Intimate Skin Irritations - The Main Causes and How to Relieve Them Fast
Suffering from an unwanted rash or unbearable itching while on your period? Don’t stress, many women will experience this while menstruating but will be unaware of what’s causing the issue.
Wearing a sanitary pad or panty liner can sometimes leave behind a rash which can lead to itching, swelling and redness. Most rashes from pads are a result of something in the product irritating your intimate skin but many of us are unaware of what is actually inside a sanitary pad or liner. So what could be the cause?
Conventional sanitary pads and liners use synthetic plastics for the back sheet, it is there to ensure no blood leaks through to your underwear. But sanitary pads and liners also include other hidden plastics - the average sanitary pad is made from a staggering 90% of plastic, the equivalent of 4 plastic bags, but you wouldn’t put a plastic bag in your underwear, so why opt for a product using so much hidden plastic?
The absorbent core for most sanitary pads is made from SAP’s (super absorbent polymers) which are molecules created to have a quick liquid absorption speed and high liquid retention. Though unfortunately SAP’s can prevent the air from passing through naturally which creates a warm micro-climate which allows bacteria in your vagina to grow, this can make you feel very itchy and sweaty due to the lack of air reaching your vagina.
Although they may look it, not all top sheets are made from 100% cotton. This is the part of the sanitary pad or liner that you will come into most contact with but unfortunately many brands use a mixture of plastics such as polyethylene to bind the top sheet together for extra strength. Not only this, but the cotton used is also bleached which can often leave the top sheet feeling rough, ultimately leaving your skin feeling irritated and tender.
Fragrances are also often used in addition to the other components as some women worry about the unwanted smell of period blood lingering throughout the day and prefer to use products with an added fragrance. These extra chemicals may not come into direct contact with your skin but they can prevent the skin from breathing naturally.
Your hormones are always changing throughout your cycle which means the pH in your vagina is too. Vaginal thrush and bacteria infections may occur during your period and add extra irritation to your vagina as the bacteria build up in the micro-climate.
But there are many ways to resolve the irritations that you may stress about while on your period.
Swap your sanitary products to those made from certified organic cotton, this means that you can be sure that there are no chemical residues in the cotton such as bleach. Organic cotton is ultra-soft, naturally breathable, super absorbent and hypoallergenic. So, you do not need to worry about using products with absorbent cores or added fragrances, organic cotton does it all naturally. All Organ(y)c sanitary pads and panty liners are made from a 100% organic cotton absorbent core and a strong 100% certified organic cotton woven top sheet which allows the air to pass through easily and your vagina to breathe normally. Along with this, all Organ(y)c panty liners and sanitary pads have a ‘Mater-Bi’ back sheet which is made from corn-starch.
Organ(y)c sanitary pads have been clinically proven to reduce intimate skin irritations in 90% of women within just three months of switching to them.*
*Minerva Ginecologica Volume 70 2018 ‘Evaluation of Safety and Skin Tolerability of Organic Cotton Pads in case of Irritative Vulvitis’.
Change your pads and liners frequently, or every few hours when soiled. Menstrual blood sitting on a pad can provide a warm moist area for bacteria and yeast to grow so ensure to change your sanitary products when required. Ensure that you are using a pad which is the correct absorbency for you too, you can see which Organ(y)c products are right for your flow here
Introduce an intimate wash and wipes to your daily routine to keep a healthy pH balance in your vagina. The Organ(y)c Intimate Wash is packed full of organic ingredients which help to gently cleanse the skin, while properties of Calendula calm any irritated skin. The formulation contains Aloe Vera juice and Cornflower which have cooling properties – perfect for aiding the burning sensation that some of us may experience while helping to keep your vaginas pH at 5-5.5. Why not try the dermatologically tested Organ(y)c Intimate Wet Wipes too which are made from a 100% organic cotton cloth which is naturally soft against sensitive skin. Containing a certified organic formula of Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Calendula which helps to refresh skin and leave it feeling soft. Perfect for carrying around with you to stay fresh and clean throughout the day.
If the vaginal irritation that you experience has not become any better after your period we would suggest speaking to your doctor or GP for further guidance.