soap...ouch!

[Megs]

Does anyone have trouble with soap burning "down there" when they take a shower. i have tried everything over the last year and nothing seems to help. The dr. told me basis and dove were the best, but it didn't work. any suggestions?

[Dixiefireball]

have you tried Ivory soap?:confused: i'm not sure if that will help or not but trying to think of something safe. Or maybe the johnson and johnson baby bath soap. I really love the smell of that and its ex mild.

[ICNDonna]

I use Neutrogena. The way it gets it's name is that it is neutral, neither acid or alkaline. Most soaps are alkaline, which can be very irritating to inflamed skin.

Donna

[Megs]

Thanks for the suggestions! meg

[yvette]

I use St. Eve's feminine Wash (extra sensitive skin formula) with a newly laundered washcloth each time. (I'm really freaky about germs -- germophobic???) And i generally use different soaps for different *parts* of my body :o

[October]

I have always been very sensitive to soaps with scents - Jergens bar soap has never given me any problem!

[classics]

I use unscented Dove, but from reading about vulvodynia, it is suggested that no soap be used for about a month to see if symptoms improve. That may sound a little gross not to use any soap, but I suppose if you use the clear water twice a day, that would be okay. When my burning problem was really severe, I used a sitz bath alternating baking soda with clear warm water. That provided at least temporary relief.

[Ginny]

Also, if you use a washcloth make sure you wash that and your underwear in baby detergent with no fabric softener (no fabric softener sheet either). It makes a big difference.
Ginny

[Megs]

you've all given me quite a few options....i'm going to the store tonight!.....i slept bottom-less last night and i felt quite good when i woke up....granted, it didn't last long before the burning was in full force, but it was nice while it lasted.

thanks again

[kcjmom]

I am new here to this board. I'm not quite sure yet if I have IC, but I do have vulvodynia. Every board I have been to and everything I have read says not to use a washcloth down there, only your hands. Also not to use soap if you can. I use Cephidal (sp?) and have not had problems. I used to have burning after using soap. Tina

[poetgirl]

I've used Cetaphil soap and warm water (cool water when the burning was really bad.) I never use a washcloth down there because it can irritate the vulvar tissues. It also helps to rinse with cool water after urinating.

I have also done baking soda sitz baths and that did help.

[Megs]

what's cephadil....is it soap or a cleanser of some sort? i've never heard of it.

and welcome kcjmom

[kcjmom]

it is a non saop cleanser. it is a liqiud, although when I just bought it a few weeks ago at Costco, there was a bar in with it, so I guess they make it that way too. That was the first I'd seen that.

[sue041]

Yes I cannot use soap or lotions on my skin. I just use warm spray of water when I am having burning down below, I sometimes sleep without underwear and only a night gown, I feel the more air down there the faster things will get back to normal. Even when buying panty liners do not use the scented ones they tend to make more problems. I keep a soft cloth at the head of my bed for when I must get up at night, because I have cystecele I sometimes leak when first standing. I tried the depends for night time, but they too make me sore. Take care.
Sue

[ad8123]

I think I have this too but I am not sure I am always so uncomfortable. I have burning after I urinate and a general ache all the time. Any tight clothes or undergarments that put pressure on me or rub are just tourcher. But I have a question, Does anyone have a solution for sex? I usually have to put a cold cloth or small ice bag wrapped in a cloth to get the trobbing to stop (but I really enjoy sex with my husband -we have only been married about a year and a half) Any suggestions?

[sue041]

Hi, you are going to have to ask someone else about having sex and hurting, It has been so long since I had sex I would not know where to start. My husband has congestive heart failure and that would kill him. But look at the pleasing smile he would have on his face. (Just kidding)
So we just cuddle and reminiss how it use to be.
I am up for grabs as far as sex goes, but it is no fun by yourself.
Take care. and keep having sex with your husband, I think the ice pack feels good too, but then the dry burning that you have for days afterwards is a b----.
Sue

[ljl765]

Never used soap, use mild baby shampoo "there"..try it,works wonders and is more santitary then soap.. I never used soap there,.only shampoo, healthier and happier me..not so much irritation this way..Soap is germy anyway..probably used by entire household..
Soap shouldn't be used "there"..any time, nor medicated, chemicals etc..they all disturb healthy female insides.Try baby shampoo..used it for 40 years cna't go wrong there, never once had any UTI or vaginal infections ever!! Just my humble opinion. This works wonders for me..

