Laundering in the prevention of skin infections

The statistics at the Hohenstein Institutes and the detergent industry show that the number of complaints due to skin irritations or allergies of washed laundry are relatively low. A clear interdependence between the number of complaints and the season of the year is existing. An interesting fact is that work wear made of cotton shows a relatively higher number of complaints than blends of polyester with cotton. The highest number of complaints results from operating theatre textiles, which is probably due to the exceptional strain of the skin of the operating-theatre staff by surgical disinfecting measures. During washing in household washing machines and also in the industrial sector it is mainly the mechanical action of the washing machines and the chemistry of the detergents which influence the textiles. The effects of the washing process on the textiles if assessed regarding the dermatological point of view, can go in two different directions: Changes of the textile itself and the formation of residues on the washed laundry, whereby the residues can be unintended, i.e. inevitable or desired, so to speak as finishing, for example optical brighteners, softeners, etc. The changes of the textile substance itself can result in a raising. This can either mean that the textile becomes more harsh in feel or fluffier. Textiles which become harsher only have little influence on the skin. Whereas the change to a fluffier textile has positive effects on the skin as there are so-called 'distance holders' formed on the textile surface, which prevents an early sticking of the textiles to a perspirating skin. This increases the wear comfort. Inevitable residues on the washed laundry can be caused by wear (this is not important), the washing water and the detergent. Within the detergents only the surfactants and alkalines are of interest. Desired residues are for example optical brighteners to increase the degree of whiteness, softeners, finishing baths (starch), scents and water-repellent finishes. Regarding special cases like for example flame-retardant finishes, antistatic additives and antimicrobial effects, there is only little experience available so far.