Can Products You Use on Your Skin, for Cleaning or Laundry Affect Acid Reflux?

Photo by Brittney Weng on Unsplash

When it comes to managing acid reflux, most people think about the food they eat, but did you know that the products you use on your skin, for cleaning, and for laundry could also have an impact on your symptoms? While these products may not directly cause acid reflux, they can contribute to irritation, allergies, or stress, which can worsen reflux symptoms or trigger flare-ups.

Here’s how everyday household and personal care products might be affecting your acid reflux and what you can do about it.

Skin Care Products: Potential Irritants for Your Esophagus

Many skincare products, such as lotions, creams, sunscreens, and perfumes, contain fragrances, artificial dyes, or chemicals that can irritate your skin, eyes, or respiratory system. For individuals with acid reflux, this irritation can sometimes extend to the esophagus, making it more sensitive to stomach acid.

Fragrances and Strong Chemicals: Many skincare products contain artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals. While these are great for creating pleasant scents or improving the product's shelf life, they can sometimes cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, which may lead to inflammation and esophageal irritation. This can make it harder for your esophagus to heal from acid reflux or GERD.

Topical Medications: Certain topical medications like steroid creams or anti-fungal treatments can also trigger inflammation or allergic reactions, potentially increasing stomach acid production or relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows acid to flow back into the esophagus.

Cleaning Products: Inhalation and Chemical Exposure

Household cleaning products—whether bleach, ammonia, chlorine, or other chemical cleaners—often contain strong ingredients that can irritate the respiratory system or cause allergic reactions. If you inhale these chemicals, they can irritate your throat and esophagus, worsening acid reflux symptoms.

Inhalation of Chemicals: Exposure to fumes from cleaning products, especially in poorly ventilated areas, can cause irritation and lead to a sore throat or hoarseness, mimicking the symptoms of acid reflux. This can make your esophagus even more sensitive to stomach acid, increasing discomfort.

Stress from Chemical Exposure: Cleaning can also be a stressful chore for many people, and stress is a known trigger for acid reflux. The combination of physical exertion, the chemicals you’re exposed to, and the mental stress may all contribute to reflux flare-ups.

Laundry Products: The Hidden Culprits

Laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets often contain fragrances and chemicals that can affect people with sensitive systems. The artificial scents or harsh chemicals in these products can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals.

Fragrances and Allergens: Many laundry products contain strong fragrances that can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in individuals with respiratory issues or sensitive skin. This irritation can lead to a sore throat or difficulty swallowing, making acid reflux symptoms worse.

Inhalation of Fumes: Similar to cleaning products, the fumes from laundry products—especially when clothes are freshly washed or dried—can cause irritation. Breathing in these fumes can lead to coughing or throat irritation, which may aggravate the esophagus and trigger reflux.

Stress and Anxiety: The Indirect Impact of Household Products

Sometimes, it’s not the direct exposure to products but the stress caused by dealing with them that can trigger acid reflux. Stress is a major contributor to acid reflux, and if cleaning, using personal care products, or doing laundry causes anxiety or discomfort, it can exacerbate reflux symptoms. Whether it’s from worrying about exposure to allergens, the harshness of cleaning chemicals, or even the physical exertion required to clean, stress can lead to increased acid production, relaxing the LES, and allowing acid to travel back up the esophagus.

How to Minimize the Impact of Products on Acid Reflux

If you suspect that the products you’re using are aggravating your acid reflux, here are a few tips to help reduce the impact:

Choose Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products

Choose fragrance-free or hypoallergenic versions of personal care, cleaning, and laundry products. These are designed to be gentle on sensitive skin and respiratory systems, reducing the risk of irritation. Products labeled as non-irritating or safe for sensitive skin are ideal for those with acid reflux.

Ventilate Your Home

When using cleaning products, ventilate your space well by opening windows or using fans to disperse fumes. This helps reduce irritation in the respiratory system and prevents triggering reflux symptoms.

Use Natural or Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Consider switching to natural cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda, or lemon, which are effective and free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Non-toxic cleaners are gentler on the body and won’t aggravate acid reflux as much as conventional, chemical-laden products.

Be Mindful of Stressful Triggers

If the act of cleaning or using certain products causes stress or discomfort, take breaks and avoid overexerting yourself. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or taking regular breaks can help prevent acid reflux flare-ups.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals in Laundry

Look for gentle, non-toxic laundry detergents and fabric softeners free of fragrances and dyes. You can use fragrance-free dryer sheets or dryer balls to minimize exposure to irritating chemicals.

Consult a Healthcare Provider

If you find that specific products are consistently causing reflux symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your concerns. They can recommend alternatives or perform tests to determine whether an underlying sensitivity or allergy is contributing to your acid reflux.

Conclusion

While skin care, cleaning, and laundry products are not the primary cause of acid reflux, they can contribute to or worsen symptoms by causing irritation, allergic reactions, or stress. By choosing gentle, fragrance-free products, ensuring good ventilation, and managing stress, you can reduce the impact of these everyday items on your acid reflux. If you’re unsure which products are affecting you, keeping track of your symptoms and consulting a healthcare provider can help you make the best choices for your health.