[grammalady]

Hi! I'm new to this board, and am so happy to read and discover that I'm NOT alone, or crazy, or just a "drying up old lady" or whatever!!! I've brought up the similarity of symptoms (IC and vulvadynia) to both my gynecologist and urologist......but not gotten much info. Particularly from my uro...think I need a change there! But from reading and searching here and elsewhere on the net, I'm learning!!!

Diagnosed with IC in l996......and began Elmiron then. 3 times daily. It seems to help, until something triggers a flare. (Which isn't always easy to pinpoint exactly what that was! arrrrgh!!) Also take Elavil 10-20 mg daily.....with Pyridium as needed.

Recently had checkup, with resulting blood trace in urine. Now am scheduled for IVP and cysto.

I have had some major hair thinning, which may or may not be escalated by the Elmiron. My uro doesn't think so, but it is one of the POSSIBLE side effects. I had bloodwork done by a dermatologist to find a cause, and all he came up with was a box of Rogaine! Thanks alot! Also, lack of hormones could be contributing to that I guess. I finally gave up and wear wigs when I go out in public. Fantastic deals from Paula Young Wigs....most people don't even know!

Has anyone had good luck with "alternative approaches" to this IC thing? Diet modification? Where is a good source for "low oxalate and low acid" foods?

Thanks for all the wonderful sharing of info here! I will return often. And if I can offer any suggestions, will be happy to share my "discoveries"!!!

God bless!
Nita:kiss::rolleyes:

[ljl765]

Grammalady...I wanted to say.. I first had blood in the urine as my first sympton, well over the 11+ years of a diagnosis.... and have had blood in the urine there from .38- .56 depending on how much my bladder walls are "cracked and bleeding" from inflammation, always!!.. Before you put your poor bladder through all that "mean stuff they do"..please make sure your URO feels this is needed. Mine knew right away what this was, and doesn't do a lot of "procedures that only aggrevate the poor bladder"..and cost us a lot of pain and money
... She is the best in this State..I'll bet she could help..where do you live? The blood isn't so bad there..unless it gets above .56, in which case that's too much and it can be a cyst..that ruptures...hope this helps.. I only meant to share my own experience..hope you have a good day.

[grammalady]

Thanks for your input! I really really WISH I could find a female uro.......but I've been searching online and cannot. (I live in IL. )
I have made an appointment for another opinion, however, with a uro in a larger city...... who does more specializing in IC treatment. Hopefully he may have some better suggestions than my local doc. I swear I've learned more from searching online than by talking to him!!

I hate to submit to the IVP and Cysto, but my husband thinks I should go ahead. Just to be sure of what we're dealing with.
I have never shown even trace blood in previous urinalysis, so I'm wondering if something is worse now.

This is a very frustrating "condition", isn't it? No one in my family or immediate circle of friends has even heard of it. They all assume it's an infection (plain old cystitis). I would like to read some statistical studies to compare ages, other health issues, time of onset, etc.........to see if there is any similarities in gals who have this.

Thanks so much again....I'll check back here often to see what else I can learn!! And IF I gain some ground with the new uro, I'll be happy to share that with everybody too!

Take care.

God bless.
Nita :hi:

[felineperson3]

My gynecologist told me many years ago when I had a yeast infection at the time to never use ordinary bath soap on the genital area. He recommended Basis for sensitive skin and that is all I've ever used since that time and it never causes any burning or irritation to me. I'm sure other things work well for others, but that has been my personal experience so I just stick with what I know works for me. :)

Hugs & blessings to you--

[grammalady]

Hi Felineperson! So you like kitties? I do too, but have a big spoiled dog who might not share that feeling!

