Sanitary Napkins and Skin Allergies: What Happens Next?

Fact: women have an intimate relationship with their period products.  

Period products, particularly sanitary napkins, make every woman’s “red day” more manageable and bearable. These are must-haves during the weeklong ordeal. However, there are times when these “essentials” offer more discomfort instead of comfort, particularly for people with sensitive skin.  

Why is my Skin Sensitive to Sanitary Pads? 

The long hours of wearing pads and changing them can lead to redness, swelling, itching, and, in some cases, rashes. The rashes can worsen with continuous friction, heat, and moisture.  

On top of these factors, most sanitary pads are also composed of different materials that can cause skin allergies. Polyolefins, which are present in most sanitary napkins, have the potential to irritate the skin. Plus, some pads are also bleached to improve their absorption. However, bleach contains dioxin. When the napkin comes in contact with the blood, it releases methane gas and dioxin, which makes you more vulnerable to infections and rashes.  

Skin Irritation vs. Allergies: Is There a Difference? 

Before we discuss how to address the concern, ask yourself first: am I allergic to the pad I’m using, or is it just an irritation? 

Allergies refer to a hypersensitivity to external substances, otherwise known as allergens. These can be found in our food, the air, and other surrounding objects. If you are allergic to your pad, you need to find the component that triggers your allergies.  

On the other hand, irritation occurs due to an allergic reaction, but it can also be triggered by a sensitivity of your skin to a particular situation. For example, an irritation can happen if you change your towel too late and the bacteria buildup irritates your skin. If your skin is easily irritated by your chosen pad, consider changing what you use. 

Either way, both make wearing a pad more difficult.  

How do you resolve this concern? Some women make the switch to reusable alternatives like period panties. But what if you don’t have the time to keep washing your undies or the budget for reusable underwear? 

If not wearing pads isn’t an option, it pays to be more mindful of the sanitary napkins you use.  

What is the Best Sanitary Napkin for Sensitive Skin? 

With so many brands out in the market, choosing the right napkin can be a hassle, especially if allergy is a pressing problem. A few considerations can help narrow down the search.  

Look for pads that are: 

• Thin and breathable. Thin and breathable napkins reduce moisture and heat build-up.  
• Fragrance-free. Periods can be smelly episodes, which is why some ladies prefer scented napkins. However, this shouldn’t be the case. Avoid pads with added scents since these can cause skin irritation. Instead, go for unscented options. 
• Chlorine-free. Some pads are bleached with chlorine to make them look whiter. As mentioned above, however, bleaching is bad for the skin. Always check the label to see if your chosen brand is chlorine-free.  

How to Choose the Right Pad for Your Skin 

Several factors should be taken into consideration when choosing the right pad for your sensitive skin.  

1. Anti-bacterial Properties. Germs are common enemies during your period. Other factors like heat and moisture can worsen their impact. So, always go for pads that prevent bacteria so you can stay fresh for hours.  

1. Material Quality. Shop for sanitary pads made from material that is gentle on the skin. The magic word is hypoallergenic. When your napkin is hypoallergenic, it is made from materials that are free from harsh chemicals that cause allergies and other skin irritations. Go for cotton pads since these are absorbent and breathable. Or you can also choose pads made from soft and delicate materials to help your vagina breathe.  

1. Shape and Size. Every girl has unique size requirements. The same applies to your choice of sanitary napkin. Size matters because if it fails to absorb properly, rashes and infection will trouble you. On your heavy flow days, use pads with wider widths and wings while regular-sized ones should do the job for the rest of your period.  

Say Goodbye to Allergies and Skin Irritations! 

Making the switch to another brand can help address skin irritations due to sanitary napkins. Always test before you use a new brand, though. Try the pad for a day first and see how your skin reacts. If all is well, continue using it; otherwise, use your old brand first before looking again.  

Red days are already challenging enough, which is why comfort should be a priority. If your sanitary pads are causing allergies, it’s time to make the switch! Look for pads and other hygiene essentials that keep you comfortable and fresh all day.  

Make sure you have your favorite hygiene essentials with you always! Shop for your must-haves at ShopHygiene today.