Is Your Toilet Paper Itching You? Ow!
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Is Your Toilet Paper Hurting You? Aargh!
It all started innocently enough - my horror story.
You just cannot run out of toilet paper - because it's just wrong.
So one fine sunny day, on my way home, I knew all I had was what was hanging on the roll in the bathroom, and that was almost finished. It meant I HAD to, no matter what else I did, stop and buy more.
I stopped in a little shop, and taken in by a pretty pink wrapper - a color rarely seen on toilet paper packaging, I gave it the squeeze test and it passed. Plus it was on sale - real cheap! Why not get a two-fer? I did. It was only after using up the first roll, and unwrapping the second roll, that I decided to use that wrapper as temporary reading material.
Turns out it was an unknown brand, made in China - and you probably think this is where my horror story begins. But it doesn't. However, I decided to never buy it again, even though I had no problems with it. It was actually nice toilet paper; it did everything it said it would do. But I was concerned. What if I have a problem with it? There would be no way I could sue for being maimed, or slowly poisoned by lead. As a result, I would be made a laughing stock in my community, and called a Big Cheapo Type Person.No, this was too delicate an area(s) to take chances with, literally, so from then on -
I decided to buy only a well-known, major US/American brand of toilet paper. And this is where the horror story begins.
This particular familiar brand claimed to be interested in the environment; it even had a new wrapper. Even better, it was hypoallergenic, almost lint free, whitened without chlorine, no dye or fragrance added, and yes, pretty cheap too. By being a good citizen and buying this product, I would help save a million trees! Well, okay then.
I don't know exactly what day the itching began because I think the effect is cumulative - as long as you don't wake up screaming you can pretty much ignore some minor itching. But, I didn't know what was causing it. Surely that magnificent tree-saving-toilet-paper could not be the culprit.
All I know is that there came a time, recently, that I was itching so much - in 2 areas, being that I am a woman - that I was ready to give up on ever bothering to get out of a tub of warm soaking water and go out in the world and attempting to function. What in the world was happening to me?
The Internet revealed all sorts of possibilities for the itching but none mentioned toilet paper. And they were all quite clear with explanations that applied to only one area - but not both.
Why was this happening?
Was I eating too much ice cream and sugar? So I cut back. And no, I wasn't using a new detergent, or new bath oil or soaps. Could it be those black polyester pants I wore sometimes? - but that non-natural fiber never bothered me before - as long as it wasn't too hot out. To be safe, I only wore cotton and summer weight wool pants. Still no good. No relief. No peace did I find.
How do you keep a straight face while all this is going on? Aargh!!!!
It was shea butter that finally helped me figure out what was causing this unbearable itching - in two places being that I am a woman. I'm convinced that shea butter is the best thing on earth and for healing - it works, it has always worked. I used it and felt instant relief and was able to sleep through the night and not wake up...screaming, confused, and itching. But while the shea butter offered relief and a good night's sleep - the itching came back. More shea butter meant more relief but the itching always came back. Well, finally, an 'aha' moment.
If the itching kept coming back - it meant I was doing something over and over and over - and what else could that be...but...using that toilet paper?
After an unbearable Saturday night, piling on the shea butter, pacing the floor, staying up later than ever (whew!) I was at the supermarket Sunday at 8 a.m. - the moment the doors opened. I didn't even look for a bargain toilet paper. I bought a familiar brand - paying more than I normally liked to and sprinted home.
Now the test. The amazing results. The results were almost immediate. I could almost hear 'sighs' coming from two places down there.
It has been only 1 1/2 days now. It is Monday evening as I write this and I am a new confident woman. This instant relief, this change is drastic - there is virtually no more itching. I'm functioning at a 90% itch free existence I'd say.
This means without a doubt, that 'green' toilet paper was...what? Is what? A marketing ploy to get us to buy? Is it not unlike those 'green' bulbs we are supposed to buy to save on energy and maybe we will - but reports out of England are showing that they have very high ultra violet rays and are harmful to the skin of people with sensitive skin and certain diseases (see link below).
I write this article because I know we all want to do the right thing and give our earth a break - but how can we be sure we are not falling for a hyped up product? The fact remains - we are an economy based on consumerism and driven by profit not quality. But fortunately, with the Internet, we can be safe, we can share information.
I write this article, too, because some of you may be suffering as I was and not know why. You may start thinking something is wrong with you (and not the product) and start buying salves and ointments - well, now you can save your money.
