HELOISE Always wash new clothes, dermatologist says

Dear Heloise: In regard to the question of whether we should wash new items before wearing them, I would answer a strong yes. I have been a dermatologist for more than 20 years, and it is not unusual to have a patient come in with itching and/or a rash from wearing new clothes that haven't been washed first. The same thing applies to sheets and towels.
Many people are sensitive to dyes and sizing, and those who are very sensitive have particular trouble with articles that have to be dry-cleaned. Also, people often have a reaction to perfume in laundry detergent, and to fabric softeners.
It is important to point out that these reactions can occur all of a sudden to products that we have used for a long time and that people usually assume to be safe.
The only way to be sure is to eliminate all perfumed products and fabric softeners for a while. Wash your sheets, towels and clothes in a fragrance-free detergent until the problem gets better, then try one thing at a time to see if a culprit can be identified. I hope these ideas help! Kenneth Folsom, M.D., via fax
Dr. Folsom, thank you for taking the time to share your expertise in this matter! I have also received many letters from readers stating that they definitely wash all newly purchased clothing, towels, sheets, etc., whether in packaging or not. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When my husband's job moved us from Texas to Virginia, I left two small granddaughters in Houston and San Antonio. Being an avid reader myself, I've sent books to them by the boxload. Now I record several books on one cassette, and my girls can hear my voice whenever they want. I boohooed through the first taping session, but now I'm a pro. A.K., Jeffersonton, Va.
Dear Heloise: I suggest that public bathrooms should always have a trash can located near the door. It seems ridiculous to wash one's hands and then have to grab the door handle to leave, thus dirtying the hands right away. If the door does open in, it's nice to be able to use a paper towel to open it and then throw the paper in the trash upon leaving.
I enjoy your column and have for many, many years in The (Harrisburg, Pa.) Patriot-News. Keep up the good work. Blanche Woolford, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: For baby-shower gifts, I put several things, like petroleum jelly, cotton swabs, powder, baby oil, diapers, gowns, etc., in a small plastic tub and use a receiving blanket as the wrapping paper. Then I use diaper pins to pin on a couple of rattles as the bow. That way, everything is usable, and nothing is thrown away. Pat Ribb, San Saba, Texas
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate