Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder if I could be allergic to toilet roll!?

81 replies

Ansumpasty · 23/02/2019 11:55

I’ve been having awful ongoing issues down there for almost 6 months. Been tested for everything under the sun and the only thing that comes back is b strep. Basically feels like thrush, but with an alkaline ph and no answers!

Right before this started, I had a bad skin reaction to a facial treatment. I then had an allergic reaction to hair dye (tint) for the first time in my life. Been colouring my hair since I was 16 and never had an issue.

Is it possible that non scented and not aloe Vera covered toilet roll could cause a reaction? Anyone else ever had issues like this or AIBU and just clutching at straws in desperation...

OP posts:
PinkHeart5914 · 23/02/2019 12:00

Yanbu.

A while ago I got different toilet roll at shopping and got thrush, I know it sounds daft but I am sure it was the toilet roll that caused it. I used a thrush treatment and switched back to my normal toilet roll and was fine.

Have you used a gel pessery for the thrush? The gel one was like magic I tell you

kashleesi · 23/02/2019 12:03

Apparently you can- some toilet paper contains bleach (which I never would have thought!)

Bambamber · 23/02/2019 12:05

Yes it's possible! I had an allergic reaction to the toilet roll at my work that was non scented. Everything swelled up and went rather red and itchy. Looked like a baboons arse. I also got hives although they went within an hour. I used a combination of piriton and vagisil for a couple days

LadyPenelope68 · 23/02/2019 12:06

You are most definitely NBU! I GET dreadful thrush like symptoms if I use anything other than Andrex Quilted toilet roll. My GP said it's a really common cause of vaginal irritation that people don't think about at first

Kaddm · 23/02/2019 12:08

I’d say the multiple issues are related. I know someone who had this. I can’t think what it is but it’s some kind of immune thing where the body is basically attacking itself. It went away but I’d see the doc as my info is clearly sketchy. Also theirs was related to stress

Original poster
Ansumpasty · 23/02/2019 12:08

@PinkHeart5914 Interesting! It just feels like thrush but isn’t- swabs say negative.

@kashleesi Hmmm- would explain my hair dye allergy!

@Bambamber Thanks- gives me hope!

OP posts:
Blastandbollocks · 23/02/2019 12:12

My work loo roll has this effect. It's that hideous single ply which is slightly scratchy. I have to limit my liquids during the day, and "go" sparingly (lunchtime). Blush
Can't really take my own in due to a combination of circumstances!

Original poster
Ansumpasty · 23/02/2019 12:13

@Ladypenelope68 Interesting! It must be hard to find one that doesn’t irritate, especially if it takes a while to go away

@kaddm Thanks- glad to hear theirs went away! It is a coincidence, I must admit! I’ve also been more stressed than ever in my life

OP posts:
longwayoff · 23/02/2019 12:17

Got well known scented brand as substitute in online delivery a couple of years ago, used a couple of times and been scratching ever since. React now to every known brand. Tried all the thrush stuff and other creams and oils. Nothing clears it up other than using cotton instead of tissue. Difficult to manage if you're out. It's bloody annoying.

Original poster
Ansumpasty · 23/02/2019 12:18

@Blastandbollocks Ouch! I didn’t realise it was so common!

OP posts:
Yabbers · 23/02/2019 12:19

Unfortunately I find this with anything other than really expensive toilet roll. Costs me a fortune but is worth it!

Original poster
Ansumpasty · 23/02/2019 12:19

@longwayoff Do you use flannels or what? I want to try for a week but not sure what to use and keep forgetting when I go the toilet.

OP posts:
Helspopje · 23/02/2019 12:19

Could it be lichen sclerosis?

redannie118 · 23/02/2019 12:20

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns, and so we've agreed to take this down now.

EhlanaOfElenia · 23/02/2019 12:20

Toilet roll, strong laundry detergent (in the pants), fabric conditioner, all play a part.

I had to change the toilet paper recently, because I was getting mild cystitis.

If I use a fabric conditioner I get severe cystitis, it is that straight forward, and I can almost count the days. If I visit someone and stay overnight, I 'air dry' rather than use one of their towels, just in case. A washing machine that has had fabric conditioner used for previous loads can still give me mild cystitis.

Some laundry detergents will also do it. If you suspect it, put your clothes through an extra rinse.

These things all add up.

I can't use cheap moisturisers as the fragrance sets off a heat rash and/or eczma.

I used to use the John Frieda blonding shampoo, and I now react to soo many shampoos and conditioners - I have the itchiest scalp ever, I look like I have damn fleas sometimes I'm scratching so much!!! I have to use very neutral and natural products now.

I've started to react more and more, so I'm being much more careful with my product choices now.

Boobiliboobiliboo · 23/02/2019 12:21

Apparently you can- some toilet paper contains bleach (which I never would have thought!)

How else would they make it white?!

Drum2018 · 23/02/2019 12:23

I'd try an antihistamine - if it's an allergic reaction that should help symptoms. Nappy cream may also sooth it. I have had this issue with cheaper brand loo roll so only use cushelle now.

Original poster
Ansumpasty · 23/02/2019 12:26

@Helspopje I’ve wondered that (waiting to see a gynaecologist) but I also have the weird discharge (sorry if tmi) to go with the burning and itching.

@redannie118 I’m using white only- perhaps it’s the bleach?

@EhlanaOfEleinia Thanks! I’ve stopped everything in the wash except for surcare and am now getting out of the shower to wash my hair separately. No soap, etc. Only thing left that touches that area is toilet roll!

OP posts:
anniehm · 23/02/2019 12:26

Try unbleached toilet roll - often the cheapest value ones are! I reacted to the shea butter ones

UsedtobeFeckless · 23/02/2019 12:28

This is a bit of an eye-opener! I get random thrush/cistitus type symptoms when l'm stressed ... What's a good non-allergic brand of loo roll to try?

WatchingFromTheWings · 23/02/2019 12:40

I can't use coloured or scented loo roll. Fanjo feels like it's on fire if I do! It's quite common apparently.

TougheningUp · 23/02/2019 12:43

I'm allergic to lots of shampoos. I have to check the ingredients list and not buy anything with sodium laureth sulphate in it. I avoid other suplhates too. They all make my scalp itch like crazy. And I can't use coloured toilet rolls, only the white ones. Or fabric conditioner. Or bio washing powders.

woollyheart · 23/02/2019 12:48

I have had this problem.

Not sure if it is the bleach or other substances used. I think they use something to glue layers together- maybe that irritates people?

I've found Andrew's Quilted doesn't cause a problem. Also some very cheap stuff I used when in Italy was ok and lasted forever, but I haven't found anything cheap here that is non-irritant.

elfies · 23/02/2019 12:48

Have you been tested for Diabetes . getting frequent discharges, thrush and water infections can be one of the initial pointers .

Mouikey · 23/02/2019 12:49

It could be all manner of things - sadly I imagine loo roll includes a lot of different chemicals all of which could be allergens.

I’m allergic to two specific chemicals but can’t do much about it because they are found in a lot of things. A daily good quality (prescription) antihistamine helps.

I’d suggest stripping everything back. Non bio laundry detergent, I bleached rolls and a very sensitive wash (like dance intimate) may help.