Washing powders 'do not irritate'

Biological washing powders do not irritate the skin or aggravate eczema, say researchers.

The idea that bio detergent can trigger skin reactions is a myth that has no scientific basis, it is claimed.

Biological powders and liquid detergents contain enzymes that "digest" dirt and stains and operate at low temperatures.

But for years it has been suggested that they can irritate the skin and might worsen the symptoms of people with eczema.

The suspicion is thought to have arisen after workers involved in the manufacture of detergent enzymes suffered skin reactions.

However, an association with eczema when the detergents are used in the home has never been clearly proven.

Scientists from Nottingham and London carried out a review of the evidence, looking at both normal and extreme exposures to the biological agents.

Dr Sarah Wakelin, a dermatologist at St Mary's Hospital, London, one of the researchers whose findings appear in the British Journal of Dermatology, said: "What we have found is that ultimately, the balance of all the evidence is that enzymes in laundry detergents are not a cause of either skin irritation or skin allergy."

Dr Colin Holden, president of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "This study highlights that flare-ups of eczema should not just be written of as caused by washing powder.

"This serves as a reminder to medical professionals that an expert dermatologist should explore all the other potential causes, as bio detergents may well not be the culprit."

Share this article

Send this article to a friend »

• Del.icio.us
• Digg
• Reddit
• Facebook
• StumbleUpon

What are these?