Hello and thank you for the question. From your description, it seems as though you have a condition known as contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a foreign substance. The rash is usually not contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. In your case, the foreign substance is most probably detergent or softener used to wash your clothes at the hotel.

Rash usually occurs within minutes to hours of exposure to substance and can last from two to four weeks. Common signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis are rash, itching, dry cracked scaly skin, bumps and blisters. Fortunately contact dermatitis can be treated very easily.

All you need to do is to identify the cause of your reaction and avoid it. In your situation, is it advisable to avoid using the clothes washed by the hotel. You should get them washed again properly before wearing it again. You can also try soothing your skin at affected area with wet compresses, anti-itch creams or aloe vera gel to relieve you of your discomfort.

You are usually not required to consult a doctor for this. However, you should go see your doctor if the rash becomes too uncomfortable to sleep or carry out daily activites, if the rash is suddenly painful and severe, if rash does not recover within three weeks, or rash affects your face and genital area.

Your doctor might then prescribe a steroid cream or oral medication. You should also seek immediate medical attention if pus comes out of your rash. These condition warrants a more intensive treatment plan. You can also visit a doctor to get a patch test done to identify if you are allergic to a certain substance. This way, you may be able to avoid future similar conditions.