For the last few years I’ve been suffering from contact dermititis. Mostly on my legs, arms and shoulders (not my feet, which my doctor thopught was odd) I get steroid cream from the doctor, but it’s expensive and it only solves the symptoms, not the cause. Using steroid creams longterm is bad for skin any how. I’m trying to work out what it could be that I’m allergic to. Last Chrismas my mother gave me some Fenjal ( 全民彩8-官方网站) wash stuff and it disappeared for about 2 months or so, but it returned 
. I’ve changed my washing powder to stuff for sensitive skin, but no joy. I changed to only using aqueous cream moisturiser. The only thing I can think of now that I am allergic to is parrafin (in the cream) but this is very rare. Scratching is driving me up the wall! I’m wondering if there can be something else I haven’t thought of!
What’s washing powder? For your laundry, or instead of soap?
Laundry detergent can cause big problems for those of us with sensitive skin- in my house we keep track of which detergents we can never use again, so we’re less likely to buy one that’ll cause a rash. Of course, finding ones that aren’t irritating and sticking to them instread of buying other types helps a lot.
If washing powder is something you use on you, you might try switching to soap for a while to see if that helps. There are a lot of soaps with glyserine as the base, not wax. You must also have yardley’s soap there (since it’s a from the UK import here) and you might like to try one of the moisturizing types they make, like aloe.
If this is the sort of thing that gets worse in the cold months, a good everyday moisturizer might help. I know that if I don’t take proper care of my hands in the winter, the skin on the backs of my fingers cracks and bleeds, and everywhere else dries out and the skin flakes into a powder. Vasline intensive care extra sensitive is the best I’ve tried, but I’m not sure that’s avalible where you are; I’m sure someone at the pharmacy could recommend a good brand sold locally.
Laundry powder, yes. I’ve bought some for sensitive skin. I did use just soap flakes for a bit, bit it didn’t make any difference.
It doesn’t get noticably different in winter, but Vasline intensive care extra sensitive is good (it’s the one in the white bottle, right?) but doesn’t make that much of a difference.
“Sensitive skin” brands aren’t necessarily any better for sensitive skin. Go figure. Instead of looking for the brands with that on the label, check to see if they use dyes and fragerences. Those are what cause a lot of problems. The fewer a product uses, the better off for you. As a last resort, you could also try the ones made for babies - their skin is very fragile, so they add little to it that irritates skin.
The ones I use are the ones for babies! I’ve noticed that a lot of the brands don’t actually say whether they have any fragrances in, it mostly says ‘other’ ingredients. grrrr.
If you’re looking to avoid irritating chemicals, you might want to try the Vanicream products. They aren’t available in stores outside of the US and Canada, but you can order them online. They make moisturizer, sunscreen, soap, shampoo, conditioner, bath oil, lip balm, all of which are made without common irritating chemicals.
Also, try to use as little of the laundry detergent as possible. If there’s so much detergent that it doesn’t get rinsed out, the residue could cause problems. Read the directions on the box and don’t use the scoop in the box. Many times, you’re scooping too much. If you have a Downy liquid softener ball, try putting white vinegar in the ball and put that in the washer; the vinegar will further rinse out the detergent. HTH
e45? Oilatum? (emollients and bath oils)
Applying baby oil immediately after bathing can be good.
Have you tried patch testing any new laundry detergents and toiletries on your skin to see if they cause a problem?
i use aqueous cream too, great stuff!
But to get the best effect use it in the shower as a soap, then also apply it once dry (within 3 minutes)
Also drink lots and lots of water!
(really, if i don’t have my usual amount i end up spending the next day itching)
also beware most skin creams contain lanolin which is hell if you’re allergic to it.
and get an appointment with the dermatology unit of your local hospital and get skin tests done. Usually a long wait but helps identify what to avoid.
nick
You could try Dr. Bronner’s castile soaps found mainly in health food stores and some department stores. It’s olive oil based with all natural ingredients. I like the peppermint and eucalyptus but you could use the baby soap without the added scents. It’s the only liquid soap that doesn’t make the skin of my hands scream for mercy when used long term. In fact, as I write this, I’ve realized that my fingers haven’t cracked as Elfkin described in the many years since I’ve started using Dr. Bronner’s.
I have itchy spots on my arms and shoulders. I’ve found that dabbing them with plain old rubbing alcohol will relieve the itching for quite a while. Don’t know if this will help you but it’s cheap and worth a try.
Don’t know about laundry soap. Hope one of the other writers’ suggestions helps with that.
Ah, a fellow sufferer.
I get this too. It seems, in my case, to be a bunch of factors that will occasionally trigger an episode. Stress plays a role. Also dry air. When it happens, I have to switch laundry detergents, change shower soaps, and start taking meticulous care of my skin. It’s a constant thing, not just a matter of changing the way I do laundry.
Here in the U.S., I’ve found that one must ignore all the labels (as someone else said) and screw the stuff that says “For sensitive skin!” or “For extra moisturizing!” That doesn’t mean anything. Lotion isn’t good lotion unless the price tag leaves you gasping in shock. Vaseline brand is worthless (for people like us).
You need to eliminate any possibly harsh soaps, in your clothes and in your bath. Then moisturize as much as possible. Healthy, moisturized skin is easier to deal with, and (in my experience) less likely to become irritated. Do that right after the bath and throughout the day. Neotrogena makes a “Norwegian formula” that is good, although I don’t know if you can get it over there.
You can also try some antihistimines. There are some that you apply on the skin and some that you ingest. You might try both when it gets really bad. Lotions that have camphor may give some relief, too.
Water eh? I know I don’t drink enough water. I hadn’t thought about that. I’ll give that a go. (She says, drinking coffee…)
(In order) E45, yes, I use aqueous cream instead as it’s lots cheaper and doesn’t contain lanolin. I have head of people using it as soap, but I haven’t tried it. My skin is not so much dry, but lumpy and itchy! It only gets dry after I’ve scratched it or zapped it with a really hoy shower. I know I’m not supposed to, but it works!
Never heard of Dr. Bronner’s castile soaps, I think they might not be avaiable outside of the States.
I have some good things about the Vaseline that comes in a white bottle (not the others) it seems the same as E45 to me! For some strange reason my corner shop has it at the same price as the others (£1.99) so I’m gonna get myself some more.
The neutrogena Norwegian formula is on sale over here, I may give that a whirl too.
Right got to go back to work!