Sanitary Pad Allergies: Causes, Solutions, and Treatments

Sanitary pads, also called menstrual towels, are the first protection we use as young women. Particularly easy to access (in terms of cost but also of use and relationship to the body), sanitary pads are often the first menstrual protection our mothers place in our hands during our first periods. And they are often the ones we continue to use for all these reasons. However, sometimes we develop an allergy to sanitary pads: our skin reddens, becomes itchy, burns. What causes allergies, which products are involved, which brands should we choose, should we change our menstrual protection? We answer all your questions in this article on sanitary pad allergies.

Why can sanitary napkins cause allergies?

Due to their use, sanitary napkins are in contact for several hours with particularly fragile areas of our body, the genital mucosa and the anal mucosa. This is why they can be a source of discomfort such as allergies or irritations.

Before you start: Irritations or allergies?

An allergy is a hypersensitivity of the human body to substances, generally harmless and present in the environment. These substances, called allergens, can be found in the air, in food or even in surrounding objects. Moreover, substances known as irritants can be likely to trigger allergies if exposed to them for a long time. If you are allergic, you will need to find the component that bothers you and eliminate it.

As for irritation, it can be due to an allergy but it can also be triggered by your skin's sensitivity to a particular situation (friction of the pad on your skin, irritation due to bacteria from a pad changed too late, etc.). If you are sensitive to irritation related to sanitary pads, you may need to consider changing your method of protection.

Whether you suffer from sanitary napkin allergies or irritation , you may experience difficulties when wearing sanitary napkins.

Potentially allergenic irritant components

By bringing your skin and mucous membranes into contact with various substances, you can experience reactions to sanitary napkins. This is especially true for certain irritating components that are more likely to trigger allergies:

• Fragrances: Many sanitary napkin manufacturers and brands add fragrance to their products. The goal? Improved sensoriality, giving the impression of being “fresh,” and olfactory marketing. However, different fragrances are known to be allergens, and pressing them against your vulva may not be ideal;
• Dioxins: Many manufacturers and brands of menstrual pads use dioxins . These substances are intended to bleach cotton and fabrics that come into contact with the skin. The goal is purely marketing: we feel more comfortable with immaculate white products;
• Plastics: There is, on average, 2.4g of plastic per pad . They help stiffen pads, increase blood retention and thus prevent leaks. These materials are allergenic;
• Glues: In the glues used to assemble the sanitary napkin as well as in those used to hold the napkins on your underwear, there are solvents which are irritating and allergenic;
• Pesticides: In 2019, several studies showed the presence of pesticides in sanitary napkins (and tampons), such as glyphosate. Even though these pesticides were banned in France, they were found in sanitary napkins... these products are not particularly allergenic but are toxic.

Skin conditions

Beyond the allergies that can be triggered by the irritating components of sanitary napkins, your skin/allergy issues can be triggered and aggravated by sanitary napkins.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis, also called contact eczema, is an inflammatory reaction of the skin that occurs following contact with an irritant or allergen. It can occur in two main forms: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

• Irritant contact dermatitis: This occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that directly damages the skin barrier, causing an inflammatory reaction. Irritant compounds included in sanitary napkins can be the cause;
• Allergic contact dermatitis: This occurs when the skin develops an allergic reaction to a specific substance, called an allergen. The immune system overreacts to this allergen, causing skin inflammation. Common allergens include perfumes, which are found in sanitary napkins.

Other skin conditions

Other skin conditions can be aggravated by wearing sanitary pads and their contact with the skin. In bulk:

• Psoriasis: This autoimmune disease causes excessive proliferation of skin cells, resulting in thick, red, and scaly patches. Psoriasis can be painful and itchy;
• Keratosis pilaris: This benign skin condition causes small, rough bumps to appear on the skin, usually on the arms, thighs, and buttocks;
• Lichen planus: This inflammatory disease causes skin rashes, usually in the form of small bumps or plaques.

Other sources of irritation

As mentioned at the beginning of this section, sanitary napkins can cause irritation depending on the circumstances. Personal hygiene habits, weather conditions, and clothing all affect sanitary napkins and can increase the risk of irritation.

