Tips for treating irritated skin due to wearing pads & bull; hello healthy

The use of pads during menstruation can irritate the skin in the groin area and your sex organs. If not treated quickly, skin irritation due to dressings can increase the risk of other infections in the vagina.

Causes of vulvar dermatitis

Irritation of the vaginal skin is referred to as vulvar dermatitis. The vulva is the outer part of the vagina that you can see with the naked eye, usually covered with pubic hair.

This skin irritation can be caused by constant friction between the bandage and the skin when you walk or run, which can cause wear and tear over time of the top layer of skin. As a result, the skin around the vaginal area becomes sensitive and inflamed. What's more, vaginal skin is thinner and more prone to irritation than skin on other parts of the body.

Symptoms of skin irritation due to dressings are characterized by skin that feels painful, itchy, burning, and red. The skin in the groin can even peel. In some cases, the irritation can spread to the part of the buttocks.

Tips for dealing with skin irritation due to bandages

You can use a corticosteroid ointment or cream once a day to treat inflamed vaginal skin. Continue to use the cream for 7-10 days until the irritation gets better. Apart from being topical, corticosteroids are also available in an oral version (oral medication). In order to be more sure which one is suitable and most effective for treating your condition, you should first consult with your doctor. The type and dose of medication your doctor gives will depend on the severity of your irritation.

To relieve pain, heat, and discomfort caused by this irritation, you can apply a cold compress to the groin area. However, don't put the ice directly on your skin. Wrap the ice first with a clean cloth or towel, then compress it on the irritated skin. Do this for 10-15 minutes, repeating several times a day if necessary.

Don't forget to also avoid other risk factors that can make the irritation worse. Apart from using sanitary napkins, vulvar dermatitis can also be caused by reactions to chemical soaps, vaginal cleaning fluids, chlorine in swimming pool water, vaginal lubricants, latex condom allergies, and the use of dirty underwear.

How to prevent skin irritation during menstruation due to wearing pads

There are several tips to prevent skin irritation due to pads during menstruation, namely:

Keep your vagina clean during menstruation. Wash from back to front with running water, then dry your vaginal area so it is not damp. The humid environment of the vagina is favored by bacteria and fungi.
Do not use soap or other cleansers that contain perfume when cleaning your genitals. Only use water if you want to clean it.
Don't be lazy to change pads and underwear. Ideally, pads should be changed every four hours. This means that you should change your pads 4-6 times a day. The dressings that are rarely changed can moisturize the vagina, causing it to become a nest of bacteria and fungi that can eventually lead to vaginal infections.
Avoid using sex lubricants that contain chemicals that are harmful to the vagina. If you are experiencing irritation or have just recovered, you can use natural oils such as almond oil or olive oil, as a temporary lubricant.