Allergy to sanitary napkins in women, what are the symptoms?

Sanitary pads are a tool a woman needs to collect blood during menstruation or after childbirth. Although its function is very important, it turns out that not all women can wear pads. For some women, wearing pads can actually cause allergic reactions and irritation.

What are the characteristics and causes of sanitary allergies, and how to deal with them?

The characteristics of a bandage allergy

Bandage allergies can cause symptoms of varying degrees and forms. However, the most common features of this allergy include:

• skin rash and itching in the groin and vulva (vaginal lips),
• burning sensation,
• vaginal discharge,
• the vagina looks swollen,
• reddish skin, as well
• a lump that feels itchy.

Causes of sanitary allergies

Bandage allergies are actually a form of contact dermatitis. This is why bandage allergies are also often referred to as napkin dermatitis, sanitary pad dermatitis , or pad rash .

Dermatitis can simply be defined as inflammation of the skin. In contact dermatitis, the cause is contact between the skin and various substances that can trigger allergies (allergic contact dermatitis) or irritation (irritant contact dermatitis).

Various materials used to make sanitary napkins can cause allergic reactions and irritation. However, skin problems due to pads that are purely caused by allergies (immune system reactions to foreign substances) are actually very rare.

According to a study published on the National Library of Medicine page, cases of pure allergy due to sanitary napkins are estimated at only 0.7 percent. Allergic reactions are usually caused by an adhesive substance containing methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN).

On the other hand, most of the rash, irritation, and itching problems experienced by sanitary napkins are caused by contact between the skin and various ingredients in the sanitary napkin. Sometimes, irritation can be triggered by friction on the skin in the groin.

If MDBGN is the trigger, then wearing the pads is causing a condition called allergic contact dermatitis. Meanwhile, the irritants in the dressings and the friction between the skins cause irritant contact dermatitis.

Ingredients in pads that trigger itching and irritation

According to dr. Rachna Pande from Ruhengeri Hospital in Rwanda, sanitary napkins are not completely made of pure cotton. Many sanitary napkin manufacturers claim that the cotton-filled pads have the maximum blood-absorbing power. However, herein lies the danger of dressings.

Most of the sanitary gel pads contain dioxins, synthetic fibers, and petrochemical products. Some of the ingredients in some brands of pads also contain plastic which can cause certain reactions on the vulva.

Sanitary pads generally also contain infinicel, which is a gel that can hold ten times the weight of a liquid. Bandages containing infinicel, when burned, will produce billowing black smoke because of the chemical content in them, in contrast to organic pads made from 100% cotton.

Some types of pads also contain fragrances. The groin area usually consists of sensitive skin. Fragrance ingredients that may not cause a reaction in other parts of your body can cause irritation in this area.

How to deal with bandage allergies

Allergic reactions and irritation that arise due to the use of sanitary napkins have a big impact considering this product is an important requirement for women. Here are some tips that you can apply to overcome it:

1. Choosing organic or herbal sanitary napkins

Organic sanitary pads are pads made from 100% organic cotton. Herbal or organic dressings are not guaranteed to be healthier, but they may prevent allergies when compared to sanitary pads containing chemicals.

Also use pads with pads containing hypoallergenic ingredients. Products of this type are usually a bit more expensive than regular pads, but they will help your skin which is sensitive to pads.

2. Maintain the cleanliness of the intimate area

Allergy symptoms can get worse if the cleanliness of the intimate area is not maintained properly. The reason is, pads or bandage adhesive substances can stick to the surface of the vulva, causing itching and rashes.

Change pads at least every four hours, even when you are no longer bleeding profusely. You should also clean your groin and vulva frequently during your menstrual period, but only use water and avoid vaginal cleansing products.

4. Using menstrual cup

Menstrual cup is a means of collecting menstrual blood made of a kind of rubber with a shape resembling a funnel. Unlike pads, this tool does not contain additional ingredients so that the risk of allergies and irritation is much smaller.

Menstrual cup often an option for women who are sensitive to sanitary napkins because they are practical and do not cause itching. If you want to try this tool, don't forget to sterilize it by boiling it briefly before and after use.

Anything that comes in direct contact with the skin has the potential to cause allergic reactions and irritation, and sanitary napkins are no exception. What's more, pads are usually worn for long hours in damp and vulnerable intimate areas.

Try to consult a doctor if you often experience itching or other symptoms due to wearing pads. If you are proven to be allergic to this product, you can use alternative products with a lower risk of allergies.