Menstruators!
Today I am here to talk about one of our worst enemies, no, not cramps… its PERIOD RASHES!
We all are aware of how much discomfort and agony rashes can cause, especially during your periods. From sitting crossed-legged in public places to squiggling in our seats. The frustrating temptation to scratch that itch can be maddening. I first experienced period rashes during sports day, completely unaware that it was a period rash, I slathered on some powder to calm the redness and went about my day. Little did young Vaishnavi know that sweat and powder is going to be a combination of disaster. Learning from my mistakes, I did some research.
How do we get period rashes?
Wearing pads can leave a rash which can lead to itching, swelling, and redness. Sometimes the rash can be the result of irritation from something the pad is made from, friction, infrequent pad change, not being hygienic, and so on. Other times the combination of moisture and heat can contribute to bacterial build-up.
Growing up, I wasn’t aware that pad material is something that needs to be considered. Companies use various components in their pad, they may all not suit everyone. The top sheet of a sanitary pad is the one that comes in contact most often with your skin. Many pads come with added fragrances. Some menstruator’s skin may be sensitive to the chemicals used to provide fragrance. They may cause a period rash.
In some serious cases, pad rashes can lead to dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a term that healthcare professionals use to describe an allergic skin reaction. A person may develop pad rash from various materials or chemicals that come into contact with the vulva. What are the Symptoms of period rashes?
In some cases, it may be obvious that the rash is the result of wearing a sanitary pad — for instance if the rash develops within a few hours of wearing the pad or recurs with use. The presence of other symptoms may indicate that an infection is present. For example, if a person has a vaginal yeast infection, may have the following symptoms:
vaginal itchiness
pain during urination
pain during intercourse
abnormal discharge (which may be harder to see during menstruation)
What is the treatment of pad rash?
The treatment of pad rash may vary depending on the exact cause. Get in touch with your doctor before using any creams or medications.
In the case of contact dermatitis, trying a different brand of sanitary pad. A person may even wish to consider alternatives, such as tampons or a menstrual cup. Others may find that using smaller pads helps reduce friction-related rashes. How to prevent pad rashes?
Few suggestions for pad users are:
Switch to an all-cotton pad that doesn’t contain dyes or different adhesives. These pads are more expensive, but they may help prevent rashes if you have sensitive skin. Change pads frequently and wear loose-fitting underwear.
To prevent yeast infections, apply an antifungal ointment right before the start of your period. As Prevention is better than cure, do your research, talk to your doctor, keep calm, and hydrate.
Create a dialogue with your fellow menstruators about period rashes. So, the next time you get a period rash, you know how to go about it.
Bibliography
https://www.healthline.com/health/rashes-from-pads#prevention
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pad-rash#summary