisely, as many people are allergic to latex. They may have a skin reaction when using latex gloves that can be avoided by purchasing plastic or vinyl versions. Furthermore, wash your hands and all exposed skin to remove any chemicals that did make their way under the protective gear. Use a gentle soap and warm water to prevent an additional reaction.
If you do come into contact with one or more chemicals, immediately wash your skin. When a rash breaks out, contact the doctor. They may prescribe a cream or ointment to help control the redness and itching seen with this skin condition. If these products don’t work, a steroid may be needed.
Never scratch the rash. Doing so could make the area itch more and lead to an infection. A moisturizing cream may be of help in protecting the skin while soothing the itch. Ask the doctor for additional recommendations so you get the relief you need while the skin recovers.
