Psoriasis / skin condition - need sheet recommendations!

[PerditaPickle]

This is really a long shot, but I'm feeling desperate right now so worth a try.

I suffer with an autoimmune skin condition called psoriasis in small patches all over, and I'm in the middle of a flare up  -- sleeping in between sheets feels like sleeping on sandpaper, so I'm keen to purchase some new ones which are going to be softer and more comfortable.  Anyone?

Or maybe there are fabric-softening techniques you've heard of that you can recommend (not fabric softener itself though, I tend to be allergic so you can imagine I don't buy that stuff any longer!)  An internet search suggested a combination of bicarb and white vinegar, which I'll certainly try.

I've bought at least half a dozen new sheets over approx the past 18 months, and they all feel like sandpaper, so most have only been slept on 1 time.  We'd had some bedding sets given to us as wedding gifts all those years ago when we got married, and they were soft and fine (despite being only polycotton) but they've finally died after all the years of laundering (they'd been thin like tracing paper for quite some time; I just kept hoping they'd last a bit longer and they did last pretty well but no more).

Last night I felt I barely got any sleep at all, I know for certain I was still awake at 3:30am, following which I guess I did get a bit of sleep.  But I also have chronic insomnia, as it is so; I really don't need yet another reason to be unable to sleep!

Someone jokingly suggested silk sheets, but I absolutely cannot afford that for something that's guaranteed to get toenail-shredded in no time at all, alas.  I guess maybe satin, but I'm not usually fond of man made fibers as they're not breathable enough/too hot.

Here's hoping...
Cheers!

[Aisling]

I suffer with an autoimmune skin condition called psoriasis in small patches all over, and I'm in the middle of a flare up  -- sleeping in between sheets feels like sleeping on sandpaper, so I'm keen to purchase some new ones which are going to be softer and more comfortable.  Anyone?

A friend with fibromyalgia has the same issue.  She's found that sateen sheets work best for her (similar weave to satin, but made from cotton).

Hope you're able to get some relief!

[Jenett]

Someone jokingly suggested silk sheets, but I absolutely cannot afford that for something that's guaranteed to get toenail-shredded in no time at all, alas.  I guess maybe satin, but I'm not usually fond of man made fibers as they're not breathable enough/too hot.

I have psoriasis on my scalp, and my father had it quite badly, over most of his body - my parents went for plain cotton sheeting. I overheat massively in anything not cotton or wool (which breathes much better). I'm currently using cotton jersey, which is very soft.

(I also use a bed pad - a Chilipad - which runs cooling water, which helps some of the skin stuff, though I use it mostly for "I prefer not to wake up at 5am soaked in sweat" reasons.)

I also do really badly with most scented detergents: I've found detergent makes a difference in how sensitive my skin is in general.

[Morag]

I have psoriasis on my scalp, and my father had it quite badly, over most of his body - my parents went for plain cotton sheeting. I overheat massively in anything not cotton or wool (which breathes much better). I'm currently using cotton jersey, which is very soft.

Seconding the recommendation for cotton jersey; I find it to be some of the softest available and I find it only gets softer as time goes on. I have one sheet made of cotton jersey that used to belong to my Oma and Opa and after years and years of washes it's the softest thing I own.

Other ones that seem to work pretty well for me: flannel or Egyptian Cotton, which is usually pretty soft in my experience. Flannel is too, but it's also too warm in the summer, so I usually put away my flannel sheets at around this time.

I also do really badly with most scented detergents: I've found detergent makes a difference in how sensitive my skin is in general.

This also, and I've found that even unscented detergents that don't specify they're good for sensitive skin can give me allergic reactions.

One I've used a bunch in the past has been Tide Free and Gentle, but lately my mom and I have been using either Nellie's or TruEarth and they don't seem to set off my itching.


(I'm also careful of what soaps I use (not just for skin sensitivity but nose sensitivity too; I get headaches easily) and try to find ones that are made locally from organic ingredients. Seems to keep my skin happier, at least. As well as doing toning and moisturizing, and a floral water spray to keep it calm. Seems like the largest organ takes the most amount of work. >.< )

[Chatelaine]

I suffer with an autoimmune skin condition called psoriasis in small patches all over, and I'm in the middle of a flare up  -- sleeping in between sheets feels like sleeping on sandpaper, so I'm keen to purchase some new ones which are going to be softer and more comfortable.  Anyone?

Egyptian cotton, as high in the thread count department as your budget allows. I like House Babylon; Dip&Doze are also organic, but the price hikes up accordingly. Some other brands even have some linen options, if you prefer.