Could Laundry Detergent or Soaps Worsen or Cause Cholinergic Urticaria Hives?
Post by: Duper on July 01, 2008, 11:55:13 AM
I’ve read that a few people have gotten dramatically better after trying the Organic Technique (wearing clothes that have never been in contact with detergent and washing them with baking soda). How many people here have tried switching their detergent?
I’m going to try the organic technique over this summer and hopefully things with get better. Here’s a detailed post from a user who was very helpful to me.
Quote
Anyway here’s the method:
1. Get rid of all your clothes. Throw them away or put them in a plastic bag air tight. You’ll likely never wear them again.
2. Buy all new clothes. Preferably loose instead of tight. If you are budget strapped, buy just enough full sets of clothes for a 2 week rotation only, or however much you want, it’s completely up to you.
3. Buy new bath towels and bed sheets, throw out your old ones. Again, only get whatever is in your power in terms of budget.
4. Before you do laundry, pre rinse 1 cycle with just water.
5. When you do laundry, don’t use any detergent. Use baking soda only.
6. Only wear your newly purchased clothes, all cotton. No polyester.
7. Only sleep on the bed with the new bed sheets.
8. To help you along further and getting rid of the Cholinergic Urticaria, I suggest starting off by taking a detox bath to get rid of the existing residue.
9. Wipe any furniture/couch/chair you might have very clean. Detergent residues are practically invisible.
Personally I didn’t do #8 until later on, because I was completely unaware of it. Fact is, it actually helped me along even faster. So just know that #8 is really. Me personally, I couldn’t stand the pain during workouts, so I thought that i’d take a lot of detox baths to start off and then get to working out.
*note: ask your doctor about detox baths before doing it.*
i havent’ had a serious attack in a long time, so I suggest at least starting here and trying this out while you’re looking for other cures, should you even need to. I planned on going to an alternative healthcare physician in september, but I honestly think I may not need to do anything anymore.
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Title: Re: Detergents
Post by: billysielu on July 01, 2008, 12:46:55 PM
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I’d like to hear how it goes, on a monthly basis if possible.
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Title: Re: Detergents
Post by: HivesGuy on July 01, 2008, 02:43:47 PM
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Welcome to the forum Duper & thanks for the great post!
I have tried switching detergents quite a few times. Well, when I actually developed cholinergic urticaria, I had been using the same detergent (Gain) for the 3 previous years before the hives started. So I didn’t really think that it was caused by detergents.
However, I have indeed tried different kinds to make sure such as: Arm & Hammer detergent, Sun, plus several generic brands. I didn’t notice any difference with any of the different brands. I have also tried many different brands of soaps, shampoos, etc. I have also tried not using deodorant for about a couple of weeks or so, and didn’t notice anything with that either.
So it would definitely be interesting to know if anyone tries it & sees any kind of results. If anyone tries this, please keep us updated.
In a lot of ways, I wish I could go completely organic: I wish I could get a water softener (I have crazy hard water), and have about 2 acres of land to grow my own fruit/veggies, catch my own fish, use my own laundry detergent, etc. I hope one day I can do most of this. It will have to wait until I get my own house though because now I live in an apartment.
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Title: Re: Detergents
Post by: threesixmafia on July 17, 2008, 12:23:18 PM
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im also trying this, any result for u duper?
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Title: Re: Detergents
Post by: Duper on July 19, 2008, 09:10:53 PM
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My condition is improving, but I’m on so many things right now, and it’s really humid; so I don’t know where to attribute credit. Heh, if I find results, I’ll definitely let you guys know. On the same topic, a poster on the ehealth forums is also saying that this is what worked for him; although I’m not sure if he/she has Cholinergic Urticaria or another type of urticaria.