After getting some relief I was able to sit still long enough yesterday to do research on the Internet. I came across a guy with his own website that reported that this particular brand was itching the heck out of his sphincter (that's such a great word). A number of men responded by saving various brands were giving them problems as well. I responded too, telling them that as a woman I was doubly affected.
If you find yourself suddenly suffering from a chronic ailment, please take a moment to figure out what it is you are doing over and over. For example:
- several years ago, I was suddenly doubled over with stomach cramps. I am not a woman who has ever suffered from stomach cramps. Perhaps, it was something I ate that day, perhaps, a touch of food poisoning. But the next day, I had the worst stomach cramps again. While suffering, I decided then and there for the third day in a row, I would take another one of those new 'major name brand super-multi daily vitamins created just for women.' I needed those vitamins to build up my immunity to handle whatever this was that was causing me such pain. Shortly, thereafter, when I took another vitamin, I was doubled over again. Of course! The vitamins! The next day, I did not take one - no stomach cramps. I never took them again - and have not had the problem again.
Meanwhile, here is a bit of information for you to enjoy about some of the highlights of toilet paper:
- Toilet paper was first produced in China - for the emperor’s use in 1391 - made in 2’ by 3’ sheets.
- 1857 - Joseph Gayetty sells the first factory-made toilet paper (loose, flat sheets of paper), that were pre-moistened with aloe. His name was printed on every sheet.
- 1872 - John Kimberly, H. Babcock, Charles Clark, and F. Shattuck opened Kimberly Clark and Company.
- Several sources attribute the rolled and perforated toilet paper that we know today to the Albany Perforated Wrapping (A.P.W.) Paper Company in 1877.
- It wasn’t until 1935, that Northern Tissue advertised “splinter free” toilet paper. Early production processes sometimes left splinters embedded in the paper.(Good Grief!)
- In 1945, the St. Andrew’s Paper Mill in Great Britain introduced two-ply toilet paper.
- There is now an online museum dedicated to toilet paper - The Virtual Toilet Paper Museum opened its virtual doors in 1999.
- What did people use before then: it seems - whatever they wanted, or was available such as grass, leaves, fur, corn cobs. It is said that the ancient Greeks used stones and pieces of clay, ancient Romans used sponges on ends of sticks kept in jars filled with salty water.
- In early America, pages from newspapers and magazines were commonly used. The Sears catalogue was well-known for this purpose and even produced humorous spin-offs such as a “Rears and Sorebutt” catalogue.
- The reason the Farmer’s Almanac had a hole in it was so it could be hung on a hook and pages easily torn off.
Hope you are happy and itch-free!
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Queen Victoria refused to buy loo roll for the royal palaces - cut up bits of newspaper was used instead!
There used to be a little old lady in the Retiro in Madrid who stood at the top of the steps leading down to the public toilets doling out loo paper. She asked you how many sheets you wanted. It would have been funny if I wasn't about to burst and was scared laughter would cause an accident.
Great hub, I'm sorry that you had to be so itchy. In two places- since you are a woman. Glad to hear you are now itch free! Splinters and corn cobs?!? Ouch!! :D
You know, justmesuzanne, the toilet paper from China was quite good and cheap, I guess I can always go back.
LondonGirl, I'm always happy to keep up with Queen Victoria. Secretly, I've been wondering if more people are using newspaper due to the economy.
Teresa McGurk - where ever I travel in the world toilet paper is not wasted - it's handed out or you better make sure you have your own, - it seems we Americans almost never come prepared. What a mess!
Janetta, I am just so thankful I had only two places to itch, being a woman and all, and not 3-5 places. If I lived near a cornfield I think I would try corncobs - just because they are there - and see what happens, or grows.
Thank you all for writing. This is why hub writing is so much fun. There are such understanding people out there.
First of all, you really made a great hub out of this - toilet paper of all things! LOL! But toilet paper allergies are no joke! I know - it has happened to me, too, and more than once! Just last week, matter of fact - this time the culprit was Soft n Gentle. The Cottonelle with no dyes, no perfumes seems ok. Maybe not for you though - your description sort of sounded like Cottonelle. You should tell us the brand so we "sensitive butt" people can avoid it! I sure don't want to have an itchy sore butt again! I'd do anything to avoid that - even use a corn cob! At least not as bad as a friend of mine - wiped in the woods with a leaf- turned out to be poison oak! OUCH!!!
Thank you MagicStarER - you truly understand the issue here.
This toilet paper is a new Marcal - there is one that's been around for ages - but this one touts itself as being eco-friendly and new with a mostly yellow wrapper. I have never ever had a bad experience with toilet paper - but since I stopped using this one brand I have not had a problem since.
