UPDATE! Can you be allergic to toilet paper? See the update at the bottom of this post.
Yes, again. I know you are all getting somewhat tired of me being all TMI and talking about rashes and itching all the freaking time, but I feel like if I talk about it and what I think is or is not causing it, I might just help some other woman out there to at the very least not feel so much like a freak or a medical anomaly. I have written about this in the past several times because I am hoping that by writing I also may reach someone who has gone through this and they will comment or email me and tell me what they did to make it go away. With all the thinking and writing and researching, I never thought I could be allergic to toilet paper. I mean, we all use it every day, from the time we are just toddlers, right? Who woulda thunk it could be the enemy?
I have tried everything I can think of to use to get rid of the itching and the rash and the misery of it all. Every single thing you see in the picture above, I have tried. More than once. And sometimes I have used more than one thing at a tome. One thing works for a while, then another thing works for another while, but nothing actually gets rid of the problem once and for all. I have been to the doctor, hmmm, at least five times, and have taken Diflucan and an antibiotic at two different times. I have spent tons of money on this. It’s like having a difficult, hard to manage child. One that demands your attention and makes you miserable. One that just will not obey you and gives you a headache. And an unbearable itch that you must bear.
I have googled every possible thing I can think of, like “can you be allergic to your own perspiration?” and “will jumping out of a truck on the expressway cure unbearable itching?”. But there are no answers out there. And THAT is why I continue to write about this topic. Because I WANT there to be information out there for the next woman who is going insane with itching to be able to find and say at least, that she is NOT crazy, that there is someone else in the world just like her.
And so, to that woman, I want to say, have you thought about the toilet paper you are using? Can you be allergic to toilet paper? While I have wracked my brain for over a year trying to think of what I could possibly have done different or changed about my routine that would cause me to suddenly start itching, I never once thought about the toilet paper that I was using. And that is because we have used the same brand of toilet paper for more than 15 years. Maybe more than 20 years. But the other day, when I was going through my “thinking about what could cause me to itch?” routine for about the 200th time, it suddenly dawned on me that 1. there seems to be at least 2, maybe 3 different types of itchyness going on, and 2. the itch in THAT place is different from the itch in other places, and 3. the toilet paper is the only product I use in THAT area on a constant basis and 4. that the toilet paper brand suddenly changed in appearance last year.
Now, why did I not think of those things before? Because, I thought if I itched in various places over my body, that it must surely all be the same cause. Never did I think in all this time that there could be several causes. That could possibly explain why, when I took the diflucan to treat yeast infection last year, that SOME areas quit itching for a while , and others did not. So, it surely must be a correct assumption that there is more than one thing going on.
So, now, I am conducting an experiment to see if I may be allergic to toilet paper. I am foregoing the use of toilet paper and using baby wipes instead. I am also applying a moisturizer to that area twice a day. It seems to be working for now. That does not make any other area that is itching stop. But it does seem to be helping that one area. When you are being driven insane, you WILL resort to extreme measures to change.
September 3, 2014: I have had great success to stop the itching using Tricalm, an anti-itch gel product that I was sent to review. It is working for me. If you would like to try it, this is my affiliate link at Amazon.com to purchase it.
Have you thought of food allergies?
http://ezinearticles.com/?Food-Allergies-Itching-Skin-Humans&id=979783
Do you eat eggs regularly? You might try keeping a food diary. That is something I’ve done to find out what I’m eating that causes illness.
I have thought of that but I have not done a food diary. It is on my list now though, thanks Sandra.
Hi FabGrandma. I have endured the most intense itchy rashes, all over my body, for several years before I discovered water fasting. I have 100% cured (even enhanced) the look and feel of my skin. It’s taken time but the results are miraculous. I recommend juicing if water fasting is too difficult (suggest watching fat sick and nearly dead). The chemicals found in toothpaste to water bottles to toilet paper are killing us slowly! Good luck.
I am so glad I came across this site!! I have been going CRAZY with itching and it just occurred to me that maybe, just maybe it could be the TP! Due to septic issues the plumber suggested Angel Soft! I think this all started about the same time. I’m trying something new and PRAYING this goes away!! I’m so over this and I want my life back!!!
I don’t have itching but I am getting literally shredded by the toilet paper that is called “strong”… Seriously it doesn’t seem to matter which brand I use but if I use the kind that’s kind of extra tough I end up with sores really painful ones. Sometimes in the back sometimes in the front but they’re horrifyingly sharp and painful and take forever to heal.
I’m going to buy some different toilet paper again today because they’ve fooled me. I think just have to avoid the kind has that has the little stripes on it. I will come back and comment again if this seems to help… But it has in the past. The only reason I ended up with this is that they fooled me with the word “soft” again. But this time no stripes!!
Did you find a brand that helped
Yes. I am now using Charmin Strong. It has not made me itch yet.
Angel soft is HORRIBLE. My office has it and I am constantly getting rashes from it. I bought some Non-bleached TP from Amazon that seems to be working for the time being.
Angel Soft is the TP that I am allergic to.
i am so glad i googles angel soft and burning sensation…just bought lavemder by accideny…however it smells good…my booty n vag npt sp happy…just confirmed.
.thank u…also…says its made in mexico…what a suprise…not…smh… heading to the Local Food Lion and they better take this toilet paper back and let me get something else or I will walk in grab it off the shelves myself and do it I know I still have the receipt thank God
I just wanted to add to this today because this was an issue I faced 3 years ago. I was having chronic yeast infections and bacterial vaginitis, went to a gynecologist for over a year with no resolve in sight. She didn’t really listen to me when I tried narrowing down why it was happening and would just keep prescribing diflucan and antibiotics and said I must be prone to these infections. Well, one day i realized toilet paper is the only thing i hadn’t changed in my life. I changed my diet and EVERYTHING. No cure until I switched to recycled and unbleached toilet paper. Turns out I’m severely allergic to the chlorine used to whiten toilet paper and the formaldehyde used to soften it. In other words, corporations and chemicals are to blame, and no, you aren’t crazy. My gyno had me thinking I was nuts. Two years, and I’ve never been better since the switch. Most toilet paper is treated with bleach and formaldehyde, so switch to an organic, unprocessed brand or a bidet and you should be fine.