• Personal hygiene habits: Excessive personal hygiene or the use of harsh cleaning products can destroy the natural bacterial flora, making the skin more susceptible to irritation. Conversely, wearing sanitary pads for too long can also lead to irritation;
• Climatic conditions: In very humid or very hot regions, the use of sanitary napkins could potentially cause increased irritation due to excessive sweating, thus promoting bacterial proliferation;
• Clothing: Wearing tight clothing or materials that don't "breathe" well can increase heat and humidity in the intimate area, potentially increasing the risk of irritation.

Also read: How to choose your sanitary protection? >

Focus on allergic reactions and irritations caused by sanitary napkins

Are you experiencing discomfort and itching and wondering if you have a sanitary napkin allergy? Here are the different symptoms that can alert you.

The most common symptoms

Allergy symptoms can vary depending on the substance you are allergic to. The most common are:

• Redness: redness in the vulva and more widely on your genitals, but also all around it, on your buttocks and pubic area. Overall, any part of your body in contact with the towel can be affected;
• Itching: If you experience itching due to sanitary napkins in the vulva and throughout the area of your body in contact with the sanitary napkin, it is possible that you have an allergy. Please note, however, that poor hygiene and/or having kept your sanitary napkin in place for too long can be the cause of this itching;
• Burning: Along with redness and itching, you may experience burning where the sanitary napkin is in contact with your body. Your skin stings, feels hot, and burns;
• Rashes: Where the sanitary napkin comes into contact with your body, you may experience eczema flare-ups or small red patches and pimples. These are itchy;
• Swelling: A feeling of swelling may also be felt due to an allergic reaction. It may be accompanied by itching or pain;
• Flaking or dry skin: Is your skin starting to peel or is it very dry? This is also a symptom of an allergy;
• Sensitivity or pain to the touch: The area of your crotch that comes into contact with the sanitary napkin may also be painful to the touch if you are allergic to sanitary napkins. You may feel this particularly sensitive to the friction of your clothing.

Less common symptoms

More severe but also less common symptoms can also be indicative of allergic reactions to sanitary napkins . If you experience these, do not self-medicate or apply creams without consulting a medical professional. Consult a general practitioner or your gynecologist/midwife, who will be able to prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms.

• Vesicles or blisters: In more severe cases, small, fluid-filled blisters may appear;
• Oozing: If the blisters burst, they may ooze a clear fluid;
• Dark spots or discoloration: After the rash or irritation has subsided, dark spots or discoloration may remain on the skin;
• Cracks in the skin: In extreme cases, the skin can become so dry and irritated that it begins to crack;
• Secondary infections: If irritated or eroded skin is not treated properly, it can be vulnerable to bacterial or fungal infections.

Beyond local irritations: the long-term health consequences

In the long run, irritations related to sanitary napkin allergies can lead to more serious health consequences. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if complications arise.

• Risk of infections: scratched and bleeding spots, cracks in the skin, burst blisters... not only is it not very appetizing, but it can also easily become infected! Especially in an area as exposed as your genitals. You risk exposing yourself to pain but also developing secondary infections that can be more difficult and take longer to treat;
• Vaginal flora imbalance: Vaginal flora imbalance is a condition in which the normal levels of bacteria in the vagina are disrupted. Normal vaginal flora is made up of various types of bacteria that maintain a healthy environment. When there is an imbalance, certain bacteria can overgrow, which can lead to unpleasant symptoms.
• Vaginal thrush: Also known as vaginal candidiasis or yeast infection, is a common infection that can affect women. It is caused by the overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida albicans, which may be linked to an imbalance in the vaginal flora.

What about menstrual toxic shock syndrome ? You may have heard of menstrual toxic shock syndrome, this infectious shock that, although very rare, can be fatal. You'll be relieved to know that it has never occurred in menstruating people using sanitary napkins. In fact, its occurrence is linked to the presence of blood trapped inside the body (tampons and menstrual cups).

Solutions for treating an allergic reaction to sanitary napkins?

Are you experiencing symptoms that make you think you have an allergic reaction to sanitary towels? How to intervene effectively and should you consult a doctor?

First aid

If you experience itching, pain, or burning in and around your vulva while wearing a sanitary pad: Start by removing the sanitary pad. It may just be saturated and causing discomfort.

If you're at home, clean the area in the shower, using a gentle stream to avoid hurting yourself. You can take the opportunity to examine the area and assess any symptoms (eczema, redness, itching, swelling, etc.). If possible, change the brand of sanitary towel or protection afterward.

