Toilet paper can make a difference just like tampons and everything else that touches your skin. You want to make sure it is not perfumey and that it is the most natural possible. I think this should be brought even more to light after the following account from a patient:
Just wanted to let you know that I found toilet paper brand makes a HUGE difference.
As you know, when I was early in treatment with you - I suffered from a red, dry, burning, stinging vaginal area. We used jojoba oil a lot to try to help it. Eventually it left... but I never knew what made it leave - it just did.
Almost two weeks ago I developed (out of the blue) a red, irritated, dry, burning, stinging outer vagina area. Nothing had changed diet wise or detergent or soap wise. I thought I had a yeast imbalance or bacteria imbalance and began using tea tree suppositories and jojoba oil and gynenatren acidophilus. Tom did a swab and looked under the scope - all looked fine. I suffered for about a week with this... not knowing what it was. Had my period in the midst of it and thought that would cleanse and reset but it didn't.
I remembered that I bought a different toilet paper (b/c I had a coupon) and I then remembered that it was softer. A search online confirmed that the softer the toilet paper - the more lotions the company has added to it to get it that way. I immediately knew what it was.... went to the store.... bought my old kind and the next day the tissue started to heal. I usually use Kleenex brand Cottonelle and the brand I had purchased (covered in lotion) was Quilted Northern.
I thought this could be important information for your patients suffering from this.... b/c thinking back to the years I began I was suffering with this AND I was using Quilted Northern!!!!! Just thought this could possibly help someone and make it easier for you deciphering their symptoms if this tiny thing were changed....
ps/ Please feel free to share this with your patients :)
anonymous
Comments
Toilet Paper
Matia - is there any brand that you can recommend? I use Cottonelle. I'm sure there are lotion additives in most all toilet papers these days. This is certainly an interesting point. I have constant stinging and red tissues.
Cottonelle
I was not aware of problems with this specific brand. I often buy the Green Earth toilet paper, but, I am certain there are lots of brands that are pretty safe. If anyone wants to post here on which they use it would be great!Dr.M
Toilet Paper
Just check and I have been using Quilted Northern, but it is uncented is that ok or do I need to use Cottonelle?
Cottonelle
I am going to do a follow-up post probably today. A patient gathered some extra information that I think is useful.
very familiar
I read this article and then remember many years ago getting horrible bladder flares after switching to a different toilet paper. I remember it being quilted. So I am guessing it was Northern? Unless there is another brand that is quilted? When I swtiched back, the bladder flares went away; it was clear to me that that specific brand was triggering my symptoms. I have never had any problems with any other toilet paper. I do try to avoid colored, perfumed, etc....