8 Tips for a Rash-Free Period

While your monthly cycle can leave you bloated, in pain, and with scary mood swings, a slip in the hygiene department can take this discomfort to another level. Dealing with rashes and boils at this tender time is pure mayhem. Learn how to have a rash-free period and stay happy.

If stomach cramps and oscillating mood swings weren’t enough, having to deal with rashes during periods can be plain nauseating. Period rashes are agonizing, the trick to avoid the pain and discomfort is to practice proper hygiene. There are ways to have a rash-free period with some simple suggestions that’ll go a long way in keeping you happy during those sensitive days.

How Can Pad Cause Rash during Periods?

The two major causes of vaginal itching or rashes around the thighs or groin area during periods are heat and dampness. Wearing sanitary pads for too long can make the vagina damp and continuous rubbing of a pad against your skin can lead to rashes, inflammation, and itchiness on your skin. If you are looking for a pad rash treatment, try home remedies.

8 Pad Rash Treatments and Home Remedies

Dealing with period rashes can be tough. Not being able to walk properly, not being able to sit is likely to piss you more during your periods. Although you cannot skip these menstrual cycles, you can prevent these rashes. Here is what you can do if you have pad rashes:

1. Don’t stop changing

During periods, you should change your sanitary napkins as and when you can. While it might be considered as a given, some women tend to keep the first napkin on for the entire day. It could be because of anything from the unavailability of clean bathrooms to a low blood flow. Remember that pads should not be worn for more than four hours in any situation. No matter what the reason, ensure that you opt for a change at least twice a day. It will make you feel better, cleaner, and rash-free. Some people opt for cloth sanitary pads, although these are environment-friendly and comfortable, you should change them too.

2. Wear loose clothes

While nothing says sexy better than skinny jeans and jeggings, it may not be the best thing to wear when you have your periods. It is recommended to stick to loose and comfortable clothing, even if your Saturday night plans figure a pair of high-waist slim jeans. Wearing harem pants or a flowing maxi or midi skirt would really help you out during these dreaded days. A loose-fitting bottom wear will ensure proper airflow in and around the pubic area, which will keep you sweat-free. A build-up of sweat in the pubic area can cause rashes, so beware!

3. Keep yourself dry

Applying talcum powder to the vaginal area before you wear a sanitary napkin is a great way of preventing rashes during periods. Using powder prevents absorption of sweat by sanitary napkins. This way, the pad remains a lot cleaner and moisture-free. Applying powder also helps prevent friction between your skin and the pad, thereby preventing rashes and formation of boils. Make sure you do this each time you change the napkin.

4. Stay squeaky clean

During your periods, make sure to take ample precaution to keep your vaginal areas clean. In between household chores and running errands, remember to wash the area with water. Do this after every 4 hours. It is also recommended that you wash your vagina to prevent the formation of bacteria. This is one way of dealing with rash problems during periods.

5. Antiseptic intervention

To avoid itchy skin during periods, apply an antiseptic gel or cream around the pubic area. The cream or gel should be applied whenever you change your sanitary pad. However, ensure that the cream does not spread to other sensitive areas of your body. If your skin happens to react negatively to the gel or cream, stop applying it immediately. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before buying a particular gel or cream.

6. Warm compress

One of the effective home remedies you can try to reduce period rashes is “warm compress”. A warm compress can soothe those ugly and itchy period rashes. Apply a warm compress on your vagina. Take a clean cloth, soak it in warm water, squeeze out the excess water, and then place it on your vagina. Warm compresses not only reduce the rashes but provide relief from the pain too.

7. Ice Packs

Ice packs or cold compress work well for treating period rashes. Place an ice pack on the vagina, it will soon soothe the itching and alleviate the pain. If you don’t have an ice pack, you can wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth and place it on your vagina. This will work too!

8. Avoid hygienic products during periods

When you have your menstrual cycle, maintaining cleanliness is a must. You should clean your vagina with warm water, but don’t use any sprays, soaps, or other chemical based products to wash your vagina as it can irritate the sensitive skin around your vagina and even worsen the rashes.

These tips to prevent rashes during menstruation will help you stay fresh and hygienic throughout the day. Ensure that you make the effort to stay clean by washing thoroughly and changing your napkin frequently. Hassle-free periods wouldn’t just calm your mood swings, but also keep you happy.