If you're not at home, take the time to clean the area as best you can with water and replace the sanitary pad. Observe how you feel: was changing the pad enough to ease your discomfort? If not, as soon as you get home, change and wash yourself gently in the shower. If possible, change the brand of pad or sanitary protection afterward.

⚡Caution: Avoid applying any creams to your irritation until you know what it is. The vaginal mucosa is particularly sensitive, and a cream can worsen the imbalance of your vaginal flora.

💡Baûbo 's vulva balm is perfect for soothing irritations or dryness for which you know the cause (after sex, friction caused by sport or tight clothing, dryness caused by pregnancy, etc.).

I want this vulva care balm

Discover ourVulva & Vagina collection with products dedicated to your intimate health: rebalancing intimate gel , or even the Wumi cleansing and moisturizing intimate gel.

I want Wumi intimate cleansing gel

Avoid using them if you have an allergic reaction.

Consult a doctor

Have you changed brands of sanitary pads and are still experiencing discomfort? Beyond the itching, are you experiencing rashes, blisters, or even cracks that don't seem to be getting better despite the end of your period and stopping using sanitary pads? We recommend consulting a doctor.

When to see a doctor?

If, despite the end of your period and stopping this range of sanitary towels, the symptoms persist and bother you—and worse, if you notice a worsening of the problems encountered—it is necessary to consult a doctor. The general practitioner and the gynecologist will be able to answer your questions and you should not feel any shame in consulting for these problems. These can really worsen and become disabling in daily life.

Treatments for allergies and irritations caused by sanitary napkins

Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing (itching, lesions, fissures, imbalance of vaginal flora or even vaginal yeast infection), the healthcare professional will have several treatments to offer you. They will begin with a physical examination and may take a mycobacteriological sample to identify the cause of the symptoms.

Possible treatments are:

• soothing cleansers specially designed for feminine intimate hygiene (notably having a neutral pH to avoid attacking and unbalancing it);
• Antifungals : These are medications used to treat fungal infections, such as yeast infections (vaginal thrush is a type of candidiasis), fungal infections of the skin, nails, mucous membranes, and other parts of the body. They work by targeting and killing the fungi that cause the infection;
• antibacterials: these are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. In particular, they prevent infections;
• pain relievers to relieve the pain caused by this itching.

Tips to avoid recurrences

To avoid a recurrence, here are our two tips:

• Change your sanitary protection method: If contact between your vulva and the sanitary towel causes irritation or allergies on your vaginal mucosa, it will be worth opting for another method of sanitary protection. Tampons or a menstrual cup will limit this contact and prevent your vulva from coming into contact with bacteria;
• Opt for other sanitary napkins, whether traditional or more natural: there are more and more sanitary napkins available. You'll find them from different brands, with blacklists as long as your arm (no pesticides, no plastics, no bleaching agents, etc.). Depending on the products you seem to be allergic to, you can continue to use sanitary napkins, but you'll have to be more demanding about their quality.

Protect yourself differently with these 5 alternatives to conventional sanitary napkins

If you've noticed health issues with using conventional sanitary pads, you may be interested in exploring other alternatives. Here are five alternatives, whether disposable, made from natural materials, or reusable.

Disposable protections made from natural and organic materials

Organic cotton sanitary napkins

In response to the various recent controversies surrounding the problematic composition of sanitary napkins (presence of pesticides, glue, etc.), several brands have developed disposable sanitary protection with very clean compositions. They are made of organic cotton. The goal? To eliminate all allergenic components that can cause problems while maintaining the practicality of disposable sanitary napkins. Fortunately, at Gapianne, we've thought of this!

Chemical-free tampons

In the same vein that saw the birth of organic cotton disposable sanitary pads, companies have developed chemical-free tampons. These may be a good option if you're bothered by your vulva rubbing against dirty sanitary pads.

Like menstrual cups, tampons can cause menstrual toxic shock syndrome if worn for too long (more than 8 hours). However, this has nothing to do with allergies and more to do with bacteria growing in the tampon.

Reusable protections

More and more sanitary protection products are now reusable. These are useful for environmental protection and to better understand what you are putting in contact with your body.

Washable sanitary napkins

Washable and reusable sanitary pads can be attached to your underwear using a snap or Velcro fastener. They are made from certified fabrics, most often organic cotton, to protect your body. They are thicker than disposable sanitary pads and can therefore be more or less comfortable depending on your preferences. If you are sensitive to the chemicals found in traditional sanitary pads, you may be interested in washable sanitary pads.