You sound like a person who knows! I've recently switched to Dove...as my gyne said it was pretty mild. I think it's better. So I'm sure "basis" would work. Even baby wash would probably work. Also.....when away from home.....try unscented baby (pre-moistened) wipes. They don't seem to irritate, and will make you feel "cleaner".

I guess I still long for the "good ole' days of youth" when I never gave a thought to any of this stuff! Our body does change as we get older, whether we're ready or not!

But I do marvel at how young some of these gals are, who've already been diagnosed with IC. I hope enough research is being done somewhere, that will find some really effective long-term solutions!

Meanwhile, we've got to all help eachother!

God bless.
Nita
:kiss:

[ad8123]

Nita,
I was diagnosed in October 03 and have been trying to deal with htis since then. i had been sick for about a year before that though. The diet (and I hate to admit it) works very well for me, until I am in a flare and then it just does not matter, once the pain is at 9 or 10 (on the painscale 1 no pain, 10 the worst ever) then nothing matters- not even the pain meds. Oranges are my worst ovender and some pakaged foods with sauces and flovorings, my best bet is too cook everything myself from fresh ingredients but on a happy note Msdonalds Chicken Mcnuggets have never hurt me, so they are my treat on occasion and plain old vanilla ice creamseems fine although sometimes the Breyars seems a bit strong? I hope you get a better MD soon, that is very stressful- i am going to need to switch now that I have moved, Anyone know a good or bad md in Lakeland, Fl(do not want to accidently go to one of the meanies!). I hope you are feeling well today. Also i try not to use soap when washing my girly stuff, but the baby wash does not seem so irritating and i like the contennele (sp) wipes, they come in a neat despenser for home use and a travel pouch. If i have to take proseed (like pyridium but blue) then i have to use somesort of wipe after I pee, the die seems to irritate the external genital area. Hope I helped, email me anytime (that goes for everyone, email or im anytime)

Angela
From Florida
May God bless you. :angel:

[creatingkarma]

I also use Summers' Eve feminine wash for sensitive skin to wash down there. I have never had any problems with it. I use my hands & never a wash cloth for that area. I hope you find some relief!

Karma

[Ginny]

I have a question. Everyone who wrote here about using more sensitive products, do you have a diagnosis of Vulvodynia. Just wondering if you can still get vulvodynia while doing all the right things.

Ginny

[felineperson3]

Ginny,
I do not have a diagnosis of Vulvodynia, but just the common types of vaginal irritations or yeast infections from using antibiotics periodially. My gynecologist recommended the Basis soap as he stated this area in most women is just generally very sensitive to irritants so this was just a safe propholaytic measure to avoid problems. Hope this helps.

Hugs & blessings to you-

[felineperson3]

Nita,

>>Hi Felineperson! So you like kitties? I do too, but have a big spoiled dog who might not share that feeling!

Yes, I do love kitties--We have three-:cat::cat::cat:-one is 10 years old and the other two are 4 years old. They were all adopted as little strays without homes and would have probably been euthanized if we had not given them a home. We raised 4 children and now have the kitties and feel they are like children to us. We really enjoy them.
Yes, I'm sure your doggie:dogrun: would not love them any more than they would probably love him. :) I love doggies, too, but we just find the kitties easier for us since we don't have to worry about taking them outside for their duties--
Nice to meet you and hope to see you around from time to time-
Hugs & blessings to you-

[ljl765]

Yes on the vulvad..I hate it.. feels like sand paper doesn't it :-(....It came after the DX of IC and seems to get worse with time..Which is why I'm back in here again months later...
The burning is the worst of all for me. It makes me miserable.. after about 6 months of a starvation diet..( which helped everything??) it just came back when I tried to eat again..I'm wondering if the heat of our thighs causes it?? anyone now? I never heard of it until I was Dxed w/IC..But I always use the gentle baby shampoo anyway.. works great for me..and Lidocaine 2% for the flames of H__:toosh:

[Ginny]

I have said this before but in case someone missed it. Crisco helps with the burning on the outside.

Ginny