Once a month, women face the inevitable; Menstrual Cycle, that brings with it a lot of discomfort and pain, not to mention cramps and energy loss. In times like these, the only option that most women have is using a sanitary napkin to staunch the flow.
But this very solution has been found to be the cause of another problem that innumerable women with irregular periods all around the globe face almost every time, irrespective of their age, Pad Rash.
Pad Rash is the kind of rash that is caused due to the constant friction of the sanitary napkin with the skin, giving rise to redness, itchiness as well as dry patchy skin and inflammation in some cases.
Most of the time, a woman suffering from this condition finds it hard to concentrate on any work and as a result, becomes not just irritated and cranky but hard to deal with as well.
Most women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (1) hesitate to consult a doctor which at times can make matters really worse.
It is not just an embarrassing matter for them but also something that most women would want to keep private and endure the discomfort in silence.
For such women, there are certain steps that they can take to ensure that the level of discomfort is the lowest.
1. Clean Up
For most women, who suffer from pad rashes and retroverted uterus it has been found that most do not keep the vaginal area clean during the periods which is actually the main reason for the formation of the rashes.
Make sure that you use water liberally and thoroughly clean the area several times a day. Staying hygienic and clean will ensure that you keep bacteria and other germs at bay which are the main reason for the rashes.
2. Regular Change
It is crucial that you change your pad after every 6 hours irrespective of the fact whether it has been soaked through or not.
Using the same sanitary napkin for a prolonged period of time has been found to result in rashes as well as infections.
[Also Read: Incredible Ways to Induce Periods]
3. Antiseptic
Using an antiseptic on the rashes, be it a gel or a cream will make sure that they are properly moisturized as well as germ free.
Mostly, the rashes develop because of the fiction caused by the napkin with the skin and as such keeping the skin moisturized with an antiseptic will ensure that this does not happen thereby helping with their reduction.
4. Hot Compress
Using a hot compress on the area will ensure that any sort of inflammation caused will be immediately soothed. A hot compress will also make sure to combat the itchiness as well as any pain that you might be feeling.
5. No Soap
Make sure that you are not using any kind of soap or body washes or any such product that might contain hard elements that might irritate the skin further.
6. Powder
If the cause of your rashes has been found to be the wetness that usually comes with the periods, make sure to apply a powder to dry out the area before putting on the sanitary napkin.
This will ensure that the affected area stays clean and dry. It is advisable that you consider using an antiseptic powder since they will work both ways- keep the area dry as well as protect it from infection-causing germs.
7. Warm Compress
This is one of the most effective remedies that can reduce period rashes, a warm compress can soothe itchy and reddened period rashes. To apply a warm compress, you would need a clean cloth and soak it in warm water and after squeezing the excess, place it on the site of infection and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, you could even move it around a little, if there is no pain. This should provide for instant relief from the pain and cramps.
8. Ice Packs
A cold compress or ice packs tend to work well for treating period rashes; To use ice packs, you would need to place an ice pack directly on the site of your infection, this will soothe and alleviate the pain and itching on the site. If you don’t have an ice pack, you could wrap some ice cubes in a clean sterilized cloth and use it as well.
Stomach cramps, oscillating mood swings, and rashes. Periods are a rough time of the month, for every woman. Period rashes could be agonizing and could aggravate the discomfort.
Bottom Line
Using natural and alternative remedies, for treating period rashes is one of the best options, as they are natural and effective and tend to be harmless when used on the vagina. Also, these don’t come with side-effects like modern medication. Hence, use these simple remedies, as they could go a long way in treating your condition.
FAQs
1. Can You Get an Infection From Wearing a Pad Too Long?
Yes, using pads for too long could lead to infections as an excessively damp pad harbors pathogens and could cause infections, which in turn could cause urinary tract infections and vaginal infections. It is recommended that you follow the lifespan of the pad, that is provided by the company.
2. Is It Ok to Wear a Pad for 24 Hours?
No, as it could spread reproductive and renal infections. It is recommended that you wear your pad only for 6-8 hours.
3.Should You Change Your Pad Every Time You Pee?
If the pad gets wet or heavy or uncomfortable, it is recommended that you change your pad after peeing. However, it is recommended that you stick to the time limit of 4-8 hours.