Do you mind telling what brand/kind you did end up using? I have had issues for a few months now, and I changed to Charmin Ultra Strong thinking the toilet paper I was using was leaving too much lint, causing issues. I’m really beginning to wonder if the Charmin is now causing a problem.
I am using Charmin Ultra Strong and have no problems with it. You will have to experiment with different brands to find one that works for you.
I definitely have a problem with Charmin. Every time I use a certain kind of it, I get sore and feel like I have to pee all the time. I noticed this awhile ago and quit using it (put it in my sons bathroom) – well I used his bathroom yesterday (and the toilet paper) and guess what- today I’m having symptoms.
I just bought Charmin for the first time last week and I’m miserable down “there”. I have a strong sensitivity to soaps and laundry detergent so I know that the Charmin is irritating me. I’ll be switching back to Cottonelle.
Formaldehyde? To soften toilet paper!! Oh great, I know I’m allergic to that from a dental experience.
I just want you to know you’re not crazy. Two weeks ago I started using charmin ultra strong , went pee wiped, and bam instant swelling , burning , unbearable itching . Tried three different things , and nothing helped. Dr prescribed me 150mg diflucan and it has helped to almost 90% relief of the itch .
I’m realizing charmin and it’s Walmart counterpart irritate them heck outta me. I use tp from the “natural” store and it’s so much better… but as soon as I visit someone’s house that has that charmin or Walmart equivalent- I’m having major pain again smh.
Hi. I just saw your post. What kind of tp have you bought that has helped? You can message me.
I use Charmin, but everyone is different. You may have to try several brands to find one that works for you.
Thank you so much for this article I have been miserable. I resorted to using Kleenex 3 ply facial tissues at home (which works for me) but everyone else wants real toilet paper. Off to the store to buy some Charmin. Wish me luck!
Charmin is not good for me. I’m switching back to Cottonelle.
Cottenelle is one of the ones I am allergic to and makes me the most miserable. Interesting how things work for different people. 🙂
I think a lot of it is which plant the toilet paper is manufactured in. They might use different chemicals to get the product made. I just know that for me, Charmin works best. I have also tried the Charmin knock=off store brands from Kroger, King Soopers, and Target. Their packaging is very close to the same as Charmin, and it is safe for me to use in that they did not cause the itching. I only tried them because Charmin was sold out during the first wave of the pandemic. I hope this helps you.
Plus even though you haven’t changed “products” your body can change its mind. Sure hope this solves at least one itch.
At least I know my itches are insect related. Good luck to you…
I have some itchy spots one on my back and another on my foot. I rub loads of moisturiser in which helps for a short while. Ice gives temporary relief when you can’t stand it any longer.Sorry I can’t help more, it must be hell for you.
Hi, I stumbled across your site after googling “how to make a flower girl dress” and saw yours 😉 I started reading and saw this post. I too itch all the time. I scratch the same places every day. I have even awoken in the night to scratch. It started about 8 months ago or so. Very strange and annoying. I am seeing a dermatologist next week. If I find the culprit or solution, I will let you know. I enjoy reading your blog.
Surely a hand held bidet is the way forward? In most part of Asia the don’t use paper at all. I have lived in most parts of Asia and the “Bum gun” as they call it is both easy-to-use and comfortable. Not to mention hygienic and eco-friendly etc. Thanks
absolutely right!
I have been having itching for the last probaly year, it’s not down in the fun part, rather the upper portion of my anatomy. I have not mentioned it to my dr because I know it’s not anything bad as I get checked regulary for that stuff. It only happens at night and in the am. So last night when I was putting on some cream that helps relieve it for a bit, I noticed I had a little bit of toilet paper fluff there and then it hit me, MAYBE I’m allgeric to my tp!!! I don’t itch at work when I’m not using my fancy expensive tp so now I’m on a mission to prove my theory correct. IF this proves to be the problem I will miss my good stuff but will NOT miss the itcing more!!!
I suspect you already know the answer.
I’ve found that I can’t use Angel Soft tp any more. The best is Scott and Northern seem OK so far. Sometimes I have to wonder WHAT they put in this stuff. If it’s the scent, I could live without it, that’s for sure.
I’m going through the same thing and Angel soft is my enemy!!!
I have been using angel soft for two years because it seems like a good brand with a cheap price tag… Ive also had itchy irretated rectum for two years. I switched and the problem was gone with in days. I tried changing my diet, hemorrhoid creams, anti fungal creams, changed my shower gel, baby powder and even got tested for pin worms… That cheap ass toilet paper has robbed me from hours of sleep per night. When you google puritis ani, toilet paper was one thing they never mentioned.
Only reason I figured out the problem was because I have a new GF and when she spends the night I use the guest bathroom for my BMs instead of my master bath… When she spends the night, using my room mates TP, I had no problems. Angel soft is the devil!
I have the same problem. And I just checked and the brand of TP is angel soft !!!!!! I never used this brand before now. Could this be the culprit? If so this would Provide the answer to this perplexing problem. As of a minute or so ago I have stopped using it. Can’t wait to see if the itching stops . I will post the results in a few days.
I know it’s been awhile since someone wrote on here, but… I had the same issue for months. I tried antifungal, prepH, hydrocortisone and other creams in vain and realized it may be that I bought LAVENDER ANGEL SOFT TP! So I got some scott, and within a few days it was better. Almost a year has passed, I’m on roll number 3 of angel soft lavender (it smells divine) and my bum is on fire again. I keep clean, I don’t sweat, I don’t work so im not going to the restroom and not cleaning properly for hours… it’s definitely the Angel soft lavender. I don’t have issues with regular BUT I won’t buy it again. I also had BAD scalp itch with the BLUE organix shampoo. Took months to realize it (may be) that
so I put it in my son’s bathroom, (it’s expensive) and a few days later I saw him itch his little head, so I watched him and asked him about it and he said the back area above his neck, was itchy for days. Same as where I was itching! This stuff is “supposed” to be the “good” stuff with no SLS and other crap. Makes you wonder how these companies can live with themselves after what they put in their products… shameful
Angel Soft and Walgreens brand NICE is off my list. Just dicovered Sam’s Club brand has made the list. Thanks for the blog. Glad to not feel alone in this. I thought I was just a weirdo.
