Irritation

Hi M.,

One other thing that I don't think was mentioned,(I don't think) is shaving creams. If you shave down there sometimes it can cause irritation. However, since you only seem to have it when you wear the pads that might not be the case. I was using a shaving lotion and was breaking out all the time. I switched to a sensitive skin shaving cream and it completely stopped. So I would definitely think it's something you are allergic in one of the products! Good luck!

My name is L. and yes I once had that problem and it got really bad. When I went to the doctor he told me to stop using deodorant soaps and I stop wearing anything but cotton as undergarments. Some lubricates can cause irritation. I hope this helps you!

i've always had bad itching, irritation, redness. a doctor gave me a little tube of clobetasol Propionate cream usp, 0.05%

works like a charm. It only takes one to two applications to clear up my itching. Hope this helps.

This will sound nuts, but I promise it is true. It could be a systemic reaction to something that is not even in that area. Mine was fake acrylic finger nails. It was worse when there was more moisture in that area, like cycle time, etc. My gyno at that time was clueless and didnt' seem to care. I finally mentioned tiny patchs of red peeling skin at the corner of my eyes to my dermotologist and he said it was a reaction to my nails. I pointed out that I don't rub my eyes, and his nurse explained that it was a systemic reaction and these things pop up on the thin most sensitive skin. Ah ha! I was too embarassed to mention my other issue to my dermatologist, but I had the nails removed and the problem went away around my eyes, and "down there". It is something that soaks into your sytem though your nails, but yours could be another systemic reaction. Just a thought.

You can get organic disposable pads and tampons at Whole Foods, Market Street, etc. When you are irritated use witch hazel on a cotton ball, so soothing plus it stops the itch. I would also suggest a Free laundry detergent, my family can only use Shaklee Basic-L Free.

Sounds like you are alergic to the ingredients in some menstral pads and some material. I would try different brands on the menstral pads, and as for undergarments, a lot of times anything but 100 % cotten will irritate that area, so I'd try to only get the pure cotten ones. Sounds like that area needs (air) so don't wear any thing in that area at bedtime, just a nite gown., to give air, and there are things lilke vasingel and stuff to help with irritation that you can get off the shelf at the local pharmacy, if your Dr. didn't give you anything. Hope this helps.

I used to get it from scented pads. I switched and used a cream that was for itching--like for a yeast infection. It just goes on the outside.

You didn't mention condoms, but it sounds to me like you might have developed a latex allergy.

I have several friends who have had this problem and were able to clear up a lot of it by using cloth menstrual pads. There are tons of brands on Esty and on cloth diapering websites. Cloth pads have no chemicals to irritate things and you can get a fabric that isn't irritating to you.

It looks like previous posts have said everything I would, the only thing I didn't see specifically mentioned was toilet paper - be sure you're not using recycled, it can contain irritants. Also, toilet paper that contains stuff like "aloe" etc., can also bother you. Like everyone else, I too suffer from being extrememly sensitive in that area! I use Dove original, unsented pads and tampons, no fabric softner or dryer softner sheets (unless perfume/dye free), and use nothing perfumed/dyed in that area! Good luck!

Hi M.,

Perhaps you have already tried this, but it not, try switching brands. I had a major irritation from the pads I was using after my first son was born. I went to the doc and was told to switch to another brand. The problem cleared up very quickly after that. If I recall correctly, the brand I was using that bothered me was Always. My doc said that they had seen the same issue with the same pad may times. I know I have allergies to certain products, could it be that you're allergic to your soap, laundry detergent, etc?

Good luck! I wish you the best!

Oh my, I COMPLETELY understand. I had the same problem, but the irritation turned out to be yeast infection(s) - yes, recurring yeast infections. I do not know how I went through my young adult life without one and now after having 2 kiddos (my youngest is 15 months old), I have these itchy, scratchy, embarassing yeast infections. I wear a pad during my cycle and that irritated me. The first thing my doctor suggested was that I switch to Dove soap to wash myself - there is no antibacterial agents in it and it would be best if your husband used it as well. The next thing she offered up was for me to take Acidopholis (sp?) which promoted healthy cultures and minimalized bad bacteria in your system (which can be excreted down there) and finally she told me to take garlic because it also reduced or minimalized any funky bacteria that could be causing the irritations there. I'm sorry you are going through this - I know it is unbelievably uncomfortable, as well as embarassing (like when you could scratch yourself silly). I hope these simple suggestions help! I've been doing this since December and have had great success!

Vulvar irritation is common - the biggest culprits are ALWAYS brand pads (this is fact not my opinion), soaps, detergents, intercourse, diet - it is best to wear WHITE COTTON underwear all the time (air out at night) use only DOVE soap and only water on your vulva - rinse with water immediatly after intercourse - use tampons if possible for menstrual flow - or look into the DIVA cup or alternate products. I have had problems with this my whole life - and saw a specialist for it - I have a lot more info if you are interested.

Well I know I have had that problem with pad and I think I know why. But now positive. Some pads have cemicles in them that your body doesn't react well to. Maybe even perfume in them. Good luck!

H.

M., yes I have had this problem. My doctor advised me to stay as dry as possible and he doesn't like the the panty liners that we all like to wear, because they hold in moisture. After bathing , use your blow dryer to dry your pubic area. And did you know that you can use hydrocortizone there also. You know the white anti itch stuff that you can buy the store brand of and save. Just make sure you use it externally, which is what I think you are asking about. Go without panties whenever you can, at night, around the house, you get the idea. Stay dry. If this does not work, find another doctor that can help.
J. W.

