Period Rashes Remedy: Discover Period Rash Essentials Here

Menstruation, as we all know, is unpleasant by nature. Cramps, fatigue, and bloating are a few of the symptoms that many of us experience when that time of the month arrives. But there's one more thing that bothers a lot of women: period rashes!

Experiencing period rashes, particularly when combined with other uncomfortable signs like cramps, fatigue, or bloating, can be difficult on your physical and emotional well-being. That’s why we’re here to help you discover period rash remedies through this article.

Let’s find out the essentials of period rash cures here!

What Does A Period Rash Look Like?

A period rash appears as a red, bumpy, and flaky rash around the vaginal skin. Itchiness and a sense of burning are also common with a period rash, which gets worse when you scratch it.

In addition, a period rash looks different in every individual. One may only have mild irritation, while others experience the symptoms more severely. This can be observed by the size of the rash, the level of itchiness, or the redness caused by the rash.

A period rash, whether severe or mild, is still uncomfortable. This is especially true for the itchiness or burning sensation, which frequently interferes with your daily activities. As a result, if you suspect that you have a period rash, you should address it right away.

Why Do I Get Rashes During My Period?

Understanding the potential reasons behind your period rashes is essential before you get into how you can cure them. There are many possibilities, but the most common one is that you have sensitive skin.

But, even if you don’t have sensitive skin, period rashes may still occur. Below are the potential causes behind the red, bumpy, and flaky rash you notice during your periods:

Heat and Moisture

Your sensitive body part is a warm and moist area, especially during menstruation. With the heat and moisture from your sweat or menstrual blood, it creates a fertile ground for bacteria to grow and accumulate.

The bacterial buildup, in turn, can increase the likelihood of period rashes developing. While bacteria are common on your skin, too many of them can cause irritation, including skin rashes around your sensitive body parts.

The use of menstrual pads may exacerbate this issue. Many menstrual pads are made of thick material, which restricts airflow to your sensitive body parts. This then raises the heat and moisture, trapping the bacteria that cause period rashes even more.

Friction

Friction between your skin and menstrual pads when you move can result in rashes. This is especially true when you have sensitive skin. Your skin may have a lower tolerance to the menstrual pads' material, including adhesive, causing it to become irritated.

In addition, according to the Center for Young Women's Health, activities such as walking, running, or playing sports, can increase friction. This then contributes to the irritation that occurs in your sensitive body parts.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction, which occurs on the surface of the skin due to direct contact with an allergy-causing substance. A person may develop contact dermatitis, causing period rashes due to materials or chemicals that come into contact with the vulva.

Menstrual pads are made with several materials and chemicals, which can cause contact dermatitis. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin and have a lower tolerance to allergy-causing substances.

Aside from menstrual pads, other factors can aggravate contact dermatitis. Friction, as well as heat and moisture trapped in your sensitive body part, are examples of these.

Infrequently Changing Pad

Another factor that contributes to period rashes is infrequently changing menstrual pads. If you leave a pad for too long, bacteria will grow and affect your vulva, causing irritation and itchy rashes.

This is why, regardless of the volume of your flow, you must change your pad at least every 3-4 hours. This will prevent odour from bacteria growth and keep your vulva clean, reducing the likelihood of period rashes developing.

Infection

Infections that occur in the reproductive system can trigger period rashes. This is because, even though the infection occurs on the inside of your vagina, the outside part or vulva can also be affected.

Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, or reproductive tract infection are some of the examples that may trigger the rashes. Many women experience any of these infections during their period as menstrual blood disrupts pH balance, which contributes to this issue.

However, to be certain, you'll need a diagnosis obtained after consulting with a medical professional. Avoid self-medicating by purchasing antibiotics without prescriptions that could worsen your condition.

Menstrual Pads Allergy

Menstrual pads allergy can affect women with or without sensitive skin. Pads are made to absorb your menstrual blood, yet they often irritate the delicate skin around your sensitive body part due to the materials and substances used.

Absorbent Materials

Polyolefins, absorbent foam or gels, and wood cellulose are materials commonly present in menstrual pads.  These materials effectively absorb menstrual blood and seal it in to prevent leakage, yet they frequently cause allergic reactions, resulting in rashes.

Adhesive

Menstrual pads use adhesive strips on the back to secure them to your underwear. The adhesive is essential to keep your pad in place, yet it can cause allergic reactions to your skin. The allergic reactions then manifest as redness and itchy irritation known as rashes.

Fragrances

Many menstrual pads use added fragrances to mask the odour of menstrual blood. Unfortunately, these added fragrances frequently contain allergenic ingredients, causing skin irritation within your sensitive body part.

How Long Do Period Rashes Usually Last?

Period rashes last differently depending on the causes. If the cause is menstrual pads allergy, the rashes should go away 2-3 days after you stop using the pads, with or without a remedy.

For other causes like infections or contact dermatitis, the rashes will heal once you get them treated. This is where you should consult with your doctor to have them checked and treated with oral antibiotics or antifungal cream.

Period Rashes Remedy: 5 Tips You Can Try

Period rashes, even if they only last a few days or go away almost immediately after treatment, are still unpleasant. That is why knowing the remedy for period rashes is essential so you won't have to deal with them every time you menstruate.

