Is Your Pad Giving You a Period Rash? Here’s What You Need to Know

Ever felt that burning feeling in your groin when you’re walking with a pad on? Need to adjust your jeans so that they’re not touching that annoying red patch of skin you notice when you went to pee? That’s what we’re talking about, that’s period rash. And it’s way more common than you think.

Sometimes it’s your pad’s material, sometimes it’s all that heat and sweat built up, and sometimes your skin’s just reacting to all that rubbing and friction. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. 

In this blog, we’re talking all about period rash, from why it happens to how you can get some relief. 

How can your pad give you a period rash?

We know that it’s hard to believe that something that’s meant to make you feel protected during your period can sometimes do the opposite. But we’re here to tell you it’s completely possible, especially if you’re using the wrong products!  Here’s why:

They can rub you the wrong way (literally!)

Pads can sometimes move around while you’re walking, running, or even just sitting for too long, this movement can cause friction. And your vulva (the outer skin surrounding your vagina) is super delicate, so even a little rubbing can turn into redness and soreness. 

They might be hiding some chemicals

Pads are made of layer after layer after layer of materials. And most often, these materials are synthetic and plastic-y (like polyolefins). They don’t let your skin breathe and can trap heat and sweat, leading to itching, rashes, and just that icky feeling. In fact, studies show that they might even contain chemicals like gels and bleached cellulose, which can cause allergic reactions.

Adhesives (yes, the glue!) can irritate too

You know that sticky stuff that keeps your pad in place? That glue might be the reason your skin’s reacting. According to research, contact dermatitis (a.k.a. an allergic reaction) is one of the most common causes of rashes in your genital region, and the adhesives used in pads are one of the possible triggers. Especially if the adhesive ends up on your skin when the pad folds or shifts.

They smell too good to be true

You know those pads that smell like flowers? They promise to keep you ‘fresh’ and ‘clean’. Well, they don’t tell you the whole story. Scented pads have added chemicals that can mess with your natural pH balance and even disturb the good bacteria that actually protect your vagina. That’s when things like itchiness, irritation, or infections creep in, causing a period rash.

They’re hot, sweaty, and not helping

The area around your vagina is already warm and moist, but when this heat and moisture gets trapped inside a non-breathable pad? It turns into a little sauna. That kind of environment can irritate your skin as it is the perfect environment for fungal infections to grow, like candidiasis.

You don’t change them often enough

Okay, so this one might not be entirely on your pad. And we get it, life gets busy. But wearing a pad for too long, even if it’s not full, can be risky. The longer you wear it, the more heat, moisture, and bacteria build up down there. As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, this can lead to a rash or even a full-blown infection.

But is the period rash really from your pad?

Okay, so you’re itchy, sore, and irritated… but how do you know it’s your pad and not something else that’s going on? Well, if the rash shows up within a few hours of wearing a pad, then yes, chances are high that it’s the pad.

Most rashes from friction or allergies clear up within a couple of days. But only if you stop using what’s causing them. So if you give your pad a break and notice the rash calms down, this might just confirm that your pad was causing it. 

But if things feel off for more than a few days, or if the rash just won’t go away, please check in with a doctor. It’s way better than second-guessing and sitting around being uncomfortable.

If you’re sure your pad was causing the period rash, here’s what you can do:

First things first, switch your pad

If your current pad feels like it’s out to get you, ditch it. It’s not worth the itch. Try a different brand. One that’s unscented and preferably made with gentler materials. Don’t know where to find one? Well, try Nua’s Complete Comfort Sanitary Pads. They are free from fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. No synthetic top-sheets, zero irritation, no unnecessary extras. Just 100% toxic-free and comfy pads. 

You can learn more about choosing the right pads here.

Let your skin breathe with cotton undies

Tight, synthetic underwear traps heat and sweat. That’s a recipe for irritation. Try loose cotton underwear. It can be a total game-changer. It’s soft, breathable, and gives your skin a break, which can help with the rashes.

Don’t be lazy with changing your pad

We know that changing your pad again and again feels like a task. But pads that sit on your skin for too long (even if they look empty) can cause rashes. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), changing your pad every 4-8 hours (or sooner, if needed) can help prevent any irritation.

Try over-the-counter treatment

If the rash is itchy or inflamed, treatments like over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology also recommends antihistamines or topical antibiotics. But it really depends on what’s causing it. That’s why it’s best to check in with a doctor first. Only they can tell you what kind of treatment is safe and right for your specific condition. 

So before trying anything on your own, make sure to get a proper diagnosis. Which also brings us to our next point—

Don’t shy away from your gynaecologist

You’ve tried switching pads, cotton undies, the whole self-care routine, but the rash is still there? That means it’s time to check in with your doctor. Especially if you see pus, bumps, or the skin is cracking. No need to stress. It’s just better to know what’s going on in time to get the right treatment.

Don’t Settle!

Period rash doesn’t just mess with your skin. It messes with your head, too. When you’re already cramping, bloated, moody, and then add that constant itch or sting from your pad? It’s just… too much.

Most women don’t even know that period rash isn’t normal. In fact, complaining about it labels us as ‘dramatic.’ And honestly, that’s the saddest part. We get so used to adjusting, to tolerating, to putting up with things because we’ve been told periods are meant to be uncomfortable.

But hey, it doesn’t have to be like that. You deserve to feel protected and comfortable. So, don’t settle for a pad that makes you want to squirm, no matter how ‘dramatic’ anyone thinks you’re being.