How horrible and when you think about the sensitive area where we use toilet paper it is no time for marketing any old thing and experimenting. Good grief.
Nice to meet you and thanks for writing.
"LondonGirl, I'm always happy to keep up with Queen Victoria. Secretly, I've been wondering if more people are using newspaper due to the economy."
Actually I use newspaper because of the news, nothing like wiping yourself with your politician of choice!
Back in my army days, toilet paper was know as "white gold"... one of those items nobody gives a sh(naa, too easy) about till you don't have any, or start having side effects from it(as in your case).
Quite a well written hub. I do think it shows that writing can help people. I also think it helps people be aware of what things are made from. I have allergies & have to read so many labels. I wish you an itch free life, lol. I love your humor too.
Thank you so much for your compliment lisalomas. I just read back through the hub and it is a bit long winded but it was such a miserable experience. I think I just had to vent.
Nice to meet you by the way!
Yes, well done-- and very informative. I especially like your point about paying attention to your habits when having a habitual problem.
This is the second time today I have commented on a hub about toilet paper.
Why? I dunno. Not having any problems with that product-- though I have always been a bit compulsive about making sure my cupboards are well-stocked.
Hello Rochelle Frank!
I like how you summed it up - paying attention to your habits when having a habitual problem. That's the key!
So glad you wrote! Thank you!
Thanks for this excellent hub. I've had problems with toilet paper, too, especially the kind that's "oh so soft" or colored toilet paper. I stick with white and make sure I don't rub too hard because that causes problems too .
This was an experience that was so nerve-wracking that I had to write about it. It was awful! It seems many of us have this toilet paper issue but I'm glad we look to the toilet paper before we run out and buy all sorts of medications.
And please don't rub too hard! Thanks for commenting!
Well how many made in China tragedies do we need? Are they accidents? Over and over.I buy nothing made in China, and we have problems with their products, some things dangerous to our children or our health, but does US check first, of course not they know our government doesn't care...that they are all on vacation playing the lobbiest game...apparently.
I fear this toilet paper is our very own Pollyannalana - and no telling what goes into it. And true! - sell anything in America - of course we expect China to do it all for pennies - better than paying a living wage to Americans.
Thanks for commenting!
When I was a child in Spain, toilet paper was a brown roll of supermarket bag paper. In my house, we used American toilet paper. But whenever I had to use the bathroom outside, I had to endure that non-absorbing attrocity. Therefore, in my adult life I have always bought the most expensive aloe squizable paper made by clowds :)
My wife always say that if she could time travel, she would never travel before toilets. I guess I would change that to before toilet paper. We don't know how good things are, until they are not available!
You've piqued my interest gramon1 - I wonder what else happens around the world as far as toilet paper. I know in my travels overseas, people certainly use much much much less per swipe than in the US. Wait! You have aloe in your toilet paper? I am not familiar with this but will check the shelves this a.m. Might be a sweet treat!
When I lived in S. Korea and traveled around and visited, in many places there were those push button toilets where you could get a squirt of water to wash, and then warm-air dry your important under parts. Mmmm - delightful.
Thanks for commenting!
What perfect timing you have BK. We are off to China soon and I had heard about the toilet paper there. Some people suggested bringing your own. I am sure the places we will be staying will cater to western "behinds" but after reading this, I am going to make sure we have our own. Thank you for this.
Lord Bryan
ps. I use shea butter all the time. Works great on wounds, cuts, scrapes.
I had tons of toilet paper in my Western hotel but it was a little rough but not too bad. You'll need toilet paper at the Great Wall if you enter near the bear pit. But at all cost - try to avoid that bathroom (it's a life altering experience!) I was there a year before the Olympics so maybe it was upgraded.
I sometimes wonder what chemicals are used in the making of toilet paper.If,they use the same chemicals that thery use in paper making,like dioxins ,it can't be good for our health anyway.It,makes you wonder why we aren't still using hemp to make paper.Hemp doesn't need chemicals to produce paper.I wonder if hemp was ever used to make toilet paper.
Hello someonewhoknows - I bet hemp was used - it was a major US crop way back in the 1700's - so most likely. The time is due once again to use more hemp!
No telling what they are doing to the toilet paper - but I am sure it is processed as cheaply as possible. OW!
Thanks for commenting!
Excellent hub. By the way, Muslims do not use paper, they wash themselves with water. Something that they have been doing since the beginning of Islam. When I visited Pakistan they had a water spray fixed next to the toilet and I used this. I found it much fresher and more hygienic.
