Pad allergy is a type of skin irritation that usually occurs due to increased temperature and humidity, especially when there are other substances with irritating potential, such as menstrual blood.
Furthermore, the allergy can also occur simply due to the material of the pad itself or some substance contained in the pad, especially odor-inhibiting perfumes. In the production of absorbents, different materials can be used, such as plastic, cotton, perfumes and absorption materials, which can cause an allergic reaction.
People who have this problem should, whenever possible, prefer to use a cotton pad, which has less allergenic potential, or completely avoid using any type of pad, giving preference to other options such as menstrual cups or absorbent panties. Find out more about the menstrual cup and how to use it.
How to identify allergies
The most common signs and symptoms that occur in people with pad allergies are:
- Discomfort and itching in the intimate area;
- Sensation of irritation or burning;
- Redness and peeling.
Some women may attribute the allergy to other factors that cause irritation, such as having a heavy menstrual flow, using moisturizers not adapted to the intimate area or changing the soap used to wash underwear. For this reason, an allergy to the pad may take a while to be identified.
Online symptom test
To find out the chances of having an allergy, please select the symptoms you present:
This test is a tool that serves only as a means of guidance and, therefore, is not intended to provide a diagnosis or replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.
How to deal with
The first thing you should do is discontinue use of the pad that is causing the allergy.
Furthermore, whenever you wash your intimate area, you should do so with plenty of cold water and hygiene products adapted to this area. The gynecologist may also recommend creams or ointments with corticosteroids, to be applied for a few days to alleviate the irritation.
During the menstrual period, women should opt for other solutions to absorb blood that do not cause allergies.
What to do during menstruation
For people who cannot use pads due to allergies, there are other options that the person should try to see which one best suits their body:
1. Tampons
A tampon such as OB and Tampax is a great solution for women who are allergic to external absorbents and is a good option for going to the beach, the pool or exercising during menstruation.
To use a tampon safely and avoid developing vaginal infections, it is essential to have clean hands whenever you insert or remove it and be careful to change it every 4 hours, even if your menstrual flow is small. See how to properly use a tampon.
2. Menstrual cups
The menstrual cup or menstrual collector are generally made of medical silicone or TPE, a type of rubber used in the production of surgical materials, which makes them hypoallergenic and very malleable. Its shape is similar to a small coffee cup, it is reusable and has a long shelf life. Learn how to place and clean the menstrual collector.
These collectors are sold by brands such as Inciclo or Me Luna. Clarify the most common doubts regarding the menstrual cup.
3. Cotton pads
100% cotton pads are a great option for women who are allergic to other pads, because they do not contain synthetic materials, chemical additives or residues responsible for allergic reactions.
4. Absorbent panties
These absorbent panties look like normal panties and have the ability to absorb menstruation and dry quickly, avoiding allergic reactions, especially because they do not contain any irritating ingredients and can be reused. There are already several brands available for sale, such as Pantys and Herself.
It is also recommended to avoid wearing very tight and tight clothing in the intimate area, which can also increase the temperature and humidity in the area, which can cause irritation and create the false sensation that there is an allergy to these products.