Cure your period rashes now with these 5 tips:

1. Wear Snug-Fitting Underwear

The first thing you should check when seeking a remedy for your period rashes is your underwear. Is your underwear too tight? If so, it can be the reason why period rashes keep coming.

That’s why, it’s always a good idea to wear snug-fitting underwear to avoid the rashes from coming. These are undergarments that strike the right balance – neither excessively loose nor overly tight – ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

Avoid underwear that is either too loose or too tight; instead, choose underwear that provides a well-balanced fit, offering both comfort and support. In addition to promoting adequate air circulation in your sensitive areas, such underwear is typically crafted from natural materials that are gentle on your skin.

This will then reduce friction between your underwear and your sensitive body part, especially during movement. This friction can lead to chafing and discomfort, increasing the risk of rashes. 

2. Switch To Organic Cotton Pads

Many menstrual pads are made of allergenic materials designed to absorb menstrual blood. Plastic, chlorine bleach, fragrance, and superabsorbents are examples of materials used in pads that can cause irritation to your skin. 

If you have recurring period rashes now and then, it’s worth considering switching to organic cotton pads as a part of the remedy. Organic cotton pads are made of breathable and soft materials, which are safe for your skin.

Aside from that, organic cotton pads also use no added fragrance or chlorine bleach. These harsh substances frequently cause period rashes, which you can cure by ditching your conventional menstrual pads.

3. Change Your Pads More Frequently

Leaving your menstrual pad for too long or changing it infrequently is one of the reasons why you may be having recurring period rashes. That’s why, you should start changing them more frequently as a part of the remedy.

Even if you have lighter flows, it's never a good idea to keep your menstrual pad for too long in the hopes of changing it when it's full. Always change your menstrual pad every 3-4 hours, regardless of your menstrual flow to maintain the hygiene of your sensitive body part.

4. Maintain Period Hygiene

Menstrual blood contains bacteria that can cause irritation to your skin. Without proper hygiene, you’re at risk of introducing the bacteria to your sensitive body part, which in turn manifests as rashes.

To maintain your period hygiene, start by frequently changing your pad every 3-4 hours. Every time you change your pad, you also need to wash your sensitive area with running water. Avoid using harsh soap as it can disrupt your natural pH balance.

5. Opt For Period Underwear

Being allergic to menstrual pads, even when you have already switched to organic cotton pads, is surely frustrating. However, this shouldn't be a big issue as you can opt for period underwear to cure your period rashes.

Period underwear is made of materials that effectively absorb menstrual blood. The fluid will then be secured by the absorbents without the risk of leaking onto your clothes. It's also gentle on your skin, so fabric friction against your skin won't necessarily cause irritation.

If you want to switch to period underwear to cure your period rashes, investing in multiple pairs is a good idea. This allows you to change them every few hours and maintain your hygiene.

And, just like menstrual pads, period underwear is available in a variety of absorbency levels. You can conveniently choose a pair or more that fits your needs, ranging from heavy, medium, light, to extra-light absorbency.

6. Consult Medical Professionals

As mentioned before, period rashes manifest differently in every individual. Some only have mild irritation, while others experience it more severely, 

If you have severe period rashes or irritation that occurs frequently on a sensitive body part, seeking medical attention is the best thing to cure them. Your doctor is the one who will check your condition and provide the most appropriate treatment.

This will undoubtedly save you from guessing about the cause of your period rashes. Your skin irritation can then be resolved quickly, allowing you to get back to your activities without the bothering itchiness.

Final Thoughts

Having period rashes, especially when they keep coming back every time you menstruate, can be frustrating. However, with the right remedy, you can effectively address them and get back to your activity without the uncomfortable itchiness or a burning sensation.

You can cure period rashes by wearing underwear with a comfortable and secure fit, switching to organic cotton pads, and changing your pads frequently. Maintaining period hygiene, seeking medical help, and opting for period underwear are also great to keep your rashes from coming back.

Mooncheeks’ Period Underwear: Reducing Your Period Rashes Starts Here!

Many women are facing frustrations with menstrual pads allergy. No matter the type of pads they use, even the organic cotton ones, the rashes are still coming back.

If you are one of them, switching to period underwear makes an excellent choice! Period underwear eliminates friction between pads and your skin, which often causes period rashes.

Its highly absorbent materials also allow for direct absorption of your menstrual blood. The top surface will remain dry, preventing moisture from becoming trapped in your sensitive body part and causing skin irritation.

Now is the time to reduce your period rashes with Mooncheeks’ period underwear! Get to choose from heavy, medium, light, or extra-light absorbency levels. Otherwise, you can shop by the underwear styles: Boyshorts, Hiphuggers, High Cut Briefs, and Thongs.

Shop today and get special deals on your purchases!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a rash from wearing a pad too much?

Wearing a pad too much, or delaying to change it until more than 4 hours puts you at risk of rashes. That’s why, one of the period rash remedies is changing a menstrual pad at least every 3-4 hours to prevent the irritation from developing.

Can your period cause an itchy rash?

Yes, your period can cause an itchy rash. The itchy rash is caused by a variety of factors, including heat, moisture, or the bacteria present in your menstrual blood.

Can period underwear cause rashes?

Period underwear may or may not cause rashes. This will depend on how you wear it. Change your period underwear every few hours and choosing a fit that is snug and not overly tight can prevent the rashes from occurring.