Your clothes rub against your skin all day long, and your sheets and bedding brush against it all night long. So the detergent and other products you use on laundry day can have a big impact on your skin health and eczema symptoms.
But if you’re careful, laundry doesn’t have to cause your skin more trouble. For clean clothes without making eczema worse, try these tips from dermatologist Suzanne Friedler, MD, of the Mount Sinai Hospital and St. John’s Episcopal Hospital.
In addition to revamping your laundry routine, follow these rules for better showers with eczema and these tips for picking out the right moisturizer for eczema.
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Dr. Friedler is a dermatologist and clinical instructor at The Mount Sinai Hospital and St. John's Episcopal Hospital.
References
American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). How can I find eczema friendly products?
Christou, D., et al. (2024). Evaluating the impact of laundry detergents on the skin microbiome of atopic dermatitis patients — A clinical study. Health Science Reports.
Isoda, K, et al. (2011). Treatment of cloth with a fabric softener ameliorates skin dryness. The Journal of Dermatology.
National Eczema Association. (n.d.). Eczema product directory: Laundry.
National Eczema Association. (2024). Basics of atopic dermatitis care.
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