Sonya
I started using Sams brand (Makers Mark) toilet paper and it has chemically burned everywhere I wiped. I have continual burning and stabbing sensations that are going on 3 weeks. I’ve been to the doctor and nothing has worked so far! I’m concerned about damage and wonder if it will ever be normal as the pain is so intense. I do have sensitive skin but I know it was the TP. I’ve been using unscented and no dye Kleenex very gently after trying other TP’s I don’t trust the TP market anymore!
Try using Dessenex powder on any areas where you have had fungal issues. It’s amazing. I use it daily and have had no fungal issues for over a year. Use it whereever you tend to get damp from perspiration.
I too am having unbearable itching and am suspecting it is from toilet paper. Problem is I cannot find any toilet paper which helps to reduce the itching. We don’t seem to have any hypoallergenic toilet paper produced in the US.
The itching is killing me! I’ve had at least 4 yeast infection tests over the past two years….all negative. My doctor is useless, says it CAN’T be the toilet paper. They’ve given me the same creams you have and more. I’ve tried every TP brand I can get my hand on, and they all have the same result ….uncontrollable itching. I’ve tried Shea butter, Shea butter mixed with tea tree oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera gel ….some temporary comfort but obviously I am reinfecting myself. I’ve tried numerous detergents and settled upon one for babies…double rinse my undies, don’t use fabric softener…still, I’m scratching until I break the skin….I only bathe will aveeno or no soap at all down there…I’m dying here! I will start using a wash cloth instead of TP when possible…was thinking about going to Lourdes to get holy water (seriously)….
I had a similar problem, and it turned out to be a contact allergy to cinnamic aldehyde, which is a component of many fragrances. Toilet paper was the main culprit, also I have started to use fragrance free (not the same as unscented!) detergent. Any kind of ointment you use may also contain this substance and make things worse. Fragrance free soap is a must as well, no bath oils, etc.
I had a problem with itching in my privates after a yeast infection caused by antibiotics. Well I went to my gynecologist 5 times and she could not tell me what was wrong just that every test came back negative. Finally went to a dermatologist and guess what I am allergic to the formaldehyde in toilet paper. Unbleached toilet paper is best. The point is YES people can be allergic to Toilet Paper. Contact dermatitis can happen at any time even if you were never allergic before.
Where (and what brand) do you buy unbleached toilet paper? I use Charmins Gentle and they must have changed something because all the sudden (since October) I’ve gotten a yeast infection and bacterial infection, doctor prescribed medication, the itching stopped for a bit but then returned, I was out all day yesterday and noticed that I never itched once (using other restrooms) and started itching as soon as I returned home in the evening and went to the bathroom..so needing recommendation on toilet papers to try (that are at least soft)
Holy water does not help it’s the Angel soft brand and the knock off brands.my dermatologist confirmed it was an allergic reaction to something I am using. I stopped the Angel soft and it went away for two weeks. Went back to Angel soft and the rash came back after one use. Do now I am back to Scott’s.
ok so im so glad to hear im not the only one out there with issues regarding my vagina for the last few years ive questioned everything possible as to why i keep getting swollen,irritated or infected i am now 7 months pregnant with my third child and ive had nothing but problems i cant have a normal sex life among many other things its very aggravating i dont know what else to do so ive changed to free and clear laundry soap i stopped using fabric sheets all togethor or any kind of fabric softener and have changed to only dove sensitive skin bar soap as i thought soaps and body washes and shaving creams or anything lol were making it worse i have also been through many different brands of toilet paper after noticing they to irritated me bad and the lint they leave is one of the main irritants i think! i love my husband and want a normal life and i know he gets frustrated as am i so if there are any women out there that may be able to shine some light on this for me i would be forever grateful!!!
Hello! I was doing a search for “am I having an allergic reaction to my tp?” and came across this site! How “unfortunately” nice to hear that other women are having vaginal itching also…(notice the unfortunately part). I gradually noticed that I was very dry, itchy and raw in that area only….like Monica says, my sex life was becoming almost non-existent because of the pain and agony. I was walking like a crazy woman! I made my husband ‘check under the hood” (I’ll spare you from his comments!:O). I know I have been going through menopause for the last 5 years or so…the last 7-8 months were the worst!! So I thought I was just so dry that it was raw…however, my hubby said that there was nothing there, no raw spots, not even red…imagine my surprise!! UGH. Anyhow, I started doing research on my self after all the creams in the world didn’t work. I stopped using tp at home…I just wash with water and after about 3 days I am better!! NOW, to figure out what kind…I can use so when I am away I can find it. I changed brands b/c, as Monica said, I was having ‘cling-ons’ with the soft stuff…not very romantic….
and the dryness of menopause didn’t help that either! I am thinking that getting a peri bottle from a hospital, like the ones they gave me after I had my children…that would help…except at work!
By the way, the detergent really couldn’t be the culprit b/c I don’t itch anywhere else……Good Luck Monica…and to the husband..be patient!! (It hurts!).
Let me know if you can find a tp that won’t make it raw!!
Charmin ultra strong
Charmin also the culprit for me. I’m 45 and more than likely a little perimenopause but this is extreme. I had an outbreak (front and back, very painful, puss, itchy, burning) and I thought it was just form the summer heat. I had just bought Charmin because it was on sale and I wanted Soft TP. I broke out and to recover I had to keep it very clean rinse with water all the time (made my own peri bottle) and blot dry and it went away. I had other TP that had gotten used in between. Not soft. And then it was gone but we had one roll of the Charmin left. Started using it a day or so ago and I’m flaming again, hard to walk, puss, itchy. This is horrible. I started my research on this thinking it was the menopause and vulvaritis and it lead me to a case with a women discovering it was the toilet paper. The formaldehyde and chlorine seem to be the problems. Thank God for the Internet. Hopeful for speedy recovery and that it never comes back again.
