Sensitive Skin And Pain

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Any advice on what I can do. My clothes always rub against my skin and make my skin hurt so badly so I said to my mom maybe it's her laundry detergent that's irritating my skin. But, she said my skin doesn't look irritated which bothered me because my skin does feel like it's peeling off after a sunburn and I don't want anyone to think i'm making this up and am crazy and it's only in my head because the feeling of my skin being in pain is very much real. But it's not just clothing it's certain blankets, pillows, a lot of tactile stuff. Any advice on what i can do to help the pain calm down or subside. I heard that benadryl might help calm it down a little bit. Is that true?

I have this too. I was actually diagnosed with generalized allodynia many years ago. I was recently diagnosed with autism and sensory processing disorder, not sure if the allodynia is part of spd or separate. Haven't researched that yet, regardless it won't change the symptoms.

Here's what's helped me or I found over the years worked.


My mom found when I was young that cotton sheets with percale weave were the only ones I would sleep soundly on. I still buy those to this day. They are expensive but worth it in my opinion. They feel cold when you get in em and they are remarkably smooth. Marimekko is my brand of choice.

Also, I don't buy any clothes without thoroughly feeling the fabric first. Some fabrics are extremely abrasive. You'll eventually figure out what feels nice and doesn't cause pain to you. Also, no clothes that pinch. Jeans were the worst for me, never again. Like, I couldn't pay attention in school, even with jincos on, super wide leg, jeans are rough and dig into you at the waist.

Now I wear flowy or full skirts everyday with footless leggings or dance tights. The leggings help bc they don't move across my skin, they stay in place and protect me from stuff touching me directly or wind blowing. I always wear long sleeves, usually have a hoodies with me incase I need to protect my face, bc strong wind feels like my skin is being sandpapered off. I also, have compression gloves for when it's an exceptionally bad day and anything touching my hands is so painful it makes me nauseous. The gloves help. I have open finger ones too for when I need to do detail work.

And the detergent can most definitely affect the way the fabric feels and affects you. I suggest trying different ones on your bedding and clothes till you find one that doesnt exacerbate the pain. Also do the same with fabric softener. I can use tide and downy. Its what my moms used since I was a kid. If it's changed, it feels like pins and needles.

I hope that helps. Some days though pajamas are the only thing that feels comfortable. but unless you work from home, unfortunately it's not feasible everyday.

On a lightheaded note: Doctors don't realize how amazing it is that it's socially acceptable to wear "pajamas" to work everyday (scrubs are so comfy).

Here's the Wikipedia link to allodynia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allodynia