Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that can affect children and adults. It is estimated that about 10% of babies will experience eczema. Many people suffer from this chronic skin condition characterized by red patches or scales, itchy, swollen, or dry, cracked skin. An eczema rash may also appear in small bumps that ooze fluids. Eczema can be aggravated by several triggers including soaps, disinfectants, and abrasive clothing.

In fact, laundry detergents are high on the list of eczema triggers, especially if they contain perfumes, dyes, and other additives. When clothes are laundered, residues of these substances may remain on clothing and trigger an itchy eczema flareup. However, switching to the following gentle or natural detergents for sensitive skin can help to manage your eczema symptoms:

1. Tide Free & Gentle
Free of dyes and perfumes that can trigger an eczema flareup, Tide Free & Gentle cleans your clothes without the smelly or colorful additives. It is hypoallergenic, removes dirt and grime, and is safe for most fabrics. Although this product will not scent your wash, it will help keep skin clear and avoid an eczema attack.

2. Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent
This detergent has been formulated for sensitive skin, and it does not contain any perfumes or dyes. After laundering, you can wear your clothing and know that it does not have lingering residues from dyes and fragrances that can irritate your skin. Although it is gentle on sensitive skin, it still removes tough stains and dirt.

3. Dreft
Dreft detergent is frequently recommended for washing your baby’s clothing, cloth diapers, and linens. It is not just for babies, however. It is the ideal laundry detergent for anyone with sensitive skin, but is powerful enough to be used by the entire family. Free of fragrances and dyes that can act as skin irritants, Dreft leaves clothing fresh and clean.

4. Purex Baby Laundry
This detergent is lightly scented, but is free of dyes that can irritate sensitive skin. It can be safely used on baby clothes, bed linens, and washable diapers. It is hypoallergenic and designed to be safe for both you and your baby’s sensitive skin.

5. Seventh Generation Free & Clear
A plant-based formulation, Seventh Generation Free and Clear is made for sensitive skin. Unlike some detergents, this one has no dyes for color, no perfumes for fragrance, and no optical brighteners to make your laundry appear cleaner by removing any yellowish tinge. After washing, your garments and linens come out clean and fragrance-free. It can be used in standard and high efficiency machines.