I have had an itching problem for a while and use cream for thrush, never considered that the paper might be partly to blame. Must look into this.
Thanks.
Thank you for your input, Hummingbird5356! I have to say when I was in S. Korea often, even in department stores you would find the toilets with the spray inside - just press a button, and then another button for a warming air.
It makes so much sense - and I always felt so refreshed! My mother was also a believer in washing yourself - not just wiping yourself.
It's so nice to meet you and I've been reading your hubs. I'm so happy with this world community here on hub pages. There is so much to share and learn!
Thank you so much for sharing. I bought this huge bunch of toilet paper a few months ago, probably 18-20 rolls. Green brand, promised to save a lot of trees. And every roll was wrapped individually in their own extra wrapper. I started itching like crazy once I started using it and up until now. I had no idea what it could be, I thought I was using too much soap and my sex drive went down because of the itching. We just bought another quality brand toilet paper which is really thick. Even though we still had a few "green" rolls left, I decided to put out the new ones because they looked a little better. My itching suddenly disappeared! I still didn't understand that it was the toiletpaper that caused it, until I put up the last roll of the "green" TP and my itching came back! I just now googled "itching from toiletpaper" and came across your page and it's like if I had wrote this myself! Do you know what this brand is called? I tossed all the "evidence" and can't remember what it's called...
This brand is Marcal - but I have used Marcal for years and no problem - this is their new environmentally friendly one - it is individually wrapped with mostly yellow on the label. And I have to say there seems to be a problem - because it is constantly on sale and has been moved to 99cent stores in my neighborhood. I've heard people in the supermarket saying they will never buy it again.
I cannot tell you the amount of suffering I went through - it was unbearable - and I have never had this happen before. I am a super healthy person - and there was just nothing I was doing differently - except...saving the environment? Just thinking about this - and I am suffering.
I'm glad we both found out what it was without going to the doctor and being prescribed toxic medication. Now I stay away from all the environmentally friendly toilet paper - because after all - we really don't know what it is. And I just can't go through this again.
And you are right - as soon as you stop using the tp - the itching disappeared - I got instant relief.
Thanks for commenting - and I'm glad you solved your issue. Whew!
Well, after all this info, I need a cocktail! And, it's that time of the evening, too, :) But, such good info & we will be sure to use only good TP, & take it along the next time hubby & I travel abroad to save our "buts." Love your humor & keep on writing! PA in MIA in FLA in USA
Thanks for the compliment pringleantiques. I'm glad you can appreciate the humor in this itchy story. I would enjoy a cocktail along about right now - and thanks too for mentioning that.
Be careful out there with your TP!
I am allergic to most toilet paper. I have found that if the itching is keeping me awake at night, the best thing is to get up and take a shower to wash off the allergens. I found that Cottonelle with Aloe and E worked for me for a couple of years, then came the "new" Cottonelle (they took the ingredients list off the packaging at the same time the word "new" appeared, so I'm not sure what was changed) which made me itch again. I have tried all kinds of brands, Northern, Charmin, Scott, etc. Some brands make me itch more than others, but I really haven't found anything as good as the old Cottonelle with Aloe and E. I will look for Marcal. Do you have any other suggestions?
I have a new problem, Still Itching - Just when I thought I could recommend a brand, even stocked up - slight itching began so it may be the toilet paper. As you mentioned the problem is they keep changing this crap and you no longer know what you are getting but I'm sure it is cheaper and inferior.
So, sigh, once again I am off to try a different brand when I shop tomorrow.
And honestly, it's time to look into some type of bidet/toilet seat system. This is ridiculous.
If you find something I hope you will share it. There is a reason why so many of us are becoming allergic to toilet paper - but so many just don't yet know the TP is the cause of our suffering - whew!
Thanks for writing!
I have had the itch problem! I used to wake up in the night scratching! My aunt even wormed me, like a pet! It went on for years and I ended up going to the doctor convinced I had an STD. After examination she told me that it was nothing more than "sensitive skin" and I should use a perfume free, bleach free toilet paper. What a relief to have no more itching.... mostly.
I have since discovered that if you're allergic to these kinds of chemicals in toilet paper, you'll be allergic to inhaling them, putting them on your skin and eating them in food. You can get rid of a lot of problems by eliminating anything with a perfume from your house. Dishwash liquid is a bad one, and so is laundry powder, moisturisers, deodorant, shampoo, air freshener, you name it.
fedup.com.au is a good resource for finding out about chemicals you might react to.
