A person may experience a rash from wearing a pad due to chafing, friction, or an allergic reaction. Trying a different pad material and using medicated creams and lotions may help.
Causes
There are several potential causes of a rash due to wearing a pad. They include friction, an allergic reaction to the pad’s materials, and irritation from heat and moisture.
Rahes due to Friction
Wearing a sanitary pad can cause friction from movement, resulting in a rash. Walking, running, and other forms of physical activity can cause the pad to move back and forward and contribute to a friction rash on the vulva.
A person can try wearing a smaller pad to help minimize its movement.
Contact 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 . A sanitary pad comprises serveral materials that can cause irritation, including adhesives and, in some cases, added fragrances.
People with sensitive skin may find that they react to certain types of sanitary towels due to the pad’s materials. In these cases, switching brands may help prevent future rashes.
Heat and moisture
The purpose of a sanitary pad is to trap and collect menstrual fluids as they exit the vagina. The trapped moisture and heat can irritate the vulva and cause a rash.
Several irritants relating to pads and underwear could cause a rash on the vulva. These include:
- sweat
- urine
- adhesives in panty liners
- nylon underwear
It is important that people change their sanitary pad regularly throughout the day. Allowing it to fill up and remain against the vulva can cause a rash to develop.
People should choose a pad that matches their period flow. If a person buys a pad for a heavy flow, but they only experience a light flow, they may think that they do not have to change the pad as often.
However, people should always change their pad every 3-4 hours, no matter how small the volume of their flow. Doing this is necessary to avoid odor from bacterial growth and prevent irritation.
Development of an infection
Infrequently changing a sanitary pad can lead to an infection and result in symptoms such as itching, swelling, and abnormal vaginal discharge. According to a
2018 study , poor sanitary pad hygiene could result in:- infections of the lower reproductive tract
- Bacterial Vigionosis
- yeast infection
Is a pad rash the same as a diaper rash?
Diaper rash most commonly occurs when contact with urine or fecal matter causes the skin to become inflamed and irritated.
A rash from a sanitary pad is similar to a diaper rash in that it can result from irritation. However, urine and feces are not the primary irritants of the vulva in pad rash.
