The question may seem surprising, but it is serious: can we really be allergic to toilet paper? Unlike a food or respiratory allergy, this reaction is obviously skin. It is located in intimate and spanking areas, naturally more sensitive. Redness, itching or burning can then appear after each passage to the toilet.
Allergy or irritation: how to recognize them?
Consulted, Dr. Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, confirms. “”Absolutely, we can be allergic to everything “. And according to him, there are two types of possible reactions.
- The first, the most common, is the irritative dermatitis. “”The skin is physically or chemically attacked by substances without the immune system being involved. It is pure irritation“. It can be triggered by too rough paper, prolonged humidity, unsuitable pH or aggressive substances such as alcohol and certain whitening agents;
- The second is rarer: the Allergic contact dermatitis. “”Here, the immune system reacts directly to a substance identified as an enemy. The most frequent culprits are perfumes and preservatives, but also the dyes used in certain tinted papers, various glues or additives “ Add the doctor.
What symptoms should alert?
The signs are located only in the area in contact with paper: intense itching, redness, inflammation, burning or tingling sensation. The skin can become dry, peel or present small vesicles similar to eczema. In severe cases, cracks or edema appear.
“”Be careful, these symptoms may resemble those of mycosis, psoriasis or infection or hemorrhoids ” warns the emergency room. A diagnosis by a doctor or a dermatologist is essential to rule out these other causes. “”Allergy is a diagnosis called elimination … after eliminating other possibilities, therefore “.
Good gestures to relieve and prevent this allergy
The first reflex is simple: to change toilet paper. Better to choose a white, soft, fragrance -free paper, without coloring or lotion, and if possible hypoallergenic. “”Fragrance without: this is the number 1 rule. Absolutely avoid flavored papers “recommends Dr. Kierzek.
To calm the symptoms, he advises also to stop aggressive products such as flavored wipes or soaps, clean the area with lukewarm water and then dry by delicate pad with a soft towel.
The application of a protective barrier cream made from zinc, or petroleum jelly, for example, can isolate the skin, and a dermocorticoid can be prescribed over a short duration.
Finally, an effective alternative is to do without paper: Japanese toilets, WC or Bidet shower allow water cleaning, softer for the skin, provided you dry carefully to avoid residual humidity.