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Title: Re: Detergents
Post by: Duper on July 28, 2008, 02:25:20 PM
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I can’t say whether hand washing my clothes has helped or not; but it certainly didn’t make it worse, so you guys should give it a shot. So finished a liver cleanse (month long) with “Nature’s Secret Ultimate liver cleanse”. It was easier to sweat while I was taking the pills, but I stopped yesterday. The itch is back today, as well as the rash like redness; although the severity has been reduced and I am still sweating. I do not know if it will be a help in the long run, but I felt all right while I was doing the cleanse.
Does anyone else have experience with cleanses or herbal remedies?
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Title: Re: Detergents
Post by: HivesGuy on July 28, 2008, 04:25:40 PM
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Thanks for the follow-up duper!
I have never really tried any of the colon cleanses or herbal remedies. Vitamins are probably the closest thing I have tried to an herbal remedy & they didn’t help at all that I could notice.
Anyone else try anything?
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Title: Worth a try for Cholinergic Urticaria?
Post by: Lenton on January 07, 2009, 09:19:34 PM
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My father (who doesn’t have this condition) suggests that I replace all my laundry detergent, soaps, deodorant, shampoo’s, conditioners, lotions, to stuff without perfumes that would aggrivate my body.
Is that gonna make any difference or is not worth me spending the money and buying all this new stuff? I haven’t read any stories of that helping anything.
THANKS! 😉
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Title: Re: Worth a try?
Post by: HivesGuy on January 08, 2009, 07:55:39 AM
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Hello Lenton,
Here are a few general recommendations for you:
1. It is always a good idea to go to the doctor if possible. This is just to confirm a diagnosis, and have the proper tests run to rule out any other potential condition that can give similar symptoms. Most people see 1-3 doctors (their general doctor, a dermatologist, and an allergist). They can also give treatment suggestions and tips. Who knows, maybe even they can find the reason why you are having them or something too.
2. I think many of us on here have tried different detergents, soaps, etc. It didn’t make a difference for me personally, but I guess it is always worth a try. Instead of rushing out and buying new stuff, you may just want to finish using what you have and then switch brands when you go to buy more. But again, many have tried that and so far it doesn’t seem to be connected. But every person could be different.
3. I would try to ask yourself if anything changed in that 1 year you had your hives go away. I too had a period of about 1-2.5 years when my hives went away completely. The only thing that was different was my sun exposure. It may or may not be related (I hope to get more sun this summer to see if the hives go away). But it is always worth a look.
4. If you have any diet issues, you may want to try cutting certain allergens out of your diet. Cutting out milk has helped my with some bad stomach issues I used to have. I also cut out gluten and other allergies right now. Although it hasn’t cured the hives, it seems to make them be less intense (particularly when I first start on the diets). Just be sure to get enough nutrition, and talk to a nutritionalist if necessary to make sure.
5. A doctor may be able to give a treatment that makes live more liveable for you. Some people on the forum talk about taking zyrtec (an over the counter anti-histamine). It doesn’t cure them 100%, but for some it makes the hives less itchy and the outbreaks more manageable. So that is something you may try if your doctor says it could help. They can also prescribe other anti-histamines/treatments.
Again, it may not cure you, but it may help to get through the hard days when you have a speaking event or something like that.
6. You can also just practice avoiding triggers as much as possible. This means wearing light colored clothing on sunny days. Wear really thin fabrics to keep your body cooler (avoid sweaters, heavy suits, etc.). Keep the temperature cooler. Don’t eat foods that have spice or vinegar taste to them, as they can cause a sudden rush of heat and cause hives.
That is a general list, and I hope that helps!
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Title: I May Have Discovered Something
Post by: Motion on May 25, 2010, 11:31:32 PM
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Recently my hives have become mild to barely a problem unlike last summer around this time. I have made two changes that may be helping with my Cholinergic Urticaria. I recently bought some Dial gold soap and started using Sure Invisible Solid Uncented deodorant.
