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Pad rash or Period Rash: How to Prevent it?

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Wearing a pad while on your periods can sometimes lead to a pad rash. These period rashes may appear around your vaginal and, at times, even your anal region. Having to deal with period cramps, [backache](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/back-pain-before-and-during-periods-causes-and-treatment), and the discomfort of wearing a pad is already bad enough but having to deal with painful pad rashes could prove to be a real dampener. In this article, we will look at the causes, treatment and, most importantly, tips and home remedies to keep pad rashes at bay.

- [Why do you get a pad rash?](#why-do-you-get-a-pad-rash)
- [Pad rash treatment](#pad-rash-treatment)
- [Tips and Home remedies for Pad rash](#tips-and-home-remedies-for-pad-rash)


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Why do you get a pad rash 

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A pad rash is most likely cause by friction from movement such as walking, running, and other forms of physical activity. Moisture and heat can also lead to bacterial buildup. The rash could be due to skin irritation from a sanitary pad’s material or composition. Here are some common causes of pad rashes:
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<h3 class="bluetext">1. Contact dermatitis</h3>

It is an allergic skin reaction that you develop when your skin comes in contact with certain materials or chemicals. Sometimes, certain materials in a sanitary pad such as adhesives or fragrances can trigger a reaction. People with sensitive skin are more prone to developing period rashes when they come in contact with certain materials in the sanitary napkins.
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<h3 class="bluetext">2. Moisture and heat</h3>

A sanitary pad absorbs and collects menstrual discharge, which means trapped moisture. This moisture and heat can irritate and cause a rash on the vulva. This moisture and heat could be worse if you tend to sweat or wear nylon underwear. Urine too can add to the trapped moisture content, making you more prone to rashes.
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<h3 class="bluetext">3. Friction</h3>

For those who lead a very active life, you would have noticed that you get pad rashes more often. Chafing when wearing a pad is caused when activities such as walking, running, and others cause movement of the pad. If that’s the case, you could try wearing a smaller pad to reduce the movement.
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<h3 class="bluetext">4. Not changing your pad frequently</h3>

It is important to change your sanitary pad regularly throughout the day. If you allow the pad to fill up and get closer to the vulva, it can lead to the development of a pad rash. You may at times think that you have a light flow so you don’t need to change your pad but irrespective of the flow, you must change your pad every three to four hours. 
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Symptoms of a pad rash include experiencing itching, swelling and redness in your vaginal or anal region shortly after using a sanitary pad.


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<h2>Why do you get a pad rash?</h2>

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Pad rash treatment

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In order to treat a pad rash, you must know the exact reason for it. If you suspect it to be contact dermatitis, you must consider changing the brand of sanitary pad that you use. It is important to [choose the right sanitary pad](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/choosing-a-pad/how-to-choose-the-right-menstrual-pad) to have a comfortable and safe period. You can try the [ALWAYS Cotton Soft Pads](/sanitary-pads/always-soft-pads-with-wings) which is super gentle on your sensitive skin. It allows you to enjoy real cottony softness with ultimate protection. Flexible and well-fitting, the pads are designed with a soft cover that is gentle on your skin. It is held in place with wings, and hence you can go about your day with ease and comfort.
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Topical ointments and creams are effective in treating rashes but make sure to consult a doctor before you use any topical ointments or creams as the location of a pad rash is sensitive. 


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<h2>Pad rash treatment</h2>

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Tips and Home remedies for Pad rash

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If you have a period rash, or you want to <a href="/en-za/tips-and-advice-for-women/intimate-hygiene/tips-to-avoid-period-rashes">prevent getting a period rash</a>, here are some useful and effective tips and home remedies:
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1. In order to relieve redness, swelling or irritation from pads, you can use a sitz bath. Fill the bath with some warm water and sit in it for 5 to 10 minutes, then pat the area dry. It will help relieve the inflammation. 
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2.	To reduce friction, wear loose cotton underwear. These also help absorb sweat and moisture and enhance breathability. 
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3.	Change your pad frequently to avoid getting too wet and increasing the risk of irritation. It is recommended that you change your pad, irrespective of the flow, at least after every three to four hours.
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4.	Whenever you use the toilet, gently wash your genital area and dab it dry with toilet paper. Consider avoiding wet wipes since most of them contain alcohol or other irritants in the form of fragrances which can cause skin inflammation.
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Despite trying these home remedies, if you notice that there’s no improvement at all then you most likely have an infection and would need further treatment. It is advisable to consult your doctor in such a case.
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Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always <a href="/en-za/period-calculator">Period Calculator</a>.


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<h2>Tips and Home remedies for Pad rash</h2>

__FAQs__
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">1. What are the home remedies for a pad rash?</h2>
In order to relieve redness, swelling or irritation from pads, you can use a sitz bath. Fill the bath with some warm water and sit in it for 5 to 10 minutes, then pat the area dry. It will help relieve the inflammation.<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">2. How to stop pad rash?</h2>
There are a few ways that can help in preventing pad rashes such as wearing loose cotton underwear to reduce friction and pad chafing, changing your pad frequently to avoid moisture build-up, and considering changing brands to check if a pad’s material is triggering the irritation.<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">3. Do Always pads cause rashes?</h2>
No, Always pads do not cause rashes. Always pads are thoughtfully designed for ultimate ease, comfort, and protection. They are crafted to meet your specific needs and are available across various sizes and for different body types. Meanwhile, moisture and heat build-up, friction, not changing your pad frequently and contact dermatitis are some of the most common reasons why you could have a pad rash. <br>

Disclaimer 

__Disclaimer:__ 

Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers. 

Pad rash/Period rash - Painful pad rash making you irritable and leaving you immobile? Here are some effective home remedies for pad rash & helpful tips on how to prevent them.