Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Your skin is your largest organ. It’s responsible for protecting and defending against bacteria, viruses and environmental aggressors like pollution and excessive sun exposure. The skin is the body’s gatekeeper, and because of this, it’s often the first place that inflammation, irritation and damage might show up. Everyday exposures, and products that many of us take for granted, can sometimes cause your skin to be irritated. Knowing these common causes of skin irritation can help you keep your skin healthy, hydrated and irritation-free.
1. Household Chemical Irritants
Household products used to clean, sanitize, and disinfect, are often associated with skin irritation and skin rashes. These products often have warning labels like ‘EYE AND SKIN IRRITANT,’ or ‘USE IN WELL-VENTILATED AREAS.’ These household chemical irritants are often found in household disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners, mold and mildew removers, window and glass cleaners, drain and oven cleaners and furniture waxes and polishes. Common household chemical irritants include:
- Ammonia
- Sodium bisulfate
- Chloride and alkyl ammonium chloride
- Sodium hypochlorite
- Lye
- Sodium or potassium hydroxide
- Petroleum distillates
2. Soap
Soaps typically have a higher pH and can be drying to the skin and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to skin irritation, itching and inflammation. Instead of soaps, those with sensitive or irritated skin should look for gentle skin cleansers such as Cetaphil Skin Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and Aquanil Cleanser.
3. Fragrances
Fragrances are added to products to make them smell more appealing, or to mask other scents. Fragrances are a common cause of skin irritation and allergy. The type of fragrance that causes irritation may vary from person to person, but fragrances found in soaps, lotions, and body sprays can all potentially be irritating to the skin. In general, if you have sensitive skin that is prone to eczema or irritation, you should look for skin care products that are ‘fragrance-free.’
4. Clothing
Some clothing fabrics can lead to skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive or eczema prone skin. Wool and certain synthetic fibers may cause irritated skin and itching, especially if they lead to overheating and sweating. Rough seams, loose threads, and fasteners could also lead to irritated skin. Look for smooth and loose-fitting clothing, made of cotton or breathable fabrics like bamboo, which are kinder to sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation.
5. Latex
Latex is a natural rubber that many people may be sensitive to and that is a common cause of irritated skin. Latex may be found in gloves, underpants, bras and other types of clothing. People who are sensitive to latex might notice red, itchy welts on their skin, or around their waistlines after wearing pants with an elastic waistband.
6. Heat
Extreme temperatures can lead to irritated skin. Heat, humidity and sweating can lead to flare ups of certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, and can make the skin red, itchy and irritated. Heat might also lead to skin chafing, especially in areas like under the breasts, between the thighs and in belly folds.
7. Face Products
Ingredients that are popular in skin care, especially those used for exfoliation, skin-peeling, anti-aging, or wrinkle-reduction can lead to irritated skin. Using these products can lead to burning, stinging, reddened skin. Sometimes, these products can be more irritated during the cold, dry winter months. Common ingredients in face products that can be irritating include:
- Retinoids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Ascorbic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic Acid
8. Nickel
Nickel is a natural metal that is a common cause of skin irritation. It can be found in earrings, necklaces, costume jewelry, clothing fasteners and in watchbands. Those sensitive to nickel may notice itching, redness, discoloration, and swelling in areas of the skin that have been exposed to nickel.
9. Plants
Plants like poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are common causes of skin irritation and rashes. These plants contain a toxic oil called urushiol that can lead to a blistery, itching and irritated red rash. People may encounter these plants, and other plant allergens, while doing yard work, while playing outdoor sports, or while engaged in outdoor activities like hiking. Rashes and irritated skin from exposure to these plants can last from days to weeks.
10. Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun and wearing sunscreen is vital. However, some types of sunscreen can lead to irritated skin for certain people. The ingredients in some chemical sunscreens can lead to irritated skin, itching and rash. Potentially irritating ingredients in sunscreens include oxybenzone, dibenzoylmethanes, cinnamates, and benzophenones. For those with sensitive skin, physical or mineral sunscreen are a good option, as they are effective, but less irritating than chemical sunscreen. Common ingredients in physical/mineral sunscreens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Conclusion
Irritated skin can be caused by a variety of triggers including chemical irritants found in common household products, harsh soaps, sunscreens, and heat. Along with good skincare, identifying and managing your triggers is a good first step in reducing skin irritation.