Oh, and be careful about what kind of soap you use down there. Again, anything perfumed is a problem. I wash with Cetaphil, sorbolene, or just plain water. Be careful your shampoo doesn't wash down there while you're not looking. Avoid moisturisers, and make sure your underwear is washed in perfume-free detergent. For emergencies, I have found that "QV Flare-up Cream" is a miracle worker. Good luck. May the itch not be with you.
Love your comments Helen. And you are so right - we are absolutely bombarded with toxic chemicals. Often water is the lesser of the evils - in New York City it is filled with flouride and other chemicals.
Toilet paper I often have to change because the product changes and you never know what it's composed off - but if you feel an itch - get rid of it.
You know when I lived in S. Korea many of the toilet seats worked like bidets - ahhh! You get cleansed and then dried - and you felt sooooo good.
Shame too how many people itch and go to the doc who then treats them with a toxic product rather than trying to identify the source.
Thanks for all your tips - they are appreciated.
So glad we are both itch free for the time being - yay!
This has been fascinating to read I have been putting up with this itching since the birth of my first daughter three years ago. Ironically that's when I first learnt that I was allergic to sticky plasters. I have tried everything to try and fix this annoying problem and it dawned on me today that it could be tp wow!!!!! I'm off tomorrow to buy Shea butter and I'm hoping this has finally been solved...what can I use though?? Someone mentioned baby wipes??
I'm actually back to using Scott brand TP - remember the single ply toilet paper that no one wanted? Everyone had to have two-ply. I have been okay with just about all the TPs out there and the only problem I have ever had was with that "new" and "green" and "recycled" Marcal brand. Yikes! Never had a problem with regular Marcal but thought I was being eco-responsbile. Good Grief! It was misery.
I've never been a big fan of baby wipes but my son and DIL always keep them on hand.
I tell you - one fine day I may just invest in a toilet seat that is like a bidet. I mean, we just cannot live with this itching.
I hope hope hope you find some relief - soon! Glad you wrote.
Now you've got me thinking... I am suffering badly down below and have been for a while, thinking "oh it's the change just get on with it" now I'm screaming at myself "it could be the nasty cheap loo roll your using woman"... That's it I'm off to the supermarket to do some research.... Will post result forth with!!.......
I truly hope this works for you Jtom. I happily went through the change - no problems ever and no itching.
And this type of suffering was like nothing I could have imagined. It was almost getting in the way of functioning. And when shea butter did soothe - but then the itch kept returning it had to be something I was doing again and again.
If you have a moment please let us know that you have found relief. Whew!
And thanks for reading and commenting!
The only problem I used to have with toilet paper, is that little pieces would be left behind. I started using conttonelle wipes and then would blot dry. I decided to start using Scott brand since it did not leave the little pieces. But just two monthes ago i started itching. I have been treating myself for hemroids because all the symptoms were there. after reading your blog I am going back to Northern tissue. Thank You BKcreative and everyone else that has posted (Goodluck with the Scott brand)
That was a selling point aliciazp - with Charmin' TP - it left no little pieces behind. I never tried it though. So far Scott has been good and it lasts forever - hate that changing a roll every other day. Sure, if you are itching - which can drive you mad - hope a TP change will work.
I'm beginning to feel annoyed that we are so dependent on TP. We must find another way. Whew!
Thanks for writing!
What a great post! Thanks for sharing your experience. I never had this problem until recently, with my second pregnancy, and I've treated myself for a yeast infection twice now --the 7-day treatment, too, since I'm pregnant! -- and nothing helped the itching. Then I started to consider the fact that I was itching in THREE places (since I am a woman), and what touches three places besides my undies and toilet paper? Trouble is, I haven't changed detergents or TP brands lately, but my guess is my pregnant state is making me overly sensitive, so I am switching brands and seeing how that goes. I lived in S Korea for a couple of years, too...now I'm thinking maybe I should use my cloth-diapered baby's diaper sprayer instead of TP. Only problem is, it's hooked up to the cold water. :o) Anyway, thanks for the post -- you gave me lots to consider!
Isn't it awful what we may have to go through Laurie. And we do have to figure it our ourselves - because if we go to a Dr. - we get a prescription for the itching - but still never know the cause.
Even with the same toilet paper (or detergent) - ingredients can change and we are never notified. Think of all the products on the market that had sugar in them - when the switch was made to use high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar - there was no mention of this toxic/unhealthy change.
Hope you find relief - because we cannot live with all this itching. Whew!
Thanks so much for commenting!
