Self Help Tip of the Month - IC Friendly Soaps

[icnmgrjill]

We've just placed a new self help tip of the month up on the site discussing the common experience and frustration that many patients have with soaps :yikes: and laundry detergents :hmm: triggering flares :toilet: .

Read all about it at:
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/selfhelp0804.html

Anyone have any stories to share about their reactions to soaps, etc??

Cheer and Tide just kill me.... triggering bad vulvodynia and urethral inflammation. As to soaps, god forbid it be a liquid, heavily perfumed soap or, worse, a bubble bath. I'm definitely toast after that.

Jill

[ICNDonna]

Everyone in my family has some sort of skin allergy, with the exception of my husband. Our allergist told me that "soap" is almost always an irritant for people with skin sensitivities --- he recommended using detergents. I was using ivory soap to wash diapers for an allegic child and he had a horrible reaction.

In our house, we found the only detergent I could use without causing problems for anybody was Cheer. Tide is bad news for us. And I double rinse some things, especially if anybody is having skin flares.

The only skin cleanser I have found that works for me is Neutrogena, which is neither acid or alkaline, but is neutral. It does have a tendency to sometimes dry my skin, however.

Another potential irritant is those dryer sheets that are supposed to remove static cling and make things soft. In winter when clothing gets static electricity and clings badly, I do use some, but I cut one sheet in about six pieces. It still works, but doesn't irritate.

Donna

[Iris]

Hi, I found the best soap for me is Dove for sensitive skin, I am very fair skinned and will break out from the wierdest things. Many years ago, a dermatologist advised me to use Dove, and I have not had trouble with it. Laundry detergent, I use Bold and so far, no problems with it. Hope it stays that way, Iris. :thumbsup: :flower:

[Katrina]

Thanks for all your work JIll Thanks Iris for the advise!

[Ginny]

I found Basis to be the only soap I use. It's a bit expensive but worth it. You can find it in the better skin care products of the supermarket.

I use baby detergent to wash my clothes. Dreft - also found in the supermarket. No fabric softner or stain removers.

Ginny

[Sheridragonfly]

I order Granny's shampoo from Need's catalog by the gallon.
I use this in a plastic bottle in the shower to bathe with..instead of soap..
It is non fragranced, clear and cleans well ...

I have multiple chemical sensitivities illness and this works for me..
you can use it for shampoo, that is what it is labeled or for body wash..

I would not be without it....

Sheridragonfly

[theclownster]

I have had skin sensitivities for as long as I remember. I break out from the simplest things. I went through a spell 2 years before being diagnosed where I broke out in hives on my legs. I also break out periodically on my chest. It's horrible. I've gone through everything with soaps and detergents. I do not use bleach on my clothes nor do I allow my husband to use bleach on his. I have sensitivities to it and to be honest it's just not worth it. I wear 100% cotton underwear and bras. I use all free and clear detergent and downy free and sensitive liquid softener. When I was getting the hives, the doctor I was seeing advised against using dryer sheets of any kind. She said they have fibers in them that attach to clothing and can irritate the skin. She said even if you only use them every once in a while, the fibers stay in the dryer and attach to all your clothes. She also advised that I use dove soap. I had used a special form of dial sensitive skin soap before until they discontinued it. That was when I decided to try the dove sensitive skin. I've been using it ever since without any problems. Just last week they were out of the sensitive skin brand so I bought a large pack of the unscented Dove thinking it would be similar. When I unwrapped it, it has a pretty strong scent especially to be unscented. I'm slightly nervous about using it as I'm afraid I'll be sensitive to it. I'll guess I'll have to wait and see. Ironically, I use all types of hand soaps and don't seem to have much of a problem. I do have a whole bunch of different lotions and sprays that work well to manage sensitive itchy skin. Eucerin makes a moisturizing anti-itch spray lotion - it works great. Aveno makes a whole line of products that work really well too. They are both expensive brands, but they are definitely worth it.

Okay, I think I've probably rambled enough. I hope this info is helpful.

Take Care everyone!
Jennifer

[Alexa]

I have very sensitive skin as well, and use Dove soap for sensitive skin...no probs with it
:)

[icnmgrjill]

You know... it's so typical in my family that it's a lecture our grandmothers gave to our mothers... and our mothers gave to us. We were told not to use bubble baths.. only baking soda in our bath water..... not to use harsh soaps... to wear cotton underwear.... and god only knows what else I ignorantly ignored at the time.

My mom can't tolerate anything but cotton.
My dad breaks out with almost every laundry detergent but ivory.
My sis only uses dreft and dove.
I use only ivory snow and dove.

As to skin lotions... I often break out with them.... except for the St. Ives Aloe and the Kokum Butter Body Balm that we sell in our store. That's the one that is the most soothing of all.

I also get these really sharp needle like pains on the skin from my shoulders... that I have to put lotion on to stop. I positively slather myself with lotion before I go to sleep.

It's weird... isn't it.

[Yellow Tail]

For periods - I use natural sea sponges - non-toxic and reusable - so they're both cost effective and environmental.