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Can dryer sheets cause itching?
My brother has excessive itching and dermatitis off and on, mainly on his lower legs. He had his wife change laundry detergent, but that didn't help a lot. Could the dryer sheets she's using cause the problem?
62 yr old, Female
asked Mar 16, 2010 at 12:11PM in Allergies
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My son is allergic to dryer sheets, any type of fabric softener. When he uses it he itches terrible and has sort of raised red bumps where the clothing touches him.When he doesnt use them he is fine.Connie F. Terrell commented Jul 12, 2010 at 02:13PM
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0VotesI agree with Gerry. I'd also add that if he's wearing long socks (presumably also dried with the dryer sheets), that might not be helping matters.
Years ago, I requested information from the federal government (forget the department name...Consumer Product Safety Commission?) on complaints filed regarding scented laundry detergent and dryer sheets. There were many complaints noting itchy skin, asthma, etc.
The reason I investigated this is due to a neighbor's dryer venting out nearby our bedroom windows. My husband and I would get headaches when she was running laundry from the fragrance fumes.
I offered a box of unscented detergent and fabric softener to her, asking if she'd mind trying please. She did, and later reported that the hives that she and her daughter had long suffered from went completely away.
Some research indicates that these laundry products contain toxic compounds:
http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/toxic-chemicals-found-common-scented-laundry-products-air-fresheners-16960.html
My understanding is that the fragrance industry is essentially accountable to no one as far as safety. Some won't even divulge ingredients, citing competitive reasons.
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The content on or accessible through Medpedia.com is for informational purposes only. Medpedia is not a substitute for professional advice or expert medical services from a qualified health professional.
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