Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Remnants of laundry detergent ingredients are suspected to be in constant contact with the skin. Allergy sufferers need assurance that the chemicals in everyday products do not cause such disruption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects and tolerability of common laundry detergents on the skin microbiome in individuals with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Two laundry detergents for sensitive skin were tested on subjects with atopic dermatitis by having to wear detergent-washed socks for 7 days. The bacterial population from volunteers' skin swabs was determined and bacterial viability and biodiversity was evaluated before and after wearing the detergent-washed socks. The tolerability and effect on atopic dermatitis was also evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that the tested laundry detergents did not have a negative effect on bacterial viability or biodiversity on the skin after being exposed to the detergent-washed socks for a week. The laundry detergents were rated as very good on the tolerability scale and no worsening of skin itch was reported with the use of either detergent. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that both laundry detergents are skin and allergy friendly and do not alter the skin microbiome.