Absolutely all modern women regularly use pads. It is not surprising that today there is a huge amount of this type of product. But some representatives of the fair sex are forced to face such an unpleasant factor as the occurrence of an allergy to these hygiene products. It is especially important in this regard to pay attention to the symptoms of this disease in a timely manner and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Causes of Allergy to Gaskets
An important role in the manifestation of an allergy to pads is played by the materials from which this hygiene item is made. Modern products are characterized by the presence of several layers. Particular importance is given to the material from which the surface is made, since it can be either natural or synthetic. For example, natural products are considered to be hypoallergenic, although they have one significant drawback, namely they crumple extremely quickly, which, of course, causes crumpled discomfort during use. Synthetic analogues are able to perfectly cope with moisture retention, maintaining their shape and protecting against the appearance of stains on clothing. But, unfortunately, it is precisely such products that most often provoke the occurrence of allergic reactions.
What is the cause of gasket allergy?
Harmful components
In addition, uncomfortable sensations may appear due to the presence in the gaskets of such components as:
- The glue by which the product is attached to the underwear. Even though this element does not have direct contact with the skin, it is still able to adversely affect the state of living tissues.
- Flavors that are used by manufacturers to avoid odors.
- Through the use of dyes, pads are given a specific color. The symptoms and treatment of allergy to pads will be discussed below.
But perhaps the most common factor provoking an allergy is banal non-compliance with hygiene rules. Doctors recommend changing pads every four hours, and this should be done, even if there is only a slight discharge. The bottom line is that prolonged contact of the surface of the pads with the woman’s skin stimulates the active growth of microbes, which instantly provokes the occurrence of itching, rash and high sweating.
This is the most common allergy to gaskets.
Description of modern gaskets
The structure of the gaskets is different, since many materials are used for their manufacture. Modern gaskets are endowed with an inner layer, which includes cellulose, as well as absorbent substances, which turn moisture into a gel consistency. The outer layer of these hygiene products can be made of different materials. This is most often natural cotton, or synthetic fiber, which has a porous structure. Due to all these properties, the gasket is able to maintain its shape well, which does not deform during application. Could there be an allergy to gaskets? This question interests many.
In order for the pads to be fixed in place during movement, a special glue is applied to their lower surface, which allows attaching this hygiene product to underwear. In addition, on the sides there are so-called wings that help to properly fix the gasket in the right place. There is even an allergy to Naturella pads, despite their top coat with chamomile.
Daily
Daily pads have a simpler composition, including three layers, namely: the upper, absorbent and lower. Absorbent level made of cellulose. Superabsorbent polymers are not used in the production of these products. Allergies to pads are more common than tampons.
Swabs
Tampons, unlike pads, are usually made of pressed cotton wool, which is stitched in the central part of the product. Tampons always have a cylindrical shape, they are equipped with a special cord for easy removal. This hygiene product is introduced into the vagina, after which it absorbs all existing secretions, while taking the exact shape of the body. After use, the product is removed from the vagina using a cord. The symptoms of an allergy to daily pads are discussed below.
Gasket Allergy Symptoms
Even if women will comply with absolutely all recommendations regarding the use of these hygiene products, there is still no guarantee that an allergic reaction will not occur.
Symptom intensity
The degree of manifestation of allergies can be of varying intensity. In most cases, it has such manifestations as:
- swelling in the area of contact of the hygiene product with the skin;
- redness of the skin;
- burning sensation, as well as itching in the genital area;
- various skin rashes;
- the occurrence of pain in the genital area.
All these symptoms apply fully to both normal and daily pads.
The use of tampons also has similar signs, although due to some features of the application, itching with burning can occur not only on the surface of the skin, but also in the vagina. Be that as it may, any uncomfortable sensations are designed to make a woman immediately refuse to use this hygiene product and immediately consult a specialist.
When there is an allergy to gaskets (photos can be found in open sources), doctors advise using these funds only in extreme cases, for example, immediately before the start of menstruation or at the very end.
The influence of flavorings and chemical additives
What to do with allergies to gaskets?