I’am wondering if one of these has caused my hives to become mild even in this May heat? I used to use various soaps but decided to buy Dial gold bar soap. It contains an antibacterial ingredient called Triclocarban. Now I know some connect Cholinergic Urticaria to skin bacteria. So I wonder if this antibacteria ingredient is doing a better job of removing whatever skin bacteria that may be contributing to Cholinergic Urticaria?
Then as far as the change to Sure deodorant. For years I used Mitchum uncented gel. Now if this change to Sure is playing a part in reducing my Cholinergic Urticaria then I wonder if it’s because the Sure deodorant doesn’t contain something that I may have been allergic to that was in the Mitchum? What got me wondering about this is that many with Cholinergic Urticaria often point out how they have sweating problems. With deodorants being anti-perspirants which mean they control sweating then maybe there are certain ingredients in some deodorants/anti-perspirants that interfer with how your body sweats or responds to heat?
To those who want to see if this is something worth looking into. Just switch to Dial gold bar soap and Sure Invisible Solid uncented deodorant for a few days and see what happens for you.
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Title: Re: I May Have Discovered Something
Post by: HivesGuy on May 26, 2010, 04:04:16 AM
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Hey motion,
Very interesting and thanks for sharing that info.
It is an interesting theory about the deodorant thing. Despite being rather skinny, I used to sweat buckets under my armpits when I was a teenager. I remember ordering this “super strong” deodorant online that was supposed to help with it.
I only used it a couple of times, but it did indeed make my sweating stop, and it made my underarms a bit itchy. This was during the summer before I ever got Cholinergic Urticaria, and I always wondered if they were connected.
Since then, however, I have tried going a month or so without deodorant (I recently switched from “Right Guard” to “Old Spice”. During the winter, I sometimes don’t use it for weeks or months at a time (since I have a home business, and I let my house get as cool as 55 degrees). Unfortunately, not wearing deodorant at all doesn’t usually affect my hives. However, the other deodorant could have “messed up” my body on a permanent level. It is definitely interesting to consider.
About Dial soap, I used to use it all the time back in the day. My mom loved it because it was antibacterial. I eventually stopped using it because I found that it was a very drying soap, and made my skin very dry. I switched to Dove moisturizing & hypoallergenic soap.
I haven’t really noticed a difference in the hives with either change (not wearing deodorant for long periods of time, or switching soaps/using dial).
However, like you said, it is a cheap change and defitely worth it for anyone on here to try. And if it seems to be working for you, then I would definitely stick with it. I just wanted to share my experience briefly.
Thanks again for the tips, and if anyone else tries this and has any result, please let us know.
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Title: Re: I May Have Discovered Something
Post by: Motion on May 26, 2010, 08:49:09 AM
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For now I plan on sticking with the Dial and Sure for the rest of the summer. I will also try to take note of any other factors that my be contributing to my milder hives that I probably haven’t noticed yet. I’am kinda leaning towards the Dial playing a bigger role in my hives change since I use it all over my body.
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Title: Re: I May Have Discovered Something
Post by: Motion on September 06, 2010, 09:26:58 PM
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Since it’s the end of summer I wanted to come back with an update. For most of this summer I’ve continued to be basically hives free even on the hottest days. I’ve continued to use the Dial soap and Sure deodorant for the whole summer. I can still feel some itching sometimes like in the shower but it’s usually mild and doesn’t breakout beyond that. Now I’am waiting to see how things go this winter.
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Title: Re: I May Have Discovered Something
Post by: HivesGuy on September 07, 2010, 12:50:23 PM
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Thanks for the update Motion. I hope they stay manageable for you. Lately mine have been crazy.
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Title: Re: I May Have Discovered Something
Post by: White Rice on January 28, 2011, 05:10:14 AM
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I too use Mitchum, I’m wondering if that might be contributing to my problems as well…..sounds like I’ll be switching to Sure.
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Title: Re: I May Have Discovered Something
Post by: luv2fish on January 28, 2011, 08:54:15 AM
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Although I have not tried changing soaps, I was and had been using Sure unscented invisible solid for years before my problem even started. At least for me, Sure is not the answer.
