How to treat skin irritation and chemical burns from using laundry detergent on the face?

Treatment for Chemical Burns from Laundry Detergent on the Face

Immediately irrigate the affected facial area with copious amounts of cool or lukewarm water for at least 15-20 minutes to dilute and remove the detergent chemicals. 1, 2

Immediate Management

• Immediately remove any remaining detergent from the skin by gently brushing it off with a gloved hand or cloth before irrigation 2
• Use cool or lukewarm water (not hot) for irrigation to prevent additional skin barrier damage and avoid exacerbating inflammation 1
• Pat dry the skin gently rather than rubbing to avoid further irritation to the already compromised skin barrier 1
• Remove any jewelry from the affected area before swelling occurs to prevent constriction and vascular ischemia 1

Wound Care After Irrigation

• After thorough irrigation, loosely cover the affected area with a clean cloth or non-adherent dry dressing 1
• Apply petrolatum (petroleum jelly) or petrolatum-based antibiotic ointment to the affected area to create a protective barrier 1
• Leave intact blisters alone as they serve as a natural barrier against infection 2
• Avoid applying household products, toothpaste, or other home remedies as these may further irritate the skin 2

Pain Management

• Take over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs for pain relief 1
• Continue cooling the affected area as needed to help reduce pain by affecting the inflammatory cascade 2

Ongoing Care

• Apply a thin layer of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (0.5-1%) to reduce inflammation and itching, no more than 3-4 times daily 3
• Moisturize the affected area regularly with fragrance-free moisturizers containing petrolatum or mineral oil to help restore the skin barrier 1
• Avoid using soaps, synthetic detergents, or alcohol-based products on the affected area as these can further irritate damaged skin 1
• Reapply moisturizer every 3-4 hours and/or after each face washing 1

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Seek immediate medical attention if:
  • The burn involves a large area of the face 1
  • There is severe pain, extensive blistering, or signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge) 2
  • You experience difficulty breathing, which could indicate an allergic reaction 1
  • The skin appears white, leathery, or charred, indicating a deeper burn 2
  • Symptoms worsen despite home treatment 4

Prevention of Recurrence

• Use appropriate protective measures when handling laundry detergents in the future 5
• Consider switching to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergents with fewer potential irritants 6
• Keep laundry products out of reach of children and in their original containers 2

Important Considerations

• Chemical burns from detergents may have delayed onset of symptoms, appearing hours after exposure 7, 8
• Detergents contain surfactants that can strip away natural skin lipids, disrupting the skin barrier and causing irritant contact dermatitis 1
• Tide and other laundry detergents contain multiple potential irritants including surfactants, preservatives, and fragrances that can cause significant skin irritation 6
• The facial skin is more sensitive than other body areas and requires gentle care during healing 1