⚡Caution: If you are particularly sensitive to chemicals, pay special attention to the detergent and products you use to wash your reusable sanitary towels.

Menstrual panties

In recent years, menstrual panties have been stealing the spotlight from sanitary napkins. We're hearing more and more about them, and for good reason: they have the advantage of being comfortable and non-slip, preventing leaks, especially at night.

Regarding your allergies, menstrual panties have relatively few components and are often well labeled about the products they contain. This is the case for those from the French brand Smoon : we love their period panties made in France with non-toxic products for the body. Smoon also offers menstrual swimsuits , leggings or cycling shorts and even period panties for teens .

I want these medium flow menstrual panties

If you are sensitive to your vulva coming into contact with an environment that may become more humid throughout the day, menstrual panties may not be suitable for you.

⚡Caution: If you are particularly sensitive to chemicals, pay special attention to the detergent and products you use to wash your reusable sanitary towels.

Menstrual cups

The menstrual cup, also called a "cup," is a small silicone receptacle that is inserted into the vagina and collects the blood flow by a suction effect. It must then be emptied, in the toilet or in the shower, then rinsed before being reinserted. It will not be suitable for you if you are not comfortable with the idea of putting your fingers in your vagina during your period and it takes several cycles to get used to it. The cup is very useful for visualizing the amount of blood you lose during your period.

The advantage of the menstrual cup is that it can be made of a single component: silicone. This means there's very little risk of developing allergies to the cup. Furthermore, cleaning it requires only boiling water sterilization, without the use of chemicals.

Find out more about the medical silicone cup from Lunéale or the one from JHO with a stem .

I want this Lunéale menstrual cup

How to choose your brand of sanitary protection

When choosing your brand of sanitary pads, the first thing to consider if you have developed allergies to sanitary pads is 1) know which products you are sensitive to and 2) avoid them. The brand may be excellent and have the best reviews online, but you may still have an allergic reaction if you are allergic.

Secondly, here are several elements to take into account to limit the risks of allergy to sanitary napkins:

1. Look at the labels: the fewer ingredients in your sanitary napkins, the less likely you are to develop allergies;
2. Avoid scented products: Since perfumes are known allergens, they increase the risk of triggering allergies. What's more, they can trigger contact dermatitis. And do you really need perfume on your sanitary napkins?
3. Choose natural ingredients: Look for towels made from pure, organic cotton. Pure cotton is often less irritating than synthetic blends or towels containing plastics.

⚡ If you are thinking about changing your menstrual protection, and are looking for information on menstrual panties, check out our menstrual panties comparison .

Want to stick with traditional sanitary napkins? Our 7 tips

Do you like the convenience, cost, and ease of access of traditional sanitary napkins and don't want to switch? Here are our 7 tips for continuing to use conventional sanitary napkins while reducing the risk of developing allergies.

1. Choose unbleached products: The chlorine used to bleach some menstrual pads can leave residue that causes irritation. Look for pads that are bleached without chlorine or do not use bleaching agents;
2. Change your pad regularly: Even if it is not completely saturated, change your pad every 3 to 4 hours to reduce wetness and the risk of irritation;
3. Maintain good hygiene: Wash the intimate area with lukewarm water and avoid harsh or perfumed soaps. Also avoid hygienic wipes, which are often saturated with perfume. Dry gently without rubbing;
4. Wear cotton or linen underwear: Cotton and linen allow your skin to breathe, which can reduce the risk of irritation;
5. Test before using a new brand: If you are considering changing brands or switching to a different brand, try the new product for a day first to see how your skin reacts. If it is okay, continue; if not, go back to your usual brand.
6. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps reduce the concentration of your urine, which can minimize irritation;
7. Avoid wearing tight clothing: Tight clothing can cause friction and prevent the skin from breathing.

A sanitary napkin allergy can occur after several years, even if you've always used this method of menstrual protection. Whether it's an allergy or irritation, there are ways to tell, but the fact remains that it's embarrassing and can lead to various health problems. You can opt for other alternatives or stick with conventional sanitary napkins, as long as you're careful about choosing your brand of sanitary protection. Consider consulting a doctor for their opinion and making an informed decision.