Hi. Bidets are surely the best option. There are numerous handheld bidets or "bum guns" as they are known in SE Asia. You can find some here http://www.handheldbidet.co
Some people shy away from them since they don't know the correct technique. However as soon as you do....its plain sailing :) cheers!
Thanks so much for the information Glen! When I lived in S.Korea is was easy to find toilet seats that worked like bidets - what a pleasure. I didn't know about the hand held bidet but it makes so much sense. It's truly time to get rid of this toilet paper nonsense. Will check that link now.
I went through the same thing ---as a woman--- the itching was un bare able! I finally told my adult son that I thought the toilet tissue was causing trouble for me. He said, "@#%&* Is THAT what it is?! I have had to dig paper outa my creases! Time we buy some decent paper."
Now, my question: Recently, how many packages of tp have you seen in which the ingredients were printed on the wrapper? I was reading where tp is made from recycled paper. If that was the case, it would say so. HMMMm? Our neighborhood on both sides of the street for blocks have had recent sewer backups. Personally, I think the tp manufacturers are making it out of some kind of plastic. If you study it and tug on it, it feels like a soft plastic and wipes just like plastic. Note: this is the new tp --- after the itchie fiasco. The tp manufacturers went from itchy to non-absorbent, sewer blocking - whatever!
It just doesn't end cyndie6378. You raise a good point about this recycled stuff - supposedly it is all 'green' but what is it being recycled from? Who knows. Plastic is what has to be recycled out there - far more than paper.
I have all the more respect for those countries that use bidets - and toilet seats that work like bidets. It makes so much sense if we are really going to talk about going green. Hmmm perhaps I can rig up a hose to my sink and use if for cleansing. Time for some serious changes.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Think you just saved my sanity!!!!! I just developed this problem a week ago and thought of many things due to a recent bought with sickness(being on antibiotics) and also being pregnant. I thought maybe the first was the culprit, but since being off the meds for a week, the problem has not subsided. Then I googled my symptoms and pregnancy. Found your page in the midst and it all makes sense!!!!! I read that pregnancy can change the way our bodies react to all sorts of things, why not toilet paper?! The funny thing is, no sign of this during my first pregnancy four years ago. Just this time around.
Well BkCreative, you've touched (pun)on a subject that's obviously the bane of existence for a lot of people.
Who talks about toilet paper...you do? and all of who have responded to your hub...and then some.
I've seen the color, or printed tp in the store, and opted not to buy it for fear that the dye might do something I couldn't figure out or explain. I've tried the eco-friendly tp, only problem is...that crap ain't bottom friendly. I've treid the easy on the septic system tp, and that crap ain't easy on the tooshie.
I never imagined that there would be such an issue with tp. I remember as a child, there were limited brands, and there didn't appear to be a problem.
One other thing I don't understand to this day, is individually wrapped tp; eventually you do have to unwrap it, so what's the point? One individual wrapped roll costs nearly as much as a four pack, so again, what's the point? Since you are a tp afcianado, can you explain this?
Linda B, I am so glad you are finding some relief. It is not okay to be pregnant and suffer like this. Isn't it great that we are taking some control of our health and getting on the internet to do some research? A doctor is likely to prescribe some ointment to relieve itching but the problem remains. Argh! I'm so glad you took the time to write. Who would think that this would cause us so much grief - but it does.
So true imatellmuva! What misery we go through - because of tp. Growing up I never had this issue - ever, but now with anything goes when it comes to putting a product on the market - we are victimized left and right - while spending our good money. Oooh love being called a tp aficianado. I can only think manufacturers love to individually wrap because it's more profitable for them and they get to do a whole lot of advertising on that wrapper. By the way I'm coming to visit you hub right now.
I had similar experience with "green toilet tissue". My husband says at his job the femalrs complain
I had a smilar experience with "green tt" and after 1/2 roll got rid of it. The females at my husband job complained about itching from recycled toilet tissue. My opinion is that some recycled things should not be used down below!!
I so agree with you Weezie911! This is nothing to fool around with - good grief! Recycle that stuff elsewhere. Thanks for writing!
Do a little google-ing on imported toilet paper and hazardous chemicals. There are a lot of restrictions put on US manufacturers of personal paper items regarding what chemicals, etc can be used in the process. Asian markets do not have these restrictions, so the use of potentially harmful, carcinogenic, itch-creating acids, bleaches, binders, etc. can and does happen in overseas manufacturing.
Recycled is great - there is nothing in the recycling process that would, on it's own, create an itchy issue.
