One of the most consistent problems I’ve had to deal with on a constant basis is the allergy bug. I’ve had allergies for as long as I can remember. Name the symptom, I’ve probably experienced it. Runny nose, itchy and teary eyes, rashes, and worst difficulty breathing. I’ve been under medication since I was a kid and, unfortunately, I still run into nasty attacks every so often. Blame the weather, blame the environment, blame my genes…both my parents also had allergies.

And since genetics is a key factor here, I managed to pass on the “allergy gene” to my kids. It didn’t help that the same gene ran in my husbands family so my kids got a double whammy. My youngest was diagnosed with respiratory asthma as early as 8-months old and has been getting her fair share of treatment since then. We are currently on maintenance meds to prevent those attacks but still manage to get a whiff of asthma causing catalysts every now and then.

I thought my eldest was saved from all this until sometime in January when she had an averse reaction to a henna tattoo she got in Boracay. The dermatologist we consulted confirmed that she had contact dermatitis and was most likely allergic to a whole lot of things other than the henna dye. Everything from chicken, eggs, mangoes, chocolates, soap, and detergent were immediately put on the suspect list. She was put on maintenance meds but that didn’t stop her from having another attack a few months later. This time the culprit was heat and whatever detergent we were using. Her rashes showed up on her arms, face, legs, back, chest, and armpits. She was put on another round of meds and we were advised to find hypoallergenic soap, shampoo, and detergent. This wasn’t going to be easy.

When I got an invite to attend the launch of Del Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener I knew I had to go. This was one product that I was sure I would use because I’ve really been looking for something that would replace the fabric softener we’ve been using. Anything that would alleviate my kids’ itching I was willing to try.

In conjunction with the launching of the product, they also launched the Allergy Awareness Program which aimed to make parents more proactive when it comes to dealing with their kids’ skin allergies. The program further aims to provide more pertinent information regarding the easy prevention of allergies by making parents more aware about products that could lead to allergies as opposed to products that don’t. Ms. Catherine Apodaca, Product Manager of Del Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener, explained to us the various risks of using certain common household products that contain allergens that we don’t even realize. With this program, parents are encouraged to be more vigilant about choosing products as well as reading product labels before buying.

In line with this, Del Fabric Softener also launched the website, www.wearitchfreeclothes.com, to provide more knowledge and info about allergy prevention. They also came up with a easy to read children’s book entitled “Itchy The Grump” to help kids be aware as well.

I can commiserate with Itchy The Grump as my kids are as grumpy as he is whenever they have their allergy attacks. With the launching of Del Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener, I feel assured that at least we have one product that won’t be causing any more grouches in our home.

Categories : D'kids, event, family, gripes, health, home and hearth, medical condition