It is often a bliss to sometimes forget that you are on periods. Just imagine going through the whole day full of meetings, school schedules, or sports practice without even a hint of discomfort. What fun, right? However, the problem arises when, at the end of the day, you become aware of a strange kind of itching, stinging, and redness down there. Has it happened to you before?
Many women believe that these period rashes or infections happen due to ‘bad hygiene’. But they are wrong. These rashes generally arise due to tiny daily period-related habits that were never questioned before.
So let’s sit down and understand which habits increase the risk of infections and rashes, and how we can realistically prevent them.
Reason Behind The Skin’s Vulnerability During Periods
There are two reasons why your intimate skin is more vulnerable during periods.
Reason 1: The vulvar skin remains moist, warm, and covered with pads or tampons for an extended time during your periods. So it's natural for the pad friction, blood, sweat, and tight clothing to disrupt the intimate skin’s natural barrier function.
Reason 2: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle make your intimate skin more sensitive and vulnerable than usual. As a result, women who have never had any skin problems also end up getting skin irritation.
During periods, overall hygiene isn’t normally the issue. It’s just your skin reacting due to the above-stated reasons.
5 Hygiene Mistakes that Lead To Rashes & Infections
Mistake 1: Using a single tampon or pad for a long time
It is understandable to forget all about changing your pads during long commutes, exams, outdoor activities, or the unavailability of clean washrooms.
However, pads and tampons absorb blood. So once they get saturated, they become ineffective. Instead, they cause more problems by just holding the moisture and bacteria close to your intimate skin, leading to friction that irritates the vulva and makes it chafed, red, and itchy.
What helps:
- Switch to the Sirona Menstrual Cup, especially if you work long outdoor hours. This practical period solution collects blood instead of absorbing it and sits comfortably within the vagina. Thus, helping reduce the risk of rashes and infections.
- Change pads within 4-6 hours, even earlier if you have a heavier flow.
- Replace tampons within 4-8 hours.
Even if you do not get the opportunity to change within the stated time frame, change your pad or tampon whenever possible.
Mistake 2: Using pads of material that suffocate the intimate skin
Thick or plastic-based pads create a sweaty and sealed environment for your intimate skin. Using them continuously, especially in hot and humid weather, results in heat rashes.
What helps:
- Avoid using plastic pads until they are the only resort.
- Use pads with breathable cottony top layers, like Sirona Rash-Free Sanitary Pads.
Mistake 3: Overwashing the intimate area or using harsh products
Most women end up washing their vulva area several times in a single day when they are on periods. Many even use fragrant cleansers on this sensitive area.
These two mistakes strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance, which inevitably increases the chances of infection or irritation.
What helps:
- Cleanse only the external area. Once or twice a day is enough, and use only a mild and pH-balanced cleanser like Sirona Intimate Wash. Never try washing the internal vaginal area.
- Do not use scented soaps or wipes in the intimate area during your menstrual cycle.
Mistake 4: Not paying attention to early symptoms of irritation
Most women ignore the first signs of redness and itching in their intimate area, assuming it will fade on its own. However, it can worsen quickly.
What helps:
- Watch out for early signs such as soreness or redness between the thighs, a burning sensation following the removal of the pad, and mild itching.
Treating these signs early helps prevent them from spreading or the skin from cracking.
Mistake 5: Wearing tight clothes when on periods
Non-breathable underwear, leggings, and tight jeans increase friction and heat. Extended physical activity or long sitting hours only aggravate the issue further.
What helps:
- Wear looser fits and soft cotton underwear during periods.
- Change damp, sweaty clothes immediately post-workout.
Do rash creams help?
When suffering from the early signs of skin irritation in the intimate area, applying the right cream can support skin healing, reduce friction, and soothe redness. However, choose your rash cream with care. It should ideally be:
- Safe for use on external intimate skin.
- Made with skin-repairing and calming ingredients.
- Have no steroids in them.
- Dermatologically tested.
Such creams, like the Sirona Anti-Chafing Rash Cream, give you much-needed rash relief. However, no matter how effective a cream is, it does not replace the need for hygiene.
When to visit a doctor?
While most rashes settle down with the help of the above-given tips, if nothing works, it is always advisable to consult your doctor. Do not delay seeking medical advice, especially if:
- Rash worsens even after care.
- It accompanies fever or unusual discharge.
- Rash has opened and developed sores.
- It has severe pain or itching.
Seeking help promptly would help you prevent further complications.
Final Word
Period rashes are just your skin’s response to your lifestyle conditions. They may occur due to unclean washrooms, long days, friction, moisture, and heat.
Only gentle skincare, breathable period products, and a few good habits can help you prevent or manage irritation. Periods are already difficult; do not let them take a toll on your skin, too. Take care.
FAQs
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Are all period rashes bacterial or yeast infections?
No, not always. In many cases, the period rashes are often just a result of constant friction or contact. However, the abraded skin, if left unhealed, can increase the risk of a secondary infection. Seek medical advice if the period rash is accompanied by intense itching, a strong smell, or thick discharge. -
Do I need to stop wearing pads if I get rashes?
Not really. You can switch to a menstrual cup or disc if you want to. However, you do not need to stop wearing pads completely. Instead, you can try a pad made with a different material and change pads more frequently. -
Is it possible for pads to lead to vaginal rashes?
No pad can cause internal vaginal rashes. However, they can still irritate your vulvar skin if the material doesn’t suit you or if it's worn too long. -
Can I use regular cream to heal period rashes?
No, not all creams are suitable to be used on the intimate skin. They may even have strong ingredients or fragrances that might worsen the irritation.