I am so glad I came across this website. I have been battling this for about 2 years off and on. I have came to the conclusion its the Angel Soft TP. I am diabetic and when I go through periods of frequent urination, the irritation begins. Angel Soft leaves lint behind. I am talking a lot of lint. I began using water instead, but I didn’t like that “damp” feeling. My husband swears by Angel Soft because its septic tank safe (I live in the boonies), but something has got to give. I think its the recycled products and chemicals they use to recycle that might be doing it. Anyone else found a good TP that doesn’t leave lint or cause a reaction? Please share if you are having an Angel soft reaction as well. I have read a few other articles where people are having the same issues.
I have been in agony! We have always used Scott toilet paper and several weeks ago, I bought a few cases of Angel Soft that was on sale. Until today it had not even crossed my mind it may be the toilet tissue. I have tried all kinds of creams, diaper rash ointments, etc. it is so bad that skin has come off looking like I was burned in spots. I work 12 to 14 hour shifts and it wasn’t bad at work using the cheap industrial stuff either. But the minute I got home it was horrific with the itching. Something told me to google it, and I came across this site. So today I am going back to Scott to see if it helps. By the way it is septic safe also as we have a septic system. I am hoping it does help, and can’t believe how many people have reported that angel soft causes these kinds of irritations. If it doesn’t get better than I am back to the beginning trying to figure it out. Good luck on your journey…..
I have the same problem and called Angel Soft years ago and explained the itchy problem and asked if there were any additives or chemicals in it and they told me no.
Have you found brand(s) that don’t cause itching?
Thanks so much!
Bob
I have had good results with Charmin TP. It doesn’t leave “lint” to cause irritations.
Wow, me too!! I’m so glad I found this site, I have suffered for 3 years, now using baby detergent, no fragrance, no fabric softener, dryer sheets and only cotton Elle TP, so far I have been pain free for 3 weeks, longest ever pain free stretch in last 2-3 years…..wish me the best of luck
I agree, angel soft is the devil.I had to give it up due to itching too..Scotts 1000 is the only tp I can use..no lint gets left behind with scotts 1000 either! And itching weren’t away
*went away
I came across this website after looking up info on toilet paper. Same as everyone else, been itching for sometime in the private area. I have been using hydrcortisone cream which has helped but not fixed the problem. I have now been using baby wipes hypoallergenic with aloe and wow what a wonderfull surprise, this has helped and cleared my itching and soreness up. I still have been using toilet paper to wipe then use the baby wipes. It’s doing the job.
Charmin strong TP is pricey but does not leave lint. I was looking this up as I am having issues after changing to a no name brand TP. Think I will go back to Charmin. It’s worth the money not to have this annoying itch
I have recently found I have a similar problem with Toliet paper. Angel soft is especially bad. The only one that works for me now is Scotts. My husband bought the scotts extra soft and that did not work.
I have had similar issues for the past year and a half. Burning and irritation with no positive test results. My new boyfriend moved in and started buying Scott’s 1000. One ply. It didn’t feel irritated at first but the more I went the worse it got. For a year and a half going out of mind trying to figure out what the problem was. Then started using seventh generation I bleached. Got a little better but have deduced it’s not the bleach I’m bothered by, it’s the rough texture of these two papers. Had allergy testing and came back negative for formaldehyde and chlorine. Getting slowly better With charmin ultra soft. Praying it works.
Hi Guys,
It feels good to know that I’m not the only one going insane.Like many you I have questioned a zillion times what is it that causes this intense itching in my private areas.It drives me nuts believe me and I can completely relate to all of you here hence decided to share this so that it maybe of help to maybe a few.
Now couple of months for some reason I thought that I should stop using toilet paper as that is the only thing I could think of which was finally responsible for my plight.Hard to believe however my ITCHING disappeared within a week of not using toilet paper after almost 12 years.Yes it did however I still believe that it was toilet paper that could havw been reaponsible for it all.Started using the toilet roll about 2 weeks back and my itching back with a vengeance. This time I’m sure that its the toilet roll which is responsible for my allergy. LADIES stop using toilet rolls and see if ot works for you guys too.Do let me know if it works. We could help others.This freaking itching is such a spoiler. I abhor it.
I think you are allergic to angel soft!!! And here’s why…I used angel soft for years and started getting itchy down there and burning and literally thought I had std, etc! I tried everything…getting off dairy, cutting out sugars, nothing…One day I realized that it usually got really itchy after I had just wiped…..I decided to switch brands of toilet paper…..I switched to charmin ultra strong toilet paper……what? Gone! I noticed if I used certain cheap toilet paper while out that I would get itchy…..It has been over a year since I have had the problem so I decided to try angel soft again. At first I thought…wow it’s not bothering me, then about 2 weeks later….bam! Itch is back….allergy for sure! It’s back to buying charmin ultra strong…more pricy but worth it!
Also came across this blog by searching. I feel like I’m going crazy with the itching and irritation! We usually buy dg tp if we are broke & cottonelle if we are able but I sent my love you the store for the tp time & have been going insane since. He bought a big pack of angel soft which not so surprisingly seems to be the only specific brand mentioned in causing the problems. I think I’ll be buying myself a small pack & letting everyone use up that horrible stuff. Good luck ladies!
I have the same problem my doctor gave me se eral different thzt didnt help i used several thing over the counter now that is not helping my ftiend advised me to use Aquaphor it helped for a while now my body is rejecting it smdh so when it get unbearable sometimes i take a asprin
When I used MD i never had a problem. If I could find out what was the difference. M
I’m so glad I found this blog. I have been wondering if my toilet paper could be causing an itch “down there”. The only reason I was able to finally connect the itch “down there” with my toilet paper is because of a problem I began having with my ears. Yes, my ears! Now my ears are itching terribly. Here’s my routine with the ears. After I shower I take two squares of TP and clean the water out of my ears and my ears began to itch so bad that I was waking up at night to try to get the itch to stop. So just today I connected the two. I have been racking my brain about this and I have to believe it’s the TP. I use Charmin extra soft but I haven’t always used it. I loaded up on it about three months ago during a sale and that’s also when everything started. I usually don’t pay that much for TP. So, I am going back to the cheap stuff and see if everything clears up. Thank you so much for posting this blog! I even asked my hairdresser if shampoo can go bad because I thought the itch in my ears was because of the shampoo I was using. I googled “itching because of toilet paper” and found this blog. Thank you so much and thanks to the others who posted on here.
