Fabric softener "burn"?

[Beauchamp]

About a year ago I switched us to natural laundry soap and stopped using Tide, etc, fabric softener sheets/liquid. So, fast forward one year. I bought a used linen baby sling that came freshly laundered from the mama. I tried it on wearing just a nursing tank and the next morning my whole shoulder and part of my arm was deep red, blotchy, burning, and very tender to touch. I noticed the sling smelled *very* perfumy/flowery, which I figured was fabric softener from the first owner.

So did this burn my skin? Why am I so sensitive to this? This is HORRIBLE! Because right now we are traveling and staying at a B&B. The same perfumy smell is all over our room. Last night I woke up and my eyelids were burning. I've taken the pillowcase off and put one of my T-shirts over the pillow.

Does anyone else experience anything like this??

[amber913]

I'm sorry, i've never experienced that, but it sure sounds like you've got it pegged.

My question would be why? You used fabric softener before, right? How does a person go one year without and form an allergy to it--i mean, that's fast!

And it just reinforces why life's so much easier and simpler without that crap.

[Beauchamp]

I have no idea! That's why I was wondering if it was fabric softener, or detergent, or Fabreeze or what! I guess I just have very sensitive skin. I am forever looking for cleansers, moisturizers, makeup, etc, that doesn't make my skin break out.

I am ticked about this fabric thing, though, because I can't figure out what it is. Yes, I used dryer sheets before and occasionally fabric softener when I thought to buy it.

I wish I wasn't so sensitive to stuff because we travel a lot.

[amber913]

When you make your reservations--IF you make prior reservations--request that they simply wash the bedding and towels and not add softener or febreeze or anything. Hotels may or may not do this. B&B's should be pretty good about honoring your wishes. Otherwise, i'd just bring my own. That sucks-- i really wish i had something better to tell you. Hope someone else chimes in.