Laundering with Borax helped clear rash

DEAR DR. GOTT: I itched and developed a rash on my body to the point that I could not wear any clothing that touched my skin. Because of this, I was socially limited and did not get out of the house much. The rash and itch were all over my body and lasted for more than a year.

I went to an allergist, who didn’t help me. I then went to a dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. That doctor performed seven biopsies, all of which were negative. He even had every dermatologist at the clinic examine my body to see if anyone had any idea about what my rash could be. Unfortunately, no one there did.

While there, I asked twice to have an allergy test for detergent, but both times I was told there was no point because everyone, regardless of whether they are allergic or not, will test positive for it. I asked to be sent to the allergy department. I was told the doctor there was very capable. I ended up having to go once or twice a week, and nothing was ever accomplished.

One day a friend came to visit and brought me a book on alternative health. The book (I don’t remember the name) recommended using Borax to deodorize clothes rather than detergents. I started doing this and within a very short time, my rash started healing. I canceled my next doctor visit and haven’t gone back. My dermatologist did call me to ask how I was getting along since I stopped going, and when I told him what I had done and the results I had seen, all he said was “amazing.”

To this day, I cannot use anything that is considered a detergent. I also cannot use pre-wash treatments either. If I need to pre-treat a stain, I use bleach or hand soap and water before washing in the Borax.

I don’t know what is in these products that cause me to develop a rash, but I figure I’m not the only one and hope that my experience will help others.

DEAR READER: I am glad to hear that you found an easy solution to your problem. Skin rashes can have many causes from allergies to infections; even the weather or emotion can cause problems.

To the best of my knowledge, the Mayo Clinic dermatologist was wrong when he told you that everyone tests positive for detergent allergies. Since I am neither a dermatologist nor an allergist, I cannot say this definitively. But it stands to reason that the test could never have been created if everyone had the same results – there would be no way to tell what was abnormal.

Borax has been around for many years and used as a detergent booster. It is primarily composed of the mineral boron. It is fairly inexpensive, readily available in most major grocery stores, and safe when used according to package recommendations.

Since you have had such good results, continue with it. Thank you for writing to share your experience. I have printed your letter in the hopes that others may benefit as well.

To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Allergies” and “Dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 per report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092.