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Title: Washing powder
Post by: hieveryone on January 28, 2011, 11:39:53 AM
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Hey!
I have been reading the forum these days (a lot of activity) and I’ve been wondering if any of you has tried to change the washing powder by a ‘new’ balls, I know them as ‘Ecoballs’, that wash your (not very dirty) clothes, and you don’t have to use any kind of washing powder. Well, I’m thinking in buying them. Also, I will probably try the anti dust mites for the bed, though here in Spain I don’t know where to buy it, probably Ikea.
By the way, I was taking a treatment of fexofenadine (from two years) and singulair (5 months). The singulair helps, not very much but it’s more than nothing, though I thought the effect would be better. I also stopped with the D vitamine (only took them for 3 months), now it’s exams period so the stress is higher, is what I’m trying to low (it also helps). I have some tips, like don’t press any part of my body too much or never look down.
Also I bought a ‘videogame’ called ‘Mind Training’, it’s basically for reducing stress in social activities, I know the main part of my stress is becouse the Cholinergic Urticaria but using it some time seems to make me happier at the rest of the day. Nothing more, well, like you know, not too long for the winter to end 😀
Cheers!
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Title: Re: Washing powder
Post by: HivesGuy on January 28, 2011, 11:49:45 AM
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Hey,
No, I have never tried the new balls detergent thing. I use a special hypoallergenic type (no dyes,etc.) made by a company called “All.” It is good and it doesn’t leave a film or scent on my clothes like other detergents.
That is great that you seem to be feeling more happy/less stressed from the video game. It sounds interesting and I have never heard of it before.
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Title: Re: I May Have Discovered Something
Post by: Rogerq23 on January 29, 2011, 01:20:34 AM
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Try Cetaphil, it is less irritating and also he helps to moisturize you skin.
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Title: Re: I May Have Discovered Something
Post by: Motion on January 31, 2011, 11:11:25 PM
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Just to add an update. So far this winter my hives haven’t disappeared. I still get some itching in the shower if my water is a little to hot. It’s kinda hard to judge how bad my hives are in the winter since it’s colder and cooler. Overall my hives are milder and more manageable. I think I’ll have to wait and see how things are this summer because the heat had set off my hives back in the summer of 09 really bad. The summer of 2010 was good for me. I’am assuming that my change in soap and deodorant played some part for me. I’am still sticking with the Dial gold bar soap and Sure uncented deodorant for this coming summer.
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Title: A Natural Chemical or Toxin
Post by: Slick1020 on May 08, 2011, 03:00:08 AM
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I’m no Doogie Howser for those of you of my age who ever watched his show back in the day. Hivesguy might can place my terminology into terminology a doctor may use.
Does anyone think our body creates a chemical or toxin of which naturally occurs in the body? The brain tells the body to store the chemical or toxin until called upon. For some reason our brains doesn’t tell the body to release the chemical or toxin like a normal person’s body. So the chemical or toxin stores itself in our body and stress can cause the body to store too much of the chemical or toxin. Once the brain tells the body to release the chemical or toxin our body interprets the chemical or toxin as foreign to our bodies. The only way to expel the chemical or toxin consists of exercising. Through exercise the chemical or toxin can coexist with our body because we can expel the matter through exercise and it becomes second nature to the body over time. I do not know if my theory sounds stupid or not but its a start.
Today as I was walking around the track I couldn’t take the darn itching and tingling around with bumps popping up on my arms anymore. Having 180mg of allegra in my system helps a little so I decided to jog. Still got the hives and itchiness on my arms, chest/back, and neck. However, the running made it somewhat stop. As I sit here typing with hives slowly going away and sweating my butt off. I still have slight itches and tingles here and there but nothing unbearable. Technique: After working out leave the AC off so your body becomes accustomed to the heat your body created during the workout.
Tell me your thoughts…