Household chemicals that you could be allergic to
Posted: 9th March 2022 | Posted by Costa
Household chemicals that you could be allergic to
There’s nothing less convenient than having your allergies triggered at home. All it takes is one open window to set off your hay fever. But at least you can take steps to avoid them. What’s worse is when all you want to do is clean your home and… another allergic reaction.
We can be allergic to many household chemicals and beauty products that make up our day to day. And it might not even be an allergy; some will trigger your asthma. In one study, they found that children had a higher chance of having a recurrent wheeze if they lived in a house that used cleaning products more often.
So what can you do about it? And what symptoms should you look out for?
Allergy triggers
What exactly causes your allergic response will be hard to pin down. But it’ll be a chemical within the product that sets you off. As such, there are plenty of household chemicals that could trigger your allergies.
This includes:
- Washing powder/detergent
- Disinfectants/antibacterial products
- Shampoo
- Soaps and shower gels
- Washing-up liquid
- Polish
- Bleach
The list is far from extensive. As a rule of thumb, staying away from anything containing formaldehyde or ammonia is another good bet.
You’ll know you’ve had an adverse reaction if you experience:
- Red patches on your skin
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Breathing difficulties
What to do
The obvious first step is to avoid using products and chemicals that have triggered your allergies in the past. But there’ll come a time when you have to clean yourself or your home. And that will potentially bring you back into contact with these products.
Until you find alternatives, and if you feel you absolutely must, use rubber gloves when cleaning your home. You also might want to wear a mask to block fumes and open windows to keep the space well ventilated. Though we don’t recommend this at all. You should do what you can to keep yourself healthy.
If you have a partner, consider swapping chores so they do the cleaning. Or, if you’re the domestic one, look for alternative cleaning methods. There will no doubt be a recipe out there for making your own home cleaner with vinegar and baking soda.
Above all else, you want to go to your doctor about any symptoms. They can refer you to an allergy specialist or test you for your exact triggers. This way, you can avoid nasty chemicals and live your life free of worry. And still have a clean house!
If you’re concerned about your allergies, get in touch with our specialists. We can guide you on your allergy journey and help you figure out what you can do. Reach out to us on 02031 433 449.