All of the pretty scented items could be causing allergies even asthma, itching, rashes. Most common brands have an unscented version also. And this unpleasantness can be from anything like the shampoo on your head to the lotion you use, bath soap, laundry soap, anything that touches your skin. You think you wash all the soaps off? You still smell it afterwards correct? There are still residues from it left behind. If your child is suffering from the above, also cease using carpet fresheners, all air sprays and any other perfumed products. This is not an uncommon allergy/sensitivity so maybe you should cut way back on them anyway as some of your guests could have problems with them. You could also try natural ones like Cinnamon and Wintergreen Oil but don’t forget these are from plants which can cause problems as well. Good luck!
I hope you found the culprit of your itchiness. Mine turned out to be a diabetic thing. (It never completely goes away on my right leg, but anti-fungal creams keep it under control most of the time. Even though the doctor says it is not fungal. If it was fungal, the cream would cure it completely.) Apparently, there is no cure for the diabetic rash that occasionally blisters & itches like crazy. Argh!
Glad I found this,itching can drive anyone crazy and have had issues for several months thinking yeast and have tried diflucan to hydrocortizone to epsom salt baths,and next was to be aveeno oatmeal baths but,as I have no discharge or odor,I have just past menopause but have been dry so thought to try reples.I have no yeast so to cut it short,I’m now thinking it’s the toilet paper.I use charmin ultra soft and I’m going to try the Scott 1000 recommended here.If it helps,I’ll be forever great full for this sight…Nothing else seems to help for long..
Regarding toilet paper. I’ve been using Angel Soft for awhile and noticed I was having a severe reaction in the private area. Not much itching as it is more swollen with what appears to be boils in that area. I finally figured out it was the Angel Soft tp that is scented on the roll with some kind of lavender scent. I had to immediately go to the store and get another brand, unscented of course. It’s helping, but it’s slowly clearing the problem. I had to use so many products to help that problem go away. I used apple cider vinegar and it opened the boils to where there’s a bit of blood now. I have 4 boils and they all caused pain and swelling. Needless to say, this is not comfortable. The makers of Angel Soft will be hearing from me tomorrow.
The same thing happened to me i also have 4-5 boils. I just recently changed my toilet paper but I had used the Angel’s Soft Lavender. They really need to take this brand off the shelves, I’ve seen so many complaints about the lavender toilet paper. This never happened to me before so I was freaking out, glad I found this site!
I’ve had an issue for years. I’ve used tons of creams and antibiotics. I bet its toilet paper. They recycle and make toilet paper with recycled materials.
Recycled toilet paper also contains BPA! Scary stuff.
Check your air freshener.
Recently I put a glade air freshener in my bathroom cabinets, next to my cleaning supply. My Tp is in an open basket under there too.
After reading some comments I went to investigate. I smelled my TP, my TP smelled soooo strongly of the new air freshener! I trashed the air freshener and am buying some new tp.
Thanks ladys.
I am so glad there are other women out there!!! I have been itching on and off for a year now. I to have had tests from the gyno and they come back negative for yeast. I stopped taking one of my medications under my doctors supervision because I thought it was the culprit. After many home tests. Shower gel, shampoo, etc. I have come to the conclusion it’s the toilet paper I have tried every brand and they all leave “clitty litter” Scott has seemed to work the best by far. I am going to try a tree free bamboo sugar cane brand that is chlorine and lint free. I have also found an product that helps with moisture called V-magic, it’s expensive 19.99 on Amazon. The post menapausal women rave about it. It has been helping me heal though all the tp changes.
I am not a doctor, but I lived through this and read for years. Formaldehyde is an anti-fungal found in toilet paper. So is methylisothiazolinone and all of its cousins which are found in many soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. When a fungus is attacked it releases toxins which can cause an allergic reaction and die m-off affects. I feel if you are sensitive in private parts you need to look at reducing candida and balancing your body. You also need more air and light exposure. So find a formaldehyde-free toilet paper and watch your symptoms decrease. But know that the candida is the real issue. If you kill candida too fast you will have kidney pain and crave sugar more than life itself. Been there, done that.
Fabulous article! BLOGTITLE honestly tends to make my evening somewhat happier 😀 Keep on with the wonderful posts! Thank you!
After a year…I just figured this out too…its Angel Soft TP. I have used it most of my life…but then switched to “green” TP. When there was a sale on angel soft I would buy in a pinch. EVERY time I use it, or my son uses it we both get a horrible rash. Its a nightmare. The pain is excruciating. This just happened again…for the last time. We will never use Angel Soft again.
I have been itching down there off and on for a few weeks. I finally realized last night that it might be the tp I’ve been using…Angel Soft. I house sat for two weeks over Christmas and pretty much all of my itching went away. (Actually I forgot about it) but I woke up in the middle of the night last night wanting to scream. I realized that it may be from this blasted angel soft. I haven’t used it today and I already feel soooooo much better! I will be contacting the company. They need to know how much discomfort they are causing many many people!
I have had itching issues for the last 2 1/2 yrs. I have begun to educate myself about the textile industry as well as toilet paper. Clothing, and toilet paper, can contain bleach, formaldehyde, alcohol, phosphate, chlorine, peroxides, fragrances, dyes and anti-bacterial properties. This stuff is just plain bad for our skin. I recently switched my clothing to organic cotton certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and have seen a vast improvement on the rashes on a great deal of my body. Now I am thinking of quitting toilet paper (for the frontal area) and using organic cotton washcloths instead. If any of this resonates with you, consider joining my Facebook support group; https://www.facebook.com/groups/269276800157885/?fref=nf
Those who find problems with toilet paper should also be careful with feminine hygiene products. They too can contain some nasty additives.
The Facebook support group I moderate is called: Textile Allergy (contact dermatitis- dye/ chemicals/ pesticides in clothes)
I am thinking about how I can update the title to include allergies to toilet paper and feminine products.
