Bleach Allergy: Here’s Who’s at Risk and How to Spot and Prevent Symptoms

Bleach is one of the most commonly used household cleaners, and for good reason. It’s great at disinfecting surfaces and killing unwanted bugs, like bacteria, viruses, and mold. It’s also used in swimming pools and to remove stains and brighten white fabrics.

Although bleach is generally safe when used correctly, some people may experience unpleasant reactions to it. Not all bleach reactions are allergies, though. Some people can also experience irritations in response to bleach. Either way, it helps to know the symptoms — and what to do about them. 

Can you be allergic to bleach?

It’s not common, but yes, it is possible to be allergic to bleach. This means that when a person is exposed to bleach, their body’s immune system reacts to it as though it is harmful. The symptoms of a bleach allergy can vary and depend on the situation (more on that below). 

Keep in mind, however, that most reactions to bleach are not actually allergies. In other words, bleach can cause unpleasant reactions, but these are not true allergic reactions involving the immune system.

Bleach irritations are much more common than a true bleach allergy. They can cause symptoms like: 

• Itchy, red skin

• Lung and airway irritation

• Chemical burns

What are the symptoms of a bleach allergy?

The symptoms of a bleach allergy can vary depending on how someone came into contact with bleach (like whether it was inhaled or splashed on the skin). Here are some symptoms a person may experience in different parts of the body:

• Skin: hives, redness, itchiness

• Respiratory: trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness 

• Eyes and nose: runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes

• Head: headache and dizziness 

Who is at risk for a bleach allergy?

A true bleach allergy is uncommon, but it’s not impossible. Certain people may be at higher risk for developing a bleach allergy. 

You’re more likely to develop an allergy to bleach if you:

• Have other allergies, like to medications or foods

• Are regularly exposed to bleach, for example through your job

• Have an underlying respiratory problem, like asthma

• Had frequent exposure to bleach under the age of 10

How do you diagnose a bleach allergy?

If you think you have a bleach allergy, a specialized healthcare provider (like an allergist or dermatologist) can diagnose whether you have a true bleach allergy. They will ask you questions about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and may order special tests like a skin-prick or patch test. 

Skin tests for allergy involve putting a tiny amount of the allergen (in this case, sodium hypochlorite) in your skin. This can be done either with a small needle (a prick) or on top of your skin (with a patch). If there is a reaction, like an itchy, red bump, you probably have a bleach allergy. 

How do you prevent an allergic reaction to bleach?

If you experience regular reactions to bleach, then the best way to prevent these is to avoid or limit your contact with it. Even if you don’t touch it, you may be sensitive to breathing in the fumes, so it may be necessary to also avoid environments where bleach is used. 

Use cleaning agents that don’t contain bleach or its active ingredient sodium hypochlorite. Natural products are a good option, like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. If you use these, though, keep in mind that they may clean, but they don’t disinfect. 

You can also look for commercial cleaning products that have been labeled as safer by an independent organization. One example is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Its Safer Choice program helps you find products that are safer for people and the environment. 

What other cleaning product ingredients trigger allergies?

In addition to bleach, other cleaning product ingredients can cause unpleasant reactions. These are not commonly “true” allergies, but they can definitely feel like them. And these cleaning ingredients can worsen allergies in people who already suffer from them. 

Ammonia

Ammonia is found in many household cleaning products, like window and toilet cleaners. It’s often labeled as ammonium hydroxide. Ammonia is popular because it can disinfect, cut through grease, and clean without streaking.

In small amounts, ammonia doesn’t cause problems. But in high concentrations it can be toxic. 

If ammonia comes into contact with skin or eyes, it can cause severe burns and permanent eye damage. Even the fumes produced by ammonia can be very irritating. These fumes have been shown to increase the risk of developing asthma and rhinitis (inflammation of the nose). Because of this, people with allergies and allergic asthma may want to avoid cleaning with ammonia.

Other common cleaning ingredients

Here are some other ingredients in common cleaning ingredients that can cause allergies or other types of reactions: 

• Formaldehyde, a disinfectant and preservative 

• Sodium laureth sulfate, a foaming agent in many products

• D-limonene, a fragrance and flavoring agent

• Triclosan, an antimicrobial (germ-killing) agent 

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Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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