In most situations, it is precisely flavored products that can cause such a reaction, since their inner layer includes various perfumes. In the event that a woman observes the necessary hygienic rules, and also constantly takes a shower, then, no doubt, the aromas that are impregnated with the corresponding products are hardly useful. For this reason, doctors recommend stopping their choice on products without additional flavored components. An allergy to daily pads is a fairly common occurrence.
Many manufacturers are inclined to add all kinds of plant substances to the pads, assuring customers that they have an exclusively anti-inflammatory and refreshing effect. Doctors say that products with the addition of chamomile or aloe are really completely safe for all women. But in fact, there are exceptions, for example, the fair sex, who are allergic to these plant components. These ladies are advised to use hygiene products without adding additional elements that can cause allergies. On pads (we examined the symptoms), as well as on tampons, she is diagnosed more often.
Allergic Diagnosis
In the event that after using hygiene items any redness occurred in the genital area, accompanied by itching and swelling, you should immediately abandon the use of this tool and immediately consult a doctor.
In order to be able to make a correct diagnosis, a gynecologist, most likely, it will be quite enough just to listen to the complaints of a particular patient, as well as analyze the symptoms that have manifested, while doing an external examination. In addition to a routine examination to differentiate allergy to pads (treatment is presented below), a blood, urine, and vaginal smear may also be needed.
Methods for treating an allergic reaction
The treatment process for allergy to pads should be carried out by appropriate specialists. The first symptoms of irritation can be eliminated on their own, but after that, you should still definitely consult a gynecologist. This is necessary in order to completely exclude other diseases with identical symptoms.
A woman will need to do the following sequence of actions:
- You will need to thoroughly wash the affected area with cool water. Thanks to this, it will be possible to cope with the unpleasant sensation of itching, since this procedure stimulates the outflow of blood from the region of the external genital organs. Against this background, one should not forget about the sense of proportion, since if abused instead of eliminating the symptoms of allergies, in addition, an unnecessary cold can occur. In order to stop inflammation, it is allowed to use a decoction of chamomile. In the event that there is no allergy to this plant, it can also be used in the form of lotions.
- An antihistamine ointment should be applied to the affected areas, which will contain hormonal components, which include Bepanten and Fenistil. In addition to a pronounced medical effect, they contribute to the rapid elimination of a burning sensation and itching.
- To completely eliminate redness, as well as itching, it is recommended to completely exclude sexual contacts, since they can only intensify existing irritation. Treatment for allergy to pads should be timely.
After one week of such treatment, the symptoms of an allergic reaction should completely disappear. But in the event that this does not happen, it is extremely important to immediately go for a consultation with a doctor.
Alternative methods of treatment
Alternative therapeutic methods are also able to try to cope with the unpleasant symptoms of such an allergy. Of course, they cannot completely eliminate the main causes of the disease, but they will almost certainly help to cope with distracting sensations that are localized on the mucous membranes and skin of the female genital organs. The most popular options include the following tricks:
- One tablespoon of calendula flowers is poured with a hundred milligrams of boiling water, after which they are left to infuse for an hour.
- Two tablespoons of chopped nettle leaves are poured with four hundred milligrams of boiling water, insisting for a couple of hours.
- One tablespoon of chopped medicinal veronica is poured with half a liter of boiling water, also leaving to brew for two hours. Symptoms of an allergy to pads are different for everyone. This must be taken into account.
All these infusions can be used to treat affected areas of the skin, and, in addition, the mucous membranes. In addition, they can be drunk in half a glass before taking the main food. In this case, you should choose only one of the above means and apply it exclusively. Also, before using these recipes, you need to make sure that there are no allergic reactions to their active ingredients.
Allergy Diet
At first glance, it seems that food recipes for allergies do not matter, because in a particular situation, the reaction does not occur to food. In reality, a poor-quality diet can also provoke even more irritation on the skin. For this reason, during treatment, you should exclude from your menu all allergenic products, which include such as:
- chocolate;
- citrus fruit;
- spices;
- coffee;
- sour juices.
During treatment, a large amount of fluid must be present in the diet. It is best to drink ordinary clean water, which will help to eliminate toxic substances from the female body.
Thus, we can conclude that an allergic reaction can appear even on the most common and frequently used things. In this case, contact with the allergen should be minimized whenever possible.