I’ve used Scott toilet paper for 20+ years with no problem until about 2 or 3 years ago when I started noticing many tiny white little pieces of toilet paper ‘dingle-balls’ on my black underpants – coinciding with an itchy bum!
I wonder if Scott changed something in the ‘ingredients’ of their toilet paper? Or perhaps ‘regulations’ for toilet paper formulation has been changed in the past few years to allow for easier breakdown of the toilet paper while in the city sewage systems?
Whatever the problem is… in my decades of wearing of black underwear I had never noticed those itchy white ‘dingle-balls’ on my underpants or bum before – and I had never ‘itched’ before either.
And yes, I think the toilet paper is to blame. I’ve been trying many different types of toilet paper and it seems like most brands leave dingle balls on my black underwear now! I’ve gotten around most of itch problem by having a bidet installed in my bathroom. I traveled to Asia last year and I don’t remember seeing any toilet paper dingle-balls or itching during my trip.
I’d like to know if the American ‘regulations’ for toliet paper have changed!
I was using Angel Soft like everyone else and kept getting infections, itching, and swelling. I used douches and creams. But I’d still get a strange odor and itch. I did notice the white pieces it left behind so I started buying a different brand. I have not had any problems whatsoever for 6+ months. Last week my bf got a huge pack of Angel Soft and I opened it 3 days ago. Ever since I’ve had the issues again! This time cramping too and I think some of the pieces have made their way inside of me! It’s causing me to smell like a bacterial infection now. I know it’s not anything else because I’ve been tested and my bf and I use condoms.
I’m glad I stumbled onto this site and see that Angel Soft has done this to others as well! I don’t feel so crazy or dirty feeling now lol. I’ll be buying new toilet paper tomorrow and never buying Angel Soft ever again!
Like everyone else here, I began experiencing swelling, burning, itching. Initially I thought it was the result of using an antibiotic for a sinus infection. Because I tried every product I could get my hands on to stop my symptoms, I caused a nasty yeast infection. Went to gyno, got meds, got better for maybe 2 days. Now, it’s starting again. The pain is horrible! Using A & D ointment (for diaper rash) has been the most beneficial as it protects skin from moisture, but I’m pitching my Angel Soft & buying the “greenest” TP I can find! So glad I found this info.
This is fascinating about the angel soft. I don’t think I’ve ever bought that brand but I definitely think I have a toilet paper allergy. I have gotten a really bad rash in my butt crack twice now in the last year and both times after using a thicker toilet paper when I usually use Scott. And also I found out my sister’s mother-in-law was told by a doctor to only use Scott because she has a lot of issues down there. I also found it fascinating when someone mentioned getting itchy ears… Because I get very itchy ears and I also wipe them out with toilet paper after a shower. But I was told by a doctor I had eczema in my ears. Hmmm…
I’ve been having the same problem since 2004. Doctor said it was cause I was just really dry down there. It started on a camping trip at same time I had to start taking HB pressure medicine and we got insect bites real bad at same time. From then till now I’ve had that “itch,some painful and at times scratching till skin is broke”. I too have changed laundry soap, bath soap, and TP. I’ve had some relief from time to time ,but it still there. I am now planning to use Witch Hazel on cloth strips to clean after I use TP and stop using TP altogether when I don’t need it,will use cloth damp with Witch Hazel after each time to visit the bathroom. I am hoping it will work . My husband does most all our shopping and he can get some of the best buys on things like paper towels and toilet paper. I’ve been to my doctor lots of times and he checks us over well including blood work each year.He lets us know what he finds is how I also needed medicine for high cholesterol . My husband found a good deal on TP that has a lavender smell and since I’ve started using that, my itch had really gotten worse. I’ll use it when needed but will clean with Witch Hazel cloth I made up and use the little pads in between. I am hoping this will make it all go away.If anyone learns of a faster way ,I’d appreciate knowing about it.
I forgot to add that I think it may have a lot to do with my BP medicine as when I stopped taking one,the problem went way down to point that was a relief in itself alone. I still think my BP medicine may be the major factor,but I wanted the least one with fewer symptoms of a future health problem like with liver and such. It all started at same time I had to start taking BP medicine. I even swelled after we came home from that camping trip due to the many bug bites we had and my medicine. My husband noticed how puffy my face was .I read the symptoms of reactions to that medicine and swelling was one of them . I now also think that maybe pads have something to do with it as well, as I need one every day due to leakage at my age and I buy the ones from Dollar Tree, as they are cheapest ones I know for what I need them for. I sure hope there is help for this itchy problem.
I have been allergic to tp for about 6 years.. I started just using wipes.. now that’s not even working.. I cant figure out what to do.. I get so raw I bleed and break… I heard there’s unbleached paper.. guess I’m on to trying that
You could try a peri bottle to spray down there, and if you don’t like feeling damp, blow dry on cool for a few minutes afterwards. If you’re out and about, use a soft washcloth, and keep it in a small wetbag. I know it sounds gross, but if it works, it’s worth it.
wipes are not good either check out this government article https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2860827/
I have done the research and all of the chemical processing and perfumes etc. added to the fancy, beautifully white and soft toilet paper seem to be the problem for me. Go figure! You spend more for a product and you expect better performance. I have since gone to the cheaper grayish toilet paper with great results. Also I use baby wipes in those “delicate areas” and have found I have to use the ones for sensitive skin. You would expect better from a product meant for babies. I hope my experience is helpful for others suffering from the dreaded itch and burn.
What brand is the grayish toilet paper and where to buy it?
Terri, I sent you an email saying it was Charmin, but I did not see that you had asked the question of Sherri. I don’t know what brand she is talking about.
Hi, Ladies and Gentlemen.
YES, IT’S TRUE YOU CAN BE ALLERGIC TO TOILET PAPER!
I’ve been allergic to toilet paper for years my husband buys everything we need for the house, often he will catch what’s on sale, l guess he forgets or he’s trying to buy better deals for our family and it doesn’t always work. I found out if you catch the itch early enough, like 2 or 3 days early its best to wash the area and pat dry then rub Vaseline petroleum jelly down there and should go away, if not see your nearest pharmacy, they now carry over the counter Rx for you without having to see a doctor. I hope this helps someone!
