How to Treat Irritated Skin Due to Sanitary Pads - Nona Woman - Nona Woman

How to Avoid Skin Irritation When Using Pads

April 17, 2023By Nona Woman

During menstruation, many women feel more comfortable using pads than tampons or menstrual cups. However, pads often irritate the vaginal area, which can be uncomfortable due to itching.

There are several things that could cause this irritation, such as friction between the skin and rough pads, skin reactions to certain substances, or damp conditions in the vaginal area.

We know that during menstruation, the feminine area becomes more moist and sensitive. Therefore, this area becomes more easily irritated. Usually, this irritation appears in the form of redness and itching in the vaginal area. Come on, find out what causes it and how to overcome it!

The feminine area is susceptible to irritation

The outermost part of the skin, known as the horny layer, in the feminine area is thinner than other areas of the skin. This, combined with its sensitivity to various physical and hormonal factors, makes the feminine area more susceptible to irritation.

This condition is further aggravated during menstruation. Increased humidity and sensitivity of the feminine area during menstruation puts women at greater risk of experiencing vaginal irritation. Symptoms can include mild redness, itching, and skin rashes, which can interfere with comfort in daily activities.

Although generally harmless, vaginal irritation should not be ignored. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Is it true that sanitary napkins can cause irritation?

Vaginal irritation is one of the complaints that women often experience during menstruation. This condition can be triggered by various factors, one of which is inappropriate use of sanitary napkins. Sanitary napkins with a rough surface can cause friction on intimate organs, resulting in irritation and even injury.

Common symptoms of irritation due to using sanitary napkins include rashes, itching, swelling and redness in the vaginal and groin area. In some women, this irritation can be accompanied by other symptoms such as stinging, heat, and a burning sensation.

Here are several other factors that can increase the risk of vaginal irritation when using sanitary napkins:

1. Allergy to Bandages

Sanitary napkins are made from various materials, and some women may be allergic to one of these materials. This condition is known as allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms can include a red, itchy rash and swelling in the area that comes into contact with the sanitary napkin.

2. Vaginal Friction and Sanitary Pads

Friction between the vagina and sanitary napkins cannot be avoided, especially for women who are active. This friction can trigger irritation, especially in women with sensitive skin.

3. Moist Vaginal Area

During menstruation, the vaginal area becomes more moist due to menstrual blood. This moist condition can increase the temperature in the vaginal area and facilitate the growth of fungus, which can trigger irritation.

4. Rarely Change Sanitary Pads

Sanitary napkins that are damp due to menstrual blood and sweat can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. This may increase the risk of irritation. Therefore, it is important to change sanitary napkins at least every 3-4 hours, or more often if menstrual blood is heavy.

If you experience vaginal irritation when using pads, stop using them and consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Sanitary Components That Are Prone to Irritation

Irritation in the feminine area during menstruation is a common occurrence. One cause is contact dermatitis, which is skin inflammation due to contact with irritating materials on sanitary napkins.

Contact dermatitis of the vulva is known as vulvitis. The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia which consists of soft and sensitive skin folds. There can be various factors that cause irritation of the vulva, such as infection, allergic reactions, or friction.

Apart from contact dermatitis, friction when using sanitary napkins can also irritate sensitive skin and trigger a red rash. The following are some sanitary napkin components that have the potential to cause irritation:

Back sheet. Made from a polyolefin compound which is commonly used in clothing, rope and straws.
The main absorber. Located between the back sheet and the top sheet, it is made of absorbent foam and highly absorbent wood cellulose. Sometimes, the main absorbent also contains absorbent gel.
Top sheet. The part of the sanitary napkin that most often comes into contact with the skin. Made from polyolefin, zinc oxide, and petrolatum (petroleum jelly) which is commonly used in skin moisturizer products.
Adhesive. Located on the back of the sanitary napkin so that the sanitary napkin can stick to underwear.
Fragrance. Some sanitary napkin manufacturers add fragrance to their products. However, fragrances can irritate sensitive skin. Typically, the fragrance is placed under the main absorber so that it does not come into direct contact with the skin.

It is important to choose sanitary napkins that are made from materials that are soft and do not irritate the skin. If you experience irritation after using pembalut, stop using it and try another brand or type of sanitary napkin.

Tips for Overcoming Skin Irritation Due to Sanitary Pads

When your skin becomes irritated due to using sanitary napkins, you don't need to worry, because the irritation can be overcome with proper care for the feminine area.

Here are some tips you can use to overcome irritation caused by using sanitary napkins during menstruation:

1. Use Antiseptic Ointment

The first tip: you can use antiseptic ointment to treat irritation caused by sanitary napkins. You can use corticosteroid ointment once a day to treat inflamed skin. When using it, make sure you have read the terms of use properly and correctly. Stop use if you feel an unwanted reaction.

2. Change sanitary napkins as often as possible

As previously explained, sanitary napkins must be changed 3 to 4 times a day. This aims to prevent bacteria from growing quickly.

3. Try compressing using warm water

The third tip is to compress with warm water. A warm water compress will help relieve irritation caused by using sanitary napkins. The method is quite easy. You can use a soft cloth or towel. Then dip it in warm water (not too hot). Then rub it on the irritated area.

4. Cold Water Compress

Apart from warm water, you can also compress with cold water. A cold compress can help relieve itching which can cause redness and irritation.

5. Avoid wearing tight pants

During menstruation, avoid wearing tight trousers. Because wearing tight pants will make the vagina more moist and sweat easily, because the vagina cannot breathe and get air.

6. Keep the vaginal area dry

The vagina is an area that easily becomes moist. Especially during menstruation you need to keep it dry. You can use a tissue after urinating or defecating.

Organic Sanitary Pads Do Not Irritate Your Intimate Area

Choosing sanitary napkins that are safe and non-irritating during menstruation may be a challenge for some people. However, there are some tips that can help you avoid irritating pads:

Consider switching to organic pads like Nona Woman's which contain no dyes. The dye in sanitary napkins can cause irritation. Alternatively, you can also use pads specifically designed for sensitive skin. A safe choice is pads made from 100% organic cotton, without dyes and bleach, which are safer for your intimate area.

Avoid the temptation to buy cheaper pads that have the potential to cause rashes and itching in the intimate area. Remember that choosing and using the right sanitary napkins is an important health investment for every woman.

If you have a better option for your body, why not try it? In addition, to prevent repeated irritation, it is important to change sanitary napkins every 3-4 hours to maintain cleanliness.

Although irritation due to using sanitary napkins is common and often occurs, you should not take it lightly. The vaginal area is an area that requires special care. If you experience irritation that gets worse and doesn't subside, consult a doctor immediately.

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