Menstruation is a natural event that occurs in every woman’s life. The first time it happens marks the transition from girlhood to womanhood. But even though it’s such a natural process, it brings a lot of discomfort and concerns over a lifetime, and one of these discomforts is allergy to pads.

Dry mesh pad

What girl has never found herself choosing among thousands of different types and models of pads while getting ready to use them? Even we, as women, get confused by the endless variety of models, brands, and options when buying them. But which is the best one? Which should we choose? The answer to this question will come from your own body and how it reacts to each one you try.

That thin model your friend uses, which is almost unnoticeable even under tight-fitting clothes, might not provide you the same security. That other model with a scent so nice it “neutralizes” the natural odor of menstruation and is recommended by your whole circle of friends might not work for you. Do you know why? Our bodies are different and react in different ways. And when you use it for the first time, you already feel something is wrong! Allergic to pads? That’s right, few women know about this until they experience the problem themselves!

Pads are the method most commonly used by women, and the wide range of materials and options available can cause doubt at the time of purchase. An allergy to pads, also known as contact dermatitis, happens because of the direct contact of the skin with a triggering material, which isn’t always identified right away. Some women might mistake the symptoms of an allergy to pads for a heavy menstrual flow, a change in laundry detergent, or even the soap and moisturizer they are using. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the signs and stop suffering once and for all!

For women who suffer from allergies, other options have emerged to innovate and save them from discomfort, even during direct contact with menstrual flow—which for many is a nightmare every month. The menstrual cup is one of the top choices for modern women. Besides being practical, long-lasting, comfortable, and completely eliminating contact with menstrual flow, it’s also hypoallergenic and does not cause reactions.

Tampons are also very popular among women, but some don’t feel completely comfortable with them as they tend to “swell” during use. Others call them the best discovery ever, because they don’t feel “unclean” while wearing them. It’s worth noting that some women are also allergic to tampons, and if you notice vaginal burning with itching, you should see a gynecologist.

Symptoms of Pad Allergy

Allergy to pads can show up in two ways: the first is due to increased temperature, which leads to more moisture in the genital area that, combined with the pad, tends to “trap heat” in the region. The second is the direct contact between the area and the material of the pad, which, when mixed with blood, can intensify the allergy. It’s important to remember that many materials are used in the production of pads, such as plastic, cotton, fragrances, and absorbent substances—any one of these can trigger an allergic reaction.

The most common symptoms of an allergy to pads are:

  • Redness at the site
  • Intense itching
  • Burning sensation

The skin in the area tends to become dry and may “peel” to some extent, even extending to the groin or any area in contact with the pad. If you notice these symptoms, the best thing you can do is stop using it and switch to a different type. In most cases, simply changing the model or brand of the pad will solve the problem. Pads that are scented and offer “super dry” action with a plastic mesh on top are the most likely to cause allergy. For people who are allergic, it’s best to choose ones described as having a “soft cover.”

See Also: How to Use a Menstrual Cup