I have the same issue. I use Tucks pads to help with the itching (the more you scratch, the worse it gets). I also use a sensitive skin feminine wash every morning and really clean the area then make sure to dry very well (sounds weird, but usually using the blow dryer works well). Also, I agree with the poster that said to get some probiotics. This is usually caused by a yeast overgrowth. You may want to have your husband checked for a yeast infection as well, because if he does have one then anything you do won't matter as he'll give you another infection as soon as you have intercourse again. Hope this helps.

Hi M. -

This is a known past problem in my family with women, but my mother is a nurse and she gave me some excellent tips and they really seem to work. 1:) Start washing your undergarments separate in ALL Free detergent or Dreft baby detergent 2:) when you bathe only use white towels because most color towels have different dye in them that can cause irritation. 3:) If you are able to,sleep with no undergarments at night 4:)Try to get in at least 3 servings of yogurt ea. week 5:) Do not use any perfumed soap in that area. Get the unscented feminine wash that Summers Eve makes or use the yellow Dial soap or Ivory soap. What I generally do is have 2 separate wash clothes one that I use just for that area and another in case I want to use Dove or Caress or some other type of perfumed body wash or soap.6:) Not sure if you are doing this or not but if you feel like you must douche no more than 1 monthly 7:) If you can wear cotton panties, but if you're like me my husband hates those things so with all other material use unscented panty liners and tampons or pads.

I know this sounds like a lot, but once you get into this routine life will be so much more pleasant. i don't know why but some women are just more sensitive and other can use anything and not be effected in that way. Hope these tips help.

1. White cotton underwear. Wash in hot water, but don't bleach - if you do bleach, rinse again. Use vinegar (1 cup) in final rinse. Do not use fabric softener. Do not use fabric softening sheets.

2. Either go organic and change OFTEN or use tampons. Some skin just can't take the moisture of a pad.

3. Cortisone cream

S.

Could be a latex allergy. All of the items you mentioned probably have latex (with the exception of your husband). Are you using condoms? They are made of latex. Just a thought. I would contact your OB/GYN again and talk to her about what options you have and suggestions she has.

Good luck.

My best guess is a LATEX ALLERGY. My husband is allergic to it and the more your skin is exposed to it the worse the allergy will get. If your pads or panty lining has this, you may try switching products and see if it clears up. (maybe an all cotton panty) Also if you are using condoms you can try the lambs skin as a substitute. I hope you find a solution.

Make sure you use bleach/chlorine free feminine products. You can find them in the natural section at grocery stores or whole foods. They use bleach to make the pads/tampons white. You could be sensitive to the bleach.Also make sure all underwear have a cotton crotch liner, synthetics can be irritating. Take baths with baking soda in water to soothe irritation. You may also have a buildup of yeast in your body, I had this and didn't know it, the only sign was irritation and itching not like a regular yeast infection. My doctor had me stop all bread, sugar and alcohol for 30 days and use a Product from Whole Foods called Candida Cleanse. An overgrowth of yeast in your body is very common and can cause a variety of illnesses. Good luck. L.

Have u ever been tested for a std I'm asking u this to down grade u but I'm asking u to help u it could be. Herpes and if so u need to know so that u want spred it to someone else or even to another region of u body. Again this is not put u on blast but its to help u because everyone needs to know there status.if you get test you'll be glad u did so that u can narrow the problem down to what it really is and want have to keep guessing at it! Goodluck!

You didn't mention it, but do you happen to use any wipes or other products in that area? If so, try discontinuing all products.

I had something similar and at the time I was using Cottonelle brand wipes. Turns out I was allergic.
To clear up my problem I washed with a mild soap, not a body wash. I'm allergic to Ivory - I know, it's supposed to be pure, but it totally dries out and irritates my skin. I chose to use Dove Sensitive, no dyes or perfumes. After a couple of days, I noticed it stopped itching and eventually cleared up on it's own. HTH.

Can you call me at ###-###-####. I have an idea. V.

Honey, I feel you pain. I kept a yeast infection and irritation ongoing on for 1-3 years and I finally solved it by eating yogart every day. Cleared it up completely. Now I only eat it once a week or so. No more irritation in the privates. What can it hurt? I'm sure the doctors can't tell you without doing some test.
Good luck.

To help ease the itch and irritation try Tucks pads. They won't solve your problem, but they sure will help you feel better.

Glad you updated us!

I just now read your post and the responses you received. You've already updated us with your reply, but I thought I would respond anyway.

I have to avoid most pads - Stayfree unscented is the only one I can use. I didn't think about looking for natural products from the health food stores.

Cotton underwear. Sleep without tight-fitting lower garments (one doctor told me I should sleep nude!)

I really had success when I started taking odorless garlic capsules and nitrogen-processed omega 3 oil. Some of my other "systemic yeast" symptoms decreased with this regimen.

I've learned a lot from a book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing. It describes yeast over growth and how to deal with it. Even if your problem is not yeast related, it might have suggestions on how to deal with skin sensitivity.

Good luck! update us again so we can learn too!

A.

M.,

I am so sorry that you are experincing that! It sounds very irritating (no pun intended..lol). Maybe you are having an allergic reaction to some type of cotton? For sex I would recommend you try using a silicone lubricant. It will coat your skin and protect from irritation. With your situation I would put some on my hand and rub it over the whole area.

H2H
M. C

It could be your shampoo or soap. My mother switched shampoos and her same issue went away. Get one with noe dyes or perfumes.

I have had that problem before, and mine was 2 things, I was using those adult wipes, like Cottonelle, and apparently having a severe reaction to them. I use Seventh Generation baby wipes now, and not so often (do not flush). And I did end up having a yeast infection the other time. Did the doc do a culture test? If not, have one.