Soap Allergy Symptoms: Causes, Reactions & Relief

Allergies to soaps, including cleaning detergents, fall under the category of contact dermatitis. Direct contact with the allergen causes skin inflammation in its sufferers. Various symptoms of a soap allergy, or contact dermatitis, can be mild or severe. The allergic reaction is generally localized, affecting the area where the soap product touches the skin.

Skin Rash

• According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one of the common symptoms of a soap allergy is a red, itchy, non-blistering skin rash.

Dry, Cracked Skin

• Another symptom is dry, cracked skin that peels.

Swelling

• Localized swelling on the area of contact is also a symptom of a soap allergy, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Tenderness

• Skin tenderness and sensitivity in the area where the soap has made contact indicates that a person is allergic to a particular brand of soap.

Skin Lesions

• Severe symptoms of a soap allergy are skin lesions that blister or form pimple-like sores that ooze thick fluids.