Biological washing detergents are no more harmful for people with eczema than non-biological products, according to a new study by British researchers.
Many people blame the stain-removing enzymes in biological washing powders for flare-ups in their eczema, but scientists in London and Nottingham have concluded that the enzymes are largely unable to penetrate the skin in order to cause an allergic reaction.
The researchers, whose findings are published in the British Journal of Dermatology, analysed the existing evidence, including actual exposures to biological detergents as well as applications of extreme quantities.
According to researcher Dr Sarah Wakelin, a dermatologist at St Mary's Hospital in London, the findings indicate that enzymes in laundry detergents "are not a cause of either skin irritation or skin allergy".
"Investigations of numerous individuals with skin complaints attributed to laundry products demonstrate convincingly that enzymes were not responsible," she revealed.
"Indeed, enzyme-containing laundry products have an extensive history of safe use. Thus, the supposed adverse effects of enzymes on skin seem to be a consequence of a mythology."
Biological washing detergents are no more harmful for people with eczema than non-biological products, according to a new study by British researchers.
