A person may experience a rash from wearing a menstrual pad due to chafing, trapped heat and moisture, or an allergic reaction to the material.

A person who develops a rash after wearing a menstrual pad may notice the following symptoms:

  • skin discoloration
  • itching
  • sore, stinging, or burning skin
  • blisters

To help ease symptoms, a person can try menstrual pads made from a different material and, if necessary, apply topical creams and ointments to treat the irritated skin.

There are several potential causes of a rash due to wearing a menstrual pad. They include friction, an allergic reaction to the pad’s materials, and irritation from heat and moisture.

Friction

Wearing a menstrual pad can cause friction from movement, resulting in a rash. Walking, running, and other forms of physical activity can cause the pad to move back and forward and contribute to a friction rash.

A person may find it helpful to wear a smaller pad to help minimize its movement.

Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a term that healthcare professionals use to describe a type of eczema. There are two types of contact dermatitis:

  • If something irritates the skin, it causes irritant contact dermatitis.
  • If something triggers an allergic reaction, it causes allergic contact dermatitis.

A menstrual pad comprises several materials that can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, including adhesives and, in some cases, added fragrances.

People with sensitive skin may react to certain types of sanitary towels due to the materials used in the pads.

Switching brands and avoiding scented products may help prevent future rashes.

Heat and moisture

The purpose of a menstrual pad is to trap and collect menstrual fluids as they exit the vagina. The trapped moisture and heat can irritate the vulva and cause a rash.

Several irritants relating to pads and underwear could cause a rash on the vulva. These include:

  • sweat
  • urine
  • adhesives in panty liners
  • nylon underwear

Infrequent pad changes

It is important to change the pad every few hours or when it is full of blood.

People should choose a pad that matches their period flow. If a person buys a pad for a heavy flow but only experiences a light flow, they may think that they do not have to change the pad as often.

However, people should always change their pad every few hours, no matter how small the volume of their flow. Doing this is necessary to avoid odor from bacterial growth and prevent irritation.

Development of an infection

Infrequently changing a menstrual pad can lead to an infection and result in symptoms such as itching, swelling, and abnormal vaginal discharge. According to a 2018 study, infrequently changing a menstrual pad or other menstrual products can lead to:

In some cases, it may be obvious that the rash is the result of wearing a sanitary pad — for instance, if the rash develops shortly after wearing the pad or recurs with use.

The presence of other symptoms may indicate that an infection is present. For example, if a person has a vaginal yeast infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that they may have the following symptoms:

  • vaginal itchiness
  • pain during urination
  • pain during intercourse
  • abnormal discharge, although this may be harder to notice during menstruation

To ease the discomfort of the rash, a person can try the following:

  • avoid scratching, as this can lead to infection
  • apply a cool compress to the area
  • take a colloidal oatmeal bath or apply colloidal oatmeal creams to the area
  • apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or emollient cream to the rash

If the cause is due to an allergic reaction, a doctor may prescribe a medicated cream. It is also important to use a different menstrual pad or alternative menstrual products.

If a person develops a rash on or around their genitals, it may be beneficial to speak with a doctor. A doctor can help diagnose the cause and provide a suitable treatment option.

It is also important to speak with a doctor before applying a topical cream or ointment to the rash. This is because certain medications could be too harsh for a person to use on their genitals.

If the rash does not improve after a person has stopped wearing the pads, it may require further treatment or could be infected.

It may not always be possible to prevent pad rash if a person is sensitive to the pad material or does a lot of physical activity, which increases pad friction.

However, a person can help prevent a rash from developing by regularly changing their menstrual pad, keeping the area clean and dry, and avoiding using fragranced pads.

If a person develops irritant or contact dermatitis, they may benefit from trying alternative menstrual products, such as period underwear and reusable menstrual pads made from cotton or bamboo.

Other menstrual products a person can try include:

  • tampons
  • menstrual cups
  • menstrual discs

Diaper rash often occurs when contact with urine or fecal matter causes the skin to become inflamed and irritated.

A rash from a sanitary pad is similar to a diaper rash in that it can result from irritation. However, urine and feces are not the primary irritants of the vulva.

Skin can react to the materials in the pad, resulting in pad rash. Friction, excessive moisture, or not changing the pad frequently enough can also cause irritation.

In some cases, a person may develop or already have an underlying infection that causes a rash to appear on the skin. A person should talk with a doctor about safe treatment options for their rash, though applying a cold compress and keeping the area clean and dry may help alleviate symptoms.

People may find that changing either the brand or size of the pad helps prevent rashes from recurring. They can also try alternative menstrual products, such as period underwear or reusable menstrual pads.