Do you know what is the most unwanted thing after your periods?
It’s rashes from pads!
Isn’t it?
And the most annoying thing is that it is very common.
PMS, cramps everything goes away in a day or two but these rashes can stay for days and they can be painful and very uncomfortable for you to handle.
I have made many mistakes when I was a teenager just like most young girls do, so the things I have learned from my experiences is what I will share with you.
Cause of rashes
Your periods were going fine, but then you realised oops! You got a rash.
But why did it happen?
Sometimes the sanitary pad you’re using gives you unwanted rashes because commercial pads are made of plastic and can give you itching, swelling or redness. Heat and moisture give birth to bacterial build-up because of which you can get a rash.
- Friction
The most common cause of the rash is friction between the pad and your skin. Any kind of physical activity like walking, running etc can result in the back and forth movement of the pad. This can contribute to rashes. Especially if you have dry skin, you are more prone to these rashes. So it is quite important for you to keep your skin moisturised.
- Heat and moisture
Rashes are more common during the summer season. Heat and moisture can result in severe pad rash which can be very painful. It is advisable to keep yourself dry down there and use a cotton panty instead of any other fabric.
- Infrequent changes
Even if the flow is scanty, you are not supposed to wear the same pad for more than 6 hours. Frequent changing of pads is important to prevent rashes, odour and infections.
- Infections
Infrequent changing of pads can result in vaginal infections. The symptoms can include itching, rashes and abnormal discharge.
Poor menstrual hygiene can result in [1]
- Infections of the lower reproductive tract
- Yeast infections
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is nothing but an allergic skin reaction that is caused due to chemicals and materials used in making a pad.
How to prevent rashes from pads?
1. Keep the skin moisturized
The number one tip that I want to give you is to start keeping the area down there moisturised.
If your skin is dry and something like a pad is rubbing against your dry skin you will end up with more irritation and more rashes.
You can use any mild antiseptic moisturiser or you can simply use coconut oil, you can even try diaper rash creams that are made for babies.
Just make sure that you are applying it on your inner thighs and not inside your vulva.
Get one of these things and keep it handy during the time of your periods. It will reduce the irritation and the scope of rashes and you will feel a lot more comfortable.
2. Wear loose clothes
One of the most common mistakes that girls do include me is that during periods when you are wearing a pad, you want to keep yourself nicely packed inside and so you wear tight leggings, jeans etc to avoid the pad from moving out of place.
But honestly, it is a very bad idea, especially during summers. Tight pants will just cause your pad to rub against your skin even more.
Wear looser, breezier clothes during your period to allow air circulation. It will reduce sweating, dampness and heat around your groin. This will prevent rashes.
3. Choose the right underwear
Make sure you are wearing underwear made of cotton fabric only because cotton can easily absorb and evaporate sweat. It provides proper ventilation and prevents moisture buildup.
Cotton creates less friction and so there are fewer chances of rashes.
4. Change frequently
Changing your pad for a clean one is of utmost importance to avoid rashes and infections as well as for hygiene reasons. Make it a rule to change your pad every 4-6 hours, even on days when your flow is pretty low.
Do not make the mistake of wearing the same pad for more than 8 hours. Doing so can result in vaginal infections and severe rashes.
5. Use talcum powder
Good old baby powder can save you from rashes and keep the area dry and clean.
After bathing just pat dry yourself and apply the powder where you are prone to develop rashes. Make sure the skin is not damp.
Talcum powder will decrease friction caused by the pad, absorb sweat in the area and hence lower the chances of rashes and boils on your groin and thighs.
6. Keep the area dry and clean
Intimate hygiene should be the priority, especially during periods. Wash the vaginal area with warm water every few hours to get rid of irritation causing bacteria and germs and to keep the area fresh and clean. Regular cleaning will help you feel better and much more comfortable during those few days every month.
7. Choose a good sanitary pad
Choose a sanitary pad that is made from cotton as it is light and softer on the skin and try avoiding ones with a plastic lining that will irritate your skin even more.
Opt for non-scented pads because the scented one contains a lot of chemicals that can irritate your skin.
Also, it’s important to wear the right sized pad. A lot of women wear bigger pads meant for heavy flow when they don’t need one, which can cause chafing and rashes. If you have extremely sensitive skin and the problem persists, you can consider other alternatives too, which brings me to the next point.
8. Try other alternatives
To our good luck nowadays we have so many varieties of period products to choose from.
Even after trying everything if you still get rashes try opting for tampons, menstrual cups or period panties.
Every product has its pros and cons but as far as rashes are concerned menstrual cups and tampons are 100%rash free.
Recently, menstrual cups have gained a lot of acceptance and love from women.
Sitz bath
Usually, after you stop wearing the pad, the rashes go away on their own but if they don’t go, consult your gynaecologist. They can suggest a sitz bath if there is a formation of pustule or abscess.
Now what is a sitz bath and how do we take it?
Sitz is a procedural bath that keeps your perineum clean.
You can purchase a sitz bath from any drugstore, and whenever you go take a shower, fill hot water in a plastic container or a tub, put a sitz bath in it and sit in the tub for 5-10 minutes.
Once you are done cleaning the area by patting fry and you will feel the difference.
Best sanitary pad for sensitive skin
One of the best things that happen to womenkind is rash free sanitary pads. If you have not switched to these pads, you are making a big mistake.
You are denying yourself something absolutely amazing.
One such brand that I have come across is carmesi sensitive sanitary pads.
It is specially made for sensitive skin.
Here are the things that make it special than the regular sanitary pads.
- They come in 3 different sizes- large, XL and XXL.
- These are specifically and scientifically designed to give you a rash-free period experience.
- These pads are ultra-thin and super soft.
- The regular sanitary pads have plastic and chemicals in them, therefore they can cause rashes. Whereas this is a completely plant-based product. The top sheet is made from corn-based fibre which is very soft and natural.
- Regular pads are highly scented whereas these pads don’t have any scent and thats a good thing because a lot of harsh chemicals are used to bring that fragrance in the pad.
- Carmesi’s pads are dermatologically tested, do not have any irritant in them and are chlorine-free.
- Comes with an eco-friendly disposable bag and the pad itself is disposable. Cool isn’t it?
All these features make this pad the best choice for a rash-free period. You should definitely invest in these and try for yourself.
Conclusion
Periods are natural but rashes are not. Try these tips and tricks to keep period rashes at bay.
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