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Bad reaction to soap- Opinions and help?!
Started
by kirene
on September 6, 2010
Since becoming vegan I'm started trying to incorporate it into more areas of my life other than food. Before being vegan, I always used Dove soap. A few weeks ago I bought some natural soaps from Etsy.com and was really excited about it. However, when I got it and started using it, it noticed red spots on my body, a couple on my arms and chest. I didn't think then that it was the soap, so I kept using it. Fast forward another week or later, and I had them EVERYWHERE. ALL over my arms, on my chest, and i started getting them on my sides, and even on my neck. They almost looked like blemished, like a pimple, maybe, but they definitly weren't. I gave the soap to my mom, and then tried a KissMyFace olive oil bar. Same thing. I've since started using Dove again and washed everything I used such as towels and washcloths, which has helped over time. I'm still wondering what it is that I am having such a reaction to? Has anyone else had this sort of experience? It's so frustrating! Not to mention embarassing.
About two months ago, I had something very similar that my dermatologist diagnosed as allergic dermatitis---which basically meant I used a product and had an allergic reaction. Lush massage bar if you were curious :) This surprised me because I don't traditionally have sensitive skin. In my case, the bumps I had (all over) itched like crazy, which is what prompted me to visit my doctor in the first place. I was told to a) ditch the product, b) take nightly baths in vinegar, c) use only Kiss My Face Olive Oil Bar and d) moisturize with petroleum jelly. And I simultaneously took medication/topical ointment for the swelling and itching. The whole ordeal was a total pain in the a$$! The worst part? I bought my sister the same massage bar for her birthday and she got the EXACT same thing!! We joked it was the gift that kept on giving and I totally sympathize. My doctor suggested it may have been a bad batch of soap or it was one of the oils in the bar that caused our rash.
Are there any ingredients that are in the 2 bars that aren't in the Dove bar? You can start by checking that out. I feel ya tho...I have MAJOR chemical sensitivities! I currently use a Melaleuca soap, but am going to switch to castile soap, which is made out of oil. Hopefully that works! The melaleuca bar has chemicals in it that I don't want on my body!
I had the same issue except I got a rash all over. I now use Burt's Bees mint and rosemary bar which i have not had any problems with. I occasionally use 1/4 c Vinegar and 1 cup water. It obviously doesn't lather and leaves your bathroom smelling like a salad but it makes your skin sooooo smooth. Good Luck.
Thanks for all the input. I'll try your guys' suggestions!
does anyone know why the vinear thing works? and what kind of vinegar do you use?
Vinegar doesn't ruin the acid mantle so it keeps your skin clean and soft. For the body I use white distilled. The big gallons I buy at Costco. But for the face most people use apple cider vinegar.
The best way to use it is to not use soap at all. Put 1/4 cup of the vinegar in 1-2 cups of water and then dip the wash cloth into it and rub over your skin. Rinse off and towel dry as usual. You can use more or less vinegar if you want.
WARNING: Vinegar makes your tub slippery so be very careful!
thanks terra! will try it today
it totally worked... how awesome! thanks terra! i used apple cider vinegar and it was truly awesome
Does the vinegar smell stay with you? Should it be done in the evening, or is it okay to do in the morning? I don't wanna smell like a salad all day!
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