Recently recognized allergy to enzymes, anyone know of a

[yy4me]

laundry detergent without enzymes? Years ago, we had problems with constant skin itch when the big push was made for detergent with enzymes. We switched brands years ago and things got better. I switched last year to the Sears product and have had itchy skin since. Forgot all about the enzyme connection. Cannot find any product out there at this time without enzymes. Any suggestions?

[dipsydoodle]

1. Please explain.

Is it contact with unused detergent which gives you the problem or wearing clothers washed in it ? I've got a similar minor problem at present.

[yy4me]

6. I should have been more clear, I do not touch the dry soap

powder, just use the recommended scoop in each load. It seems that, for the past two years or so, my skin, particularly on my back, is constantly itchy. Drives me crazy. Sometimes I will scratch and rub spots where nothing is visible. When this happened years ago, my doctor told me to stop using detergents with enzymes. Now, this was 20 years ago and I forgot all about the association. I think I was using Surf before but whatever it was, no itch problem. After I read something yesterday about enzymes, I read the box from the Sears detergent and sure enough, second ingredient mentioned is enzymes. Maybe there is no association, and the soap is great but I've got to try something else. I'll wash everything I come in contact with and see if this itchy feeling goes away. I've searched the internet and am having trouble finding anything without enzymes but did find a reference to the fact that detergents labeled "Non-Biological" do not have enzymes. I will go anywhere to try and find something. Later I'll hit the largest grocery store in town to read every box. Your thoughts will be of help and I will let everyone know what I find. I hope to find a powder since I have a storage problem for liquids.

[dipsydoodle]

7. When I first had the problem

it affected my back. It was winter and I was sleeping wearing a white tee shirt. I thought it may have been a result of using Oxy Clean and fabric conditioner as well as detergent. The Doc. said I'd got dry skin anyway and recommended I stopped using those things, give up the the tee shirt and use white emulsifying oinment instead of soap to wash. She also gave me bundles of moisturisers for my skin. All prescriptions are free here soon as you reach 60 and so it cost me nix. Anyway - whole lot worked and problem cleared up.

Word of warning - if you've got an itch then dont scratch it ! That's what makes matters worse.

[PADemD]

2. Similar problem here with dryer sheets.

I tried them when they were first introduced and got a rash.

[BadgerKid]

3. soaps that use natural surfactants

There should be something out there. I've used them at one point. IIRC those products don't have added perfumes either.

[intaglio]

5. Sorry this shocks me

In the UK we always have a choice between "Biological" (contains enzymes) and "Non-Biological" detergents and all thev major brands make both.

Obviously I cannot recommend any US products but contact these people, Ecover they do an online service (check where to buy) sorry for the websit - it's British :eyes:

[TalkingDog]

4. We only use hypoallergenic soaps

for laundry. (All Free and Clear is fairly easy to find) Dr. Bronner's soaps for literally everything else (cleaning us, the house etc)

Also, my spousal unit's uncle owned a laundry in P'burgh and says people use WAY too much soap. Use about 1/2 of what they suggest, unless the clothes are very dirty. And every third wash, use no soap at all. Because as you have found out, the soap stays in the clothes.

Baking soda can boost the cleaning power, but again a small amount rather than what the SELLER is suggesting you use.

Good Luck.



Edited for spelling suckage.

My favorite Future Famous Dead Artist: KarenParker

[BrklynLiberal]

8. Check out Seventh Generation

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

About Us
Seventh Generation is the nation's leading brand of non-toxic and environmentally safe household products. With distribution in thousands of natural product and grocery stores nationwide, we've become the authority when it comes to products that protect your health and the planet. We've also won over 15 major awards that recognize our efforts to preserve the environment.

We derive our name from the Iroquois belief that "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." Every time you use a Seventh Generation product you are making a difference by saving natural resources, reducing pollution, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations.

Educating This and Future Generations
Seventh Generation is committed to helping consumers make informed choices.

We provide information in several formats: on our packaging, and web site, in our newsletter, The Non-Toxic Times, and in booklets and presentations by Jeffrey Hollender, our President and Inspired Protagonist, as well as other members of our community. Our web site in particular focuses on answering the questions that consumers most frequently ask about household products and their impact on our health and the health of the environment. Topics include: the effects of chlorine, petroleum, traditional household cleaners, and non-toxic cleaning.

Check out our complete line of non-toxic household products
Seventh Generation brand-name products include: non-chlorine bleached, 100% recycled paper towels, bathroom and facial tissues, napkins and paper plates; non-toxic, phosphate free, biodegradable cleaning, dish and laundry products; plastic trash bags made from 65-100% recycled plastic; chlorine free baby diapers and baby wipes, and chlorine free feminine care products, including organic cotton tampons.

[yy4me]

9. Thanks for the information. I will head for Wild Oats in a few days.

Is this product available at Whole Foods too?(Its closer) I will try it next. I bought a box of Trader Joe's
"Next to Godliness" detergent that I was assured was completely free of enzymes and allergens. I will try yours too. I checked out the web site, it has great information. I never thought I'd have so much trouble finding what I need. You all have been great.

[Warpy]

10. I got a sample in the mail in the 60s

when those enzymes first came out. I was poor so I used it.

I broke out from the neck down and from the wrists up, big, red, itchy blotches. It was horrible, and I knew what the problem was.

You can be allergic to enzymes, although the culprit is more likely the fragrance.

I've been able to use Arm & Hammer detergent. If I start to get itchy, though, I switch to Dr. Bronner's castile soap for a few loads. That seems to help.

You can get Dr. Bronner's at health food stores and camping gear outlets. Once you wash your face with the peppermint soap, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else.

[dropkickpa]

11. I use all free and clear

And avoid all powdered soaps like the plague. I also make sure to pour the liquid soap into the washer (with it already beginning to fill) before putting any clothes in. I only use half the recommended amount. I am poor, so the price is definitely right. I've found that I can use some scented fabric softners (liquid downy) but usually just stick to the unscented Downy. I am actually allergic to whatever the material is they make the sheets out of.

[Trillo]

12. Reduce the pH of rinse water.

(I've had the itchy skin from laundry detergents ever since I was a child.)

I use an extra rinse cycle (yes, takes extra water), and the final rinse cycle I reduce the pH of the water. If you don't know how to reduce the pH of water, then maybe this'll help. My target pH for the final rinse cycle is about 6.0., though 6.5 would probably also work fairly well.

Most municipal water in the U.S. is pH adjusted to be slightly alkaline to increase the lifespan of water pipes. It's really hard to rinse all soap (alkaline) out of clothes with alkaline water.

This seems to keep my skin from being itchy even with enzyme based powdered detergents. My clothes also last longer.