The itch was caused most likely, by some chemical that was used to break down the original paper fibers, whitened the resulting slurry and bind the pulped fibers back together.
On the other hand, it is also possible that the container in which your pretty, pinkly-wrapped toilet paper shipped across the ocean, may have been sitting under a container full of weed killer, Acetone, or some other potentially hazardous chemical. It would them be possible for that chemical to leach into your soft, absorbent (it did after all, pass the squeeze test) toilet paper.
Go ahead, splurge a little - buy some nice bath tissue made in the good old USA. Let's stop supporting the imports that are devastating our USA manufacturing opportunities.
And Yes, I do have a small level of expertise - I sell toilet paper (and other paper products) for a living. I work for a large North American manufacturer who produces only 100% recycled papers. Trust me - it's not the recycling that is causing your pain, it's the other stuff being added to it or spilled on it.
Thanks so much for your input PapergirlFLA. Your expertise is much appreciated because it seems like this is a problem that is more common than we thought. No doubt like so many things we buy - even if they were once produced in the US may not be any more. Often now you will read that it is simply 'distributed by' the US company but not made here. I am back to the US brand and all is well I'm happy to say.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
I never buy cheap toilet paper, but go for the sales.
For me it was those cheap premoistened wipes! aiieeee! Now I rinse them thoroughly and the problem is solved.
Great hub.
Aiieeee! is right Xenonlit! And there is always a great sale somewhere!
I just came across your hub while i was doing research for my problem. I had never considered this. There are so many people suffering with itching! I have a hub called "Itching all over my body'. Thank you and i am going to try this!
I'm glad you found the hub useful TimeHealsAll. Now whenever I heard a woman talking about itching I suggest changing the toilet paper - and that usually seems to work. How awful we are buying this stuff - then spending more money seeking relief. I will check out your hub!
BkCreative. Thank you for your post. I stumbled across a link at the bottom of something else.
I am male, and I do have two places that itch. Some of us do need to wipe at the front, due to design issues.
I have been going nuts trying to figure out why I had itches where I did, when the usual odour that goes with a fungal infection was not there.
After having read your article, I realized that my itching started not long after we changed brands, because the brand we had been using was getting too "weak". I will have to try something else. Interesting tho', my wife is not having a problem with it - possibly because she is at work most of the day, and showers twice a day
Thanks Bruce. I'm glad you pointed out that your wife was not having the problem - but good sleuthing explained why - she is away most of the day - whereas many of us just use that one source of paper - argh.
This problem seems to be happening more and more. Probably the only way to get the word out there is to have a stand-up comic discuss the issue - we'll laugh, but we will get it! We are so intent on believing that something is inherently wrong with us when in fact it is all the outside toxins that are wreaking havoc.
Glad you found relief because without solving this it can be hard to function. Whew!
Just recently bought a package of Marcel toilet paper. I've been buying it for approx. 3 years. Just recently, it reared up n rashed me so bad I had to buy lotion to ease the rashes. Ty for this site and pointing this out. Looks like time to find a new line of tooshy tissue again. Marcel's recycling seems adultered somehow and there is a difference in their toilet paper texture also. I will be contacting them. "DO NOT BUY MARCEL TOILET PAPER".
Yes owwwwwwwwwww - it is that recycled stuff that drove me crazy. I will never change brands again - that's how horrified I am.
I'm glad we are realizing that it is the TP and not getting hung up in that cycle of buying creams and taking medication because we think there is something wrong with us - when it is a product.
Thanks for commenting!
So funny, I'm searching for TP brands that don't contain recycled content and came across this article. I'm allergic too and I have to use baby detergent on top of using certain TP brands. I used Cottonelle, but since Greenpeace got them to start using recycled content, I'm back to being miserable again. As a graphic designer, I know how recycled paper is made-- it is treated with chemicals and in some cases, dyes, to remove previously printed inks. I can only assume that's the problem with said "environmentally friendly" TP. I used to donate to Greenpeace and contacted them during their anti-Kleenex campaign about this very problem. The response I got was basically that this extremely uncomfortable problem didn't matter in the scheme of things. Alas, what can you do?
I too had a serious problem with itching. VERY bad. I was using Charmin Ultra Soft - which is ultra soft and very nice - only because we were getting a great deal on it, 48 rolls for $9! Then my gyno told me to switch and try something with aloe. I now use Cottonelle with Aloe and lo-lo-love it! It's the perfect combo of soft and strong, and best part - I don't itch! :)
Thanks Sarah for that information about what recycling basically is all about. It may be okay in many other ways but not when it comes to my health. Rather than recycling all the garbage we consume - let's start there and eliminate all the garbage. I steer clear of all recycled TP and will stick with the old Scott's brand that I have used forever. Very little goes a long way. The best thing of course will be bidets and toilet seats that have cleansing mechanisms.