Hello. I have been using the same toilet paper for years with not problem, Angel Soft. But recently they changed the product and I have to start over looking again for another product. I have several allergies but the one that is a problem with the toilet paper is Methylchloroisothiazolinone or Methylisothiazolinone or MCI/MI. This is a preservative found in all sorts of things including toilet paper and dish soap. I would suggest that if you are having problems with the toilet paper that you also look for this chemical in other products you are using. I read ingredients on EVERYTHING. That is if they list them. My allergy sheet from the dermatologist lists Cottonelle brand as a toilet paper not to use. Unfortunately that is the only brand listed. I have a total of nine different allergies that I have to use a database just to find products I can use but it’s all topical products. So I’m on my own on the toilet paper. I’ll probably try Seventh Generation or the new bamboo products.
I found this blog while researching which toilet papers contain Methylisothiazolinone or Methylcloroisothiazolinone because I had been diagnosed via “T.R.U.E. Test” by my dermatologist 30 or so years ago to be allergic to MI / MCI. These chemicals are in many products such as shampoos/ conditioners , toilet tissues, laundry soaps etc., etc.. I have been using Scott 1000 for decades without any problem but I had recently became aware of my new daughter-in-laws dissatisfaction with the 1 ply tissue so I set out to find a more comfortable alternative (so far, to no avail). I am highly confident that MI / MCI is the root of your problem and recommend that you pay particular attention to MI / MCI is all aspects of your life. Eliminating the chemicals just may solve other problem areas of your life.
FYI – the FDA allows a chemicals usage if it doesn’t NEGATIVELY affect more than 14% of the population. That 14% be damned. They will suffer in name of the almighty dollar. Are you one of the 14/% ? I suspect so.
I have a lot of problems “down there” and toilet paper is the least likely culprit. What I did recently was take an antibiotic causing major bowel problems and an alarming abscess. Home yeast infection meds helped, but very little. I alarmingly found you can have yeast issues in your stool. Taking an unusual antibiotic and large pills for yeast allowed the healing to begin. 5 weeks on my back while healing. Future problems are not out of the questions, but a hint (go back after 5 minutes wiping and wipe again, leaking stool may be the problem, especially when you are older.
I’m so glad I came across this. I’ve been itching like crazy and just got some different TP on sale, so bingo that’s the culprit. Thank you!
I am a Registered Nurse, and part of the problem is that they are so worried about toilet paper dissolving in the sewer, that a lot of it actually starts to dissolve when you wipe and it mixes with liquid urine, has anyone ever had tiny residue balls of toilet paper left behind? Think of it this way, those tiny balls mixed with urine are just as irritating as leaving a dirty diaper on your baby. Add to this the fact that when it dissolves it also leaves behind any chemicals it contains, double trouble. The problem is more common than you think. Yes it should break down in the sewer system, but it should last long enough to do the job it was intended to do.
Great info. I am sure I have an itching reaction to Charmin’ Ultra Strong. I switched to Open Nature 100% Bamboo Pulp – no problems! It is available in Safeway/Lucky’s.
Thanks sir for sharing such beautiful information with us.
Thank you for sharing this information. I am grateful for all the comments that have been posted.
I bought Scott’s 1000 when my daughter was here, and stored the rest in the closet for her next visit. However, I think I will be using it tonight to see if it will help me.
You are literally me. It’s been 3 years and all started right during my divorce. So of course I chalked it up to stress. Removed Starbucks from my normal habits and saw improvement for 6 months this year (literally have 1 of 3 infections a month). Now it’s back and starting to realize basic Cottonelle TP breaks off and stays there. So learning every day. I’m pescatarian for the last year and that didn’t change anything. I eat at home as much as possible. Starbucks and TP have def been / of the problems. But I’ve had Candida, yeast, overgrowth of good bacteria (feels like yeast infection too) and bladder infections. Almost 38 years old and symptoms have been going almost 4 years.
You are allergic to MI/MCI. Methylisothiasolinone and the thousand other names it comes under. It’s used in the fabrication of papers and wipes, perfumes and soaps and detergents. Your rashes will only clear up if you stop using it all. It’s very tricky but doable. It took me years to figure it out after seeing countless dermatologists. Request patch testing and start using only plain glycerin soap, Nellie’s for laundry, Dr Bronner, nothing else. Use gloves. It’s a synthetic preservative. Lots of resourceful Facebook groups! Good luck!
I’ve had the same problem. Charmin basic works for me, but every one is different. I also have similar problems with pads and tampons. Organic cotton are the only kind I can use without itching
Oh my god I thought I was crazy. I am otherwise healthy, we went on vacation to a gorgeous house it had EVEYTHING top of the line. And the nice fluffy charmin toilet paper, living in the city, with all boys, I use Scott tissue, (the cheap stuff ) day 2 I started to itch and it just kept getting worse! The more I pitched the more i cleaned and wiped… day 2 home, almost all cleared up. In that area…that was the ONLY difference i used the same shampoo, soap, eat the same things… it has happened before randomly in my life… I can’t say for sure if those times coincided with the fluffy white expensive paper too…but this time it dawned on me while it was at its peak the day we were heading home that I think the toilet paper was causing it!
i also have an allergy to toilet paper but i can use wipes and i am trying to get my dr to get my health insurance to cover them and i am also extremely incontinent from ms and other neurological problems i have allot of medical problems i always have had allot of medical problems and to be honest with u i am having less rashes with the briefs and wipes then when i was continent and using toilet paper and i mean i have tried using toilet paper since i became incontinent but ended up in yeast infection medication from it and i have tried all kinda of stuff to get rid of rashes but the only thing that is helping now is the briefs and wipes as weird as that may sound and to be honest with u because of my allergy to toilet paper i am glad that they make adult diapers and wipes to help and i no that it is nicer to call it briefs not diapers and i get kinda offended when people tell me i wear diapers instead of briefs i mean i no that they r diapers but i don’t want to think of that i am also allergic to the pull ups also and to some of the materials in underwear but i can wear clothes when it’s on other parts of my body i no it don’t make any sense but it is very true some drs tell me that my butt is hypo sensitive to everything but i found out what helps me and to be honest with u yes it bothers me that i have to wear the briefs and use the wipes but if that is going to keep me from a rash and an embarrassing moment were i am having an accident then i will use them and it’s more comfortable also because it’s not itchy thank u for posting that u have the allergy to toilet paper i thought i was the only one
I have been “allergic” to toilet paper and general tissue papers my entire life. As a child my mum figured out I don’t rash from papers with no recycling parts. Appeared to be not the bleach but other parts used in the recycling circle. Thankfully in europe many brands started using a different process in the last 20 years as the occurrence suddenly reduced after this. Still have the same reaction when I use the wrong type of paper.
