household Detergents as being one of the possible causative and aggravating factors in vitiligo [1].
This is because the harsh chemicals found in most detergents will leave residues on the clothes, and these are subsequently transferred on to the skin. These chemicals include the dyes and fragrances used – while these do indeed clean, deodorize, and disinfect the clothes, they are also toxic to the melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells).
Dr. Harris MD, PhD found that these chemicals contain what chemists call “phenols” – a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group attached.
This is significant because they appear to mimic the amino acid tyrosine, which is also a phenol, and is the basic building block used by melanocytes to make the pigment melanin. So, melanocytes take up these chemicals as if they were the amino acid tyrosine, which injures them and results in inflammation and autoimmunity. This either induces vitiligo or makes it worse [1].
The Vitiligo Foundation also warns against the use of most laundry detergents [2]; similarly, the Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation identifies household detergents as one of the causative factors, together with dyes, perfume, cleansers, insecticides, antiseptics with phenolic-derivatives, and mercuric iodide-containing germicidal soap [3].
Among the harshest chemicals found in household items are [4]:
- Hydroquinone
- Monobenzylether of hydroquinone
- Monoethylether of hydroquinone (p-ethoxyphenol)
- Monomethylether of hydroquinone (p-methoxyphenol)
- p-Cresol
- p-Isopropylcatechol
- p-Methylcatechol
- p-Nonylphenol
- p-Octylphenol
- p-Phenylphenol
- p-tert-Amylphenol
- p-tert-Butylcatechol
- p-tert-Butylphenol
- N,N′,N″-Triethylenethiophosphoramide (thio-TEPA)
- Mercaptoamines, e.g. N-2-mercaptoethyl-dimethylamine hydrochloride (MEDA)
- Physostigmine
So, which are the best (safest) detergents to use if you have vitiligo to avoid aggravating it further?
Similarly, which are the safest detergents to use in vitiligo-susceptible individuals to avoid the triggering of the condition (e.g. direct family members of someone with vitiligo)?
What is usually generally recommended are dye-free, perfume-free laundry detergents, which often have the phrase “free and clear” on the label. Indeed, it is what I have been using for the past years.
However, I was recently introduced to a brand NEW laundry detergent alternative that is way better and comes with a lot of other extra benefits:
1. ZERO chemicals and zero exposure to chemical residues, meaning it is infinitely better for vitiligo-prone skin than any hypoallergenic detergents, and making it the perfect one to use for anyone with vitiligo or sensitive skin
2. It SAVES you a ton of money long term, as you never have to buy laundry detergent ever again.
3. It helps protect the environment by reducing the amount of chemicals from laundry detergent that flow into our rivers, streams, and groundwater, thereby helping to provide us ALL with cleaner drinking water, and less environmental harm.
This new laundry detergent alternative that I’m referring to is called The LifeMiracle Magnetic Laundry System, and I’m actually blown away by how this works, and the benefits for all of us!
Now, I will admit that I was HUGELY skeptical that this would actually work as a detergent alternative, but if you watch the short little video clip on their website, they explain the science of how it actually works for all the skeptics out there. I just started using mine this week, and it really DOES work!
They also explain how you can still get your clothes smelling good (instead of smelling like nothing) without having to use detergent.
This is really impressive, and you’ll want to watch this super short video clip where they explain how it works…
> This new laundry detergent alternative that protects your body while saving you $ & the environment from harmful chemicals
Your skin will thank you, as will your wallet and the environment!
Scientific References:
- https://www.umassmed.edu/vitiligo/blog/blog-posts1/2014/11/chemicals-can-cause-vitiligo-and-also-make-it-worse/
- http://vrfoundation.org/faq_items/21
- http://www.vitsaf.org/content/about-vitiligo
- http://www.thevitpro.com/vitiligo-blog/vitiligo-or-chemical-leukoderma
Author: Dawson, Michael
This post first appeared on NaturWarriors - For Healthier Lives Through Nature!, please read the originial post: here