Nictwin, I'm glad to hear your gyno make the recommendation about switching. Too often our doctors simply write a prescription rather than suggesting preventive methods. Glad you found something that works.
Warning....Scott must have changed their formula. We have used that brand for years with no issues what so ever. The last package I bought seems different, and it has caused both my guy and I problems. I had a few rolls of the old left and used those up...our problems dissapeared. Used one of the newer rolls...issues came back twice as bad. We have even resorted to Neosporin on the affected areas. I am off to get some SB, sensitive skin baby wipes and to find a new tissue. Thank you for "airing" out this issue.
Thanks for the warning MzBug! It is so true that a manufacturer will change a product and they have no obligation to let us know. And they don't. I'm actually on my way out to buy TP - who knows it may have been on the shelf for ages. I'll certainly write again if there is a problem. Whew!
Very funny post bkcreative. I don't normally comment on anything BUT, I can't hold it in any longer. Im just glad to finally target the source of my agony. There r definitely some itchy brands out there. I just hope it's not the tp companies strategy to increase ones usage - that would be gastly! I am downright furious and I can't wait to check the label on some of these brands.
I used paper towel from the dollar bin before and I think I had some of my best wipes w it.
charmin ultra soft hurt me too. I trusted that bear! go back to the forest and take your tp w u!
It seems to be getting worse out there Clark (so glad you did comment) - a comment was left above to watch out for Scott tp which I went back to using. The writer said it has changed - sure enough the last roll I bought was so stiff as to be almost painful. Now what?
And thanks for the tip about that bear. I may have trusted that bunch too but now I won't. A neighbor told me she went ahead and installed one of those bidet toilet seats - best decision she ever made. I got to enjoy them when I worked in S. Korea.
Yes, this tp is turning into a major problem. We can't even go back to using corn cobs being that most corn is genetically modified. We might grow something extra down there. Good grief.
Thanks for both comments.
As odd as it may seem....Puffs plus lotion facial tissues. A couple of those folded seem to work rather well. Followed up with one of the sensitive skin baby wipes and my tushie is happy. A combination of shea butter and hydrocortisone cream got rid of the irritation in about a week. TMI I know, but if it helps prevent anyone going through the misery I went through...
Years ago, when itching (down under) became an issue for me, I switched to Cottenelle with Aloe and Vit. E. For many years this product worked like a charm, but within the past several months I have noticed a soreness, coupled with itchiness, where I wipe. After reading these posts, I'm really beginning to believe that the product I've been using has changed their formulation; and as someone mentioned,the list of ingredients is no longer on the packaging. Suspicious, I think, don't you? I'm going to call the Cottenlle 1-800 number tmw. and ask some questions. I may get the truth; I may not. Not sure what to wipe with at this point, but do recall reading about a family who uses old, clean, small pieces of cloth (rags?)to wipe; then simply tosses them into a (small) baby's diaper pail for future laundering. Is this a good idea, or too gross?
This seems to be happening more and more Kay - the change in tp without notifying consumers. I'm sure people survived forever before toilet paper.
I somehow suspect that this family that uses small bits of rags and tosses them in a bin, leave all the dirty work for mom - so that doesn't appeal to me at all. A commenter above wrote about hoses connected to the faucet that are now created for this cleansing purpose - I like that - or a bidet toilet seat. When I move on to my next place - the bidet toilet seat will be my first purchase.
Thanks for commenting - I'm glad we can keep each other updated.
Oh my goodness BK, what an informative article. I don't know why I haven't read it before. Oh, by the way, I'm old enough to remember the "Sears catalog toilet paper." I actually ran across this hub by accident, due to receiving notification on another of your hubs. Now as a result I'm going back and reading more of your hubs, specifically I'll follow the links in your hubs. I can't wait to see why we shouldn't use vinyl shower curtains. Very good voted up, awesome, useful, and interesting.
justmesuzanne Level 5 Commenter 3 years ago
Good information. I don't think "green" toilet paper is a problem for everyone, but surely some people will have a sensitivity to one thing and others to another! I do try to avoid Georgia Pacific and Scott. They make toilet paper out of virgin forests. I have gotten very good toilet paper from the dollar store - made in China - perhaps from their virgin forests!