I switched to charming about a year ago, I also went on diflacan and went to the gynecologist repeatedly and a few days ago I remembered I stayed with an aunt in the 90’s and she had charmin tp also I had a problem than. I made the switch back to angel soft 2 days ago. It feels a bit better so I’m not sure but I think I am allergic to the Charmin brand also.
Glad I found this article. I switched jobs last year and ever since then I have been experiencing what I call diaper rash. I thought it was just me, gaining weight, my detergent or soap so I changed everything. My way of eating, soap, and detergent. All my life I have used Scott and never had a problem. My new job uses Angel soft so I googled can I be allergic to Angel soft tp and it brought me to this website. Thank you so much for sharing. I will make sure, starting Monday, I will be bringing my own Scott TP to work. I have been so stressed over this. I hope this solves my problem. Thank you again.
For me, it was bacteria vaginosis causing the crazy itching. I went to get tested with pap at my gynecologist. She took few swabs because I told her about the itching. It came back as BV. She prescribed Tinidazole – 2 days, 4 pills per day. Its a miracle! No more itching and I can use toilet paper again.
I’m so glad I googled this cause I am experiencing the same issues .. I’m allergic to the cashmere brand .. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one experiencing this .. I thought I was going crazy
I felt the same way when I had the problem. That is why I wrote this post, because when I was googlng it there was nothing.
I have been dealing with itchiness since July 2020. It all started after I used a lube with my partner. Then I tried using condom and it got worse. I felt very swollen, pain, itchiness. (definitely allergic to lube and condoms). I was using Dr. Bronners soap for a year and it was great. I then tried using a Neutrogena soap and boom I was SO sore. I also switched my shampoo products in June as well- so that might be apart of it. I have always used the same detergent. However, I switched to Costco toilet paper and that might be the culprit as well. I went to the gyno and nothing is wrong- just irritation!!! Really red, itchy. Tried using cortisone..nothing helps. switched to cotton cloths. will be trying the peri bottles and Charmin toilet paper. do they make unscented? any advice would be helpful
My Charmin with the red label is unscented, but it does not say that on the packaging.
THANK YOU – light at the end of the tunnel! I Googled TP allergy and found your site thinking I was something mad to even search, but it’s all making sense now. I’ve only had three UTI’s ever – the last was in 2007 when I identified the new, super fragrant fabric conditioner as the culprit but had to endure three anti-biotics and a kidney scan first. I don’t use fabric conditioner any more. Nothing again until 4 January 2021. After three antibiotics, yeast meds and D-Mannose (which definitely helped) it all cleared up for approx. 5 days but started to return two days ago. I’d bought expensive, quilted toilet paper that is so harsh but only kept using it because of the cost. I’d stopped using it for a cheaper brand but ran out and returned to what is obviously the culprit! It’s for the bin. Thank you all.
I’m so glad I could be of help.
Oh my word! Charmin!! I’m allergic to Charmin and now I’m finding others I’m allergic to as well. My allergy makes me very sore, incredibly fatigued, tired and burning when I urinate. The worst part is I ache in the netherregions something fierce. So much so, it’s disrupts everything. UTI symptoms but it feels much worse.
Oh my heavens! Like an Angel sent from above! I’m NOT CRAZY!! I switched from Cottonelle (so soft and wonderful, but got EXPENSIVE), when I found SCOTT made one just like it. I’ve scratched myself RAW, given my “outer edges” sores and have all but lost my mind! I see that AS has a big issue, but I’m looking for something not so “linty” to try. Suggestions please?! The ONLY source of relief I get comes in the form of a 1oz tube by The Honey Pot and that 1oz is $14.00!!! It lasts roughly a week. Surely I’d never pay that much for any TP! I’m wondering if anyone is still out there since this post is old. I’m dying!
Yes, I’m still out here. At the moment, I am using Charmin Ultra Strong, with the red label. I haven’t had a problem with it for 9 years. Thank you for reading.
Well I KNOW I’m allergic to certain toilet papers – my husband recently bought this cheapy toilet paper from this new Aldi store that opened up…. When I lived in Plattsburgh, N.Y., and I began an ‘itch’, I realized it was the toilet paper. We lived near the Georgia Pacific paper company and we used to buy that toilet paper and NO problems since. i see they are advertised on the net also, it WAS the best, but rather pricey…. IF I have to I’ll buy them again.
Now we live in N.C., and after my husband bought that cheapy toilet paper (I ‘forgot’ about my sensitivities) I have literally broke out in HIVES ALL over my body. For about 2 weeks now – still have the hives – seeing primary Dr. for my quartally visit – will ask for a cortisone shot on Thursday… I Almost went to ER on Saturday to ask them to help me figure out ‘where’ they were from. BUT that same night I used the paper and (I’ve been drained and feeling not too great – also being up all night with the scratching) I ‘then’ realized what the real culprit was. The TP, I went out and bought Cortisone and hubby used the WHOLE tube all over. I’m on Thyroid pills now, also, and with Benedryl it DId help the itch to stop…. Only problem is I can only use it at night as I will get very sleepy (with just a HALF a benedryl.)… Does Charmin come WITHOUT ANY chemicals in it??? I REALLY need help PLEASE! The hives are making me VERY depressed….
I don’t know if Charmin has any chemicals in it or not, but it is working for me. I hope you find the answer to your problem soon.