Really sensitive shower gel?

[StephenKatz]

I'm not sure if this is really the right place or not!

My skin has all of a sudden become extremely sensitive! Itching like crazy. I've switched to non-bio washing powder etc, and the doctor advised changing what I wash with. Can anyone with very sensitive skin recommended me an everyday shower gel I can use?

[BlanketSky]

I use soap now but previously used the baby 'head-to-toe' wash?

[bibbitybobbityyhat]

I would try soap too. A glycerin one from the health food shop, perhaps?

[Wolpertinger]

You need something SLS/SLES free.

Best options are down at the chemist ie Aveeno, E45 wash, Eucerin Shower oil are all lovely. They are all non-fragranced as well so very safe. Prob my favourite would be the Eucerin although it's a bit weird to get used to the oil texture. If you want to be very medicinal buy Doublebase shower gel from the pharmacy.

If you then want something a bit less medicinal the organic/eco brands are full of choices but you may find fragrance disagrees with you. For things you can get in Waitrose there is Yes to Carrots, Neals Yard, Cath Kidston (I really really liked this) off the top of my head.

Basically you need to look for anything that either says SLS/SLES free on the front or read the ingredients list yourself - sodium laureth sulphate is usually the second ingredient if its there so you don't have to read them all. If it's way down the list then you may well get away with it.

[Wolpertinger]

And no soap!

You want a non- or minimally foaming soap-free wash. NOT I repeat NOT Sanex which all has SLES in, even the Zero stuff, and not Dove, as it doesn't matter if you are 1/3rd moisturizing cream if the other 2/3 contains skin-stripping ingredients.

Can you tell this makes me a bit ranty?

[thenightsky]

I find the only 2 shower gels I can use are Badedas and, best of all, that specialist stuff meant for washing your fanjo. Its on the sanpro aisle in Boots and is soap free or something.

Anything else gives me splits in my skin where it folds, especially my arse crack (eek)

[StephenKatz]

Thanks! I'll have a look tomorrow! I did think something along the lines of diprobase but things like baby wash and fanjo wash hadn't occurred to me! Finally, a use for Femfresh that Mumsnet can get on board with

[SmallGreenBouncyBall]

bar of soap here. liquid soaps make me itch like mad.

[Wolpertinger]

It used to be that if you had ezcema your only options were E45 wash or stuff designed for kids ezcema. Then there was the organic stuff - because they don't like chemicals! And now there is finally a lot more choice, finally going mainstream

I've spent far far too long reading the backs of bottles in supermarket aisles.

[Yddraigoldragon]

Soap here too, I use handmade chemfree soaps from Cornwall soap box, loccitane or aromawakening, all available online. My skin is loads better than when I used shower gel, I don't get any residue or itchy sore skin.

[Stripeybeachhut]

I use soap now too. Waitrose essential vegetable soap.

[Siolence]

Dr Bronners soap for me. Liquid or bar.

[ClementineWardrobe]

OP this stuff is best

www.amazon.co.uk/DERMOL-500-EMOLLIENT-MOISTURISER-LOTION/dp/B00L9S8RX4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455658043&sr=8-1&keywords=dermol%20500%20lotion&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21.

You can get it on prescription. It's an emollient soap substitute, best stuff ever, can be used as hand wash, face wash, shower cream; Lifesaving for me, and can be rubbed in to dry skin after.

[StephenKatz]

This is really helpful thanks to you all! I'd bought some clear Pears soap thinking it would help but looking at the ingredients it's a no! Good job DD2 had already used it to clean the bathroom tiles

I've got a good few ideas for things to look for tomorrow, think I'll head into town where they have Boots, Superdrug and Wilko!

[Yddraigoldragon]

Might be worth looking in Holland and Barrett as well, I picked up some lovely soap from our local one

[magicstar1]

The only stuff I can use without itching is Femfresh, it's great.

[hollinhurst84]

Maybe a shower oil? Aveeno do one and eucerin do

[ScienceRocks]

When my skin does that, the only things I can use are neutrogena rainbath and l'occitane shower oil.

[gladyoucame]

The Dermol moisturiser recommended by clementine above stings both my DS's skin so just be careful. They are ok with Aveeno shower stuff but the Aveeno cream stings, the Eucerin shower stuff is ok. Think you have to find out what works for you.

[Youcantmoancanyou]

I have this itchiness problem, and find the only thing that stops it in it's tracks is Dove fragrance free body bar or whatever it's called. It's soap-free and stopped the itchiness immediately.

[SpicedGingerTea]

Another one who has this problem, I've been using a shower gel someone bought for me for Christmas and I cannot stop itching (it's a Champneys one too).

I usually stick with Pears Shower Gel or Body Shop Shower Gels, neither of which give me any problem.

[hugoagogo]

I love boots baby soap, I only wash the bits that need washing- no need to soap yourself all over, water will do.
I use almond oil afterwards on my arms and legs.

[QueenofLouisiana]

I use emollient cream- huge tub from the supermarket. I use as face wash, shower gel, very thin layer as shaving gel. It's one of the few things that doesn't make me itch. If I'm feeling rich I buy the e45 shower gel. I use Dead Sea salt in the bath.

[cuntycowfacemonkey]

I don't use any soap or shower gels anymore. I shower everyday and don't feel any less 'clean' for having not used anything. Oddly shampoo's etc don't bother my scalp

[carlaboyle1984]

Sannex is amazing! X