Allergic to Pads?

Question

I seem to have developed an allergy to pads and pantyliners. My skin gets irritated and itchy every time I use them. I've always used unscented ones, so I'm not sure what exactly is causing this reaction. Are there any that are made specifically for sensitive skin? I have no problem with tampons, and I use them most of the time, but I like wearing pantyliners a day or two before & after my period, just in case, but it's becoming very difficult.

Answer 1

I am going to take an educated guess and say that you use commercial pads such as Always or Kotex - that is your problem.

Commercial pads are full of chemicals that they use to make their pads whiter, the absorbent gel they use inside of pads is also full of chemicals that can irritate your skin, particularly if you have sensitive skin or you are young.

Commercial pads are also made from synthetic materials so as well as the harsh materials irritating your skin it also means these materials prevent air getting to your vulva so make your groin hot, moist and generally not very happy.

Organic pads are an option, these are disposable just like commercial pads but they are made from 100% organic cotton so allow more air to get to your vulva, they also do not contain any chemicals that can irritate your skin.

http://www.natracare.com
http://www.organicessentials.com
http://www.tampontification.com

Cloth pads are another very good option, these are reusable so it also means that they are cheap and environmentally friendly, you can also get them in all sorts of funky colours and patterns.
These feel a lot more comfortable than disposable pads because they are cloth just like your clothing or underwear, they allow for a lot more air to get to your vulva and don't contain chemicals.
You can also get a lot of different types of cloth pads, from normal pad shaped through to g-style pads or pad belts similar to what your grandmother may have worn that stay next to your body and padded panties that are just like underwear but with a pad built-in, you can even make your own pads how you like them.

http://www.lunapads.com
http://www.gladrags.com
http://www.reddyspads.com
http://urban-armor.org/urban-armor
http://www.hagrag.bigstep.com
http://www.wen.org.uk/sanpro/reports/makeyourown_web.pdf

Menstrual cups are internal like tampons but a lot healthier than tampons, as well as a lot more hygienic, environmentally friendly, cheap, convenient and comfortable, they can be left in for up to 12 hours at a time, worn at night and worn before your period is due.
Menstrual cups don't cause cramps like tampons do because they don't negatively affect your vaginal health, and tampons expand adding to bloating and expand into the cervix, something that menstrual cups do not do.
You can also get softcups that are a type of menstrual cup but they are disposable, still a lot healthier and more convenient than tampons, but unlike normal menstrual cups they sit further up inside your vagina and they are disposable, although they are a little messy compared with normal menstrual cups.
Menstrual cups offer money back guarantees, so you can try them and send them back if you don't like them – very few women send theirs back.

http://www.divacup.com
http://www.thekeeper.com
http://www.mooncup.co.uk
http://www.softcup.com
http://www.lunette.fi

Answer 2

Scented pads can cause irritation. It could also be the different material that is rubbing your skin the wrong way. But sometimes if I don't change my pad for a while, I get the same feeling. Try changing it more often, then get the ones you usually buy as soon as you can. If the sting doesn't go away, it's probably an infection and you should see a doctor.

Answer 3

I would love to know the answer to this too. I have searched everywhere because I think I am allergic to the pads to. I haven't had luck with any brand. I actually swell up there after about 5 minutes of having the pad on. I know they have the old cloth ones like grandma use to wear still available places but who wants to go there lol.

Answer 4

Most likely it is just cause you have sensitive skin . I have this problem to were i actually get yeast infections sometimes . I didn't have this problem till after i had kids . I don't know if it is that or if your skin gets more sensitive the older you get . I really don't know how to solve this problem either . I have found though that the ones with the silk liners instead of the Cotton help some.

Answer 5

You might consider making the switch to a reusable cup. It's more environmentally friendly and there's some evidence that they're healthier than absorbent products. Because they work via suction rather than absorption, there's no need to irritate your skin with extra pantiliners or pads "just in case."

Answer 6

I use cloth pads normally. I used a carefree today and am sooo itchy.

Answer 7

try switching brands. i also get allergic to certain brands of pads and liners

Answer 8

i can't tell you what brand to get but yeah it's possible i'm allergic to latex so i don't know what to tell you i use always ultra thins and pray my period isn't very long!

Answer 9

You will just have to stick with tampons.