Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes the appearance of itchy, rough, and scaly patches of skin with severe swelling and redness. Various doctors may recommend that atopic dermatitis and sensitive skin patients limit their exposure to irritants as part of the eczema treatment plan. Eczema remedies may also include limiting exposure to specific triggers—like soaps, dyes and perfumes. Choosing the right clothing detergents may also help lessen or alleviate eczema symptoms. Try these eczema-friendly gentle laundry detergents:

1. Purex Baby Laundry

Purex promotes that this specific detergent in their line has been tested by dermatologists and is also hypoallergenic, which means it’s free of any perfume or dyes. Their product is scented, however. Their product is safe for use in high-efficiency washers and on the most sensitive skin, even for newborns.

2. Dreft

Dreft boasts that it doesn’t add phosphates, chlorine or dyes to its detergent, but it is scented. It is labeled as hypoallergenic and is great for those who have sensitive skin. It has been trusted for many years as a great detergent for baby clothes, but it can also be used on regular loads of laundry as well. This detergent has been known to be particularly good for getting formula stains out of clothing.

3. Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent

Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent is labeled as being free from dyes, fragrances and preservatives. It boasts great stain-fighting power as a benefit. It was tested to ensure it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin and is SkinSAFE certified. Both the liquid and pod line are labeled as being SkinSAFE.

4. Seventh Generation Free & Clear

Seventh Generation states that their Free & Clear product contains no fragrances, meets EPA standards and is a 98% plant-based product. They also make the claim that they don’t use any brighteners in their Free & Clear line. It is available in both liquid and pod form. Seventh Generation products are high-efficiency machine safe.

5. Tide Free & Gentle

This Tide detergent is labeled as containing no perfumes or dyes and being hypoallergenic. It has the approval of both the National Eczema Association as well as the National Psoriasis Foundation and is known to be a great detergent for getting clothes really clean. Tide can be used safely in high-efficiency machines.

Although eczema treatment can include the use of various skin creams, salves, lotions and other interventions, it’s always best to try to get to the source of the irritation. Changing laundry detergents may help eczema, and pediatric eczema may especially benefit from the use of gentle clothing detergents. Little ones tend to be the most sensitive to the dyes and perfumes that they make contact with in their everyday lives. That’s why it’s important to choose a laundry detergent that will not irritate their sensitive skin and, as you can see, there are many wonderful detergent options from which to choose.