Kind of embarrassing to ask, but for some reason recently my skin has been itching where napkins touch - especially on warm days. I'm using Target brand, and I thought if there are other brands known to be good for sensitive skin. I see this kind of question often being asked re: diapers, so I thought there must be difference in brands in napkins as well. Thought I'd ask before trying different ones out in case others has had similar experiences (sensitive skin) and found difference by brand.
Thank you in advance for information!
Thank you so much for all your input! I'll start with smaller changes and then move on to more different ones that are bigger changes - starting with non-Target, non-Always brands (or non-mesh types) first, then if that doesn't work, 7th Generation or healthier/more expensive brands, and then move on to cloth or diva cups if those still give me trouble!
I use 7th Generation (chlorine free); you can find their line (and enviro-friendly cleaning products, too) at Target.
That's exactly why I switched to mama cloth- I couldn't stand the rashes disposables give me. I use a Diva Cup with cloth liners for backup.
Mama cloth!!!!! It seriously feels like I am sitting on a cloud!! Easy to clean, and easy to use. It's sanitary, chemical free, and there are so many different brands or WAHM that make them you could have your choice of anykind you want. Love and highly suggest it. or a Diva Cup. Sooo wonderful!!
I use the Natracare brand of feminine products. They are all natural and dioxin-free (no chlorine bleaching), just cellulose (wood pulp), cotton and cornstarch (instead of plastic) and will biodegrade. No petrochemical absorbants or covers. They can be found in the natural foods section of some grocery stores and may be more commondly available at your local health food store. These pads and tampons are from Sweden, and I've had no rashes or itching since using them. Seventh Generation makes some too, but I prefer these.
My gyno told me never to use Always b/c that mesh they have over the pad irritates a lot of women. I believe Target brand models thier stuff to be like Always so it probably has that mesh too. My gyno said to use Stayfree instead which has no mesh.
I recently tried cloth pads and LOVE them. More comfortable than disposables, less odor, and actually more protection from stains. Those wings on disposables never seem to stay put... http://partypantspads.com/
If the mesh bothers you, try the Infinity line instead. No mesh.
I have Glad Rags. They are made of organic cotton, and they are no more irritating than a pair of undies. There are TONS of different brands of cloth pads out there now, but most of them are only available online. You just treat them like cloth diapers: soak in cold water to remove stains, then wash in the washing machine. YOu can also use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains, or (if you feel comfortable) you can line dry and the sun will bleach them. Think of them as bulky underwear; they are really not as gross as people think (think of how gross it is to allow dirty pads to accumulate in a landfill). Come to think of it there is actually one company that sells "period panties," and they are literally just a pair of undies with a padded crotch. Sounds like a good solution for when you're sleeping, since regular pads can shift around in the night: http://www.rawganique.com/Lunapanties.htm
If you have any questions about using cloth feel free to send a private message.
At the bottom of this very webpage there is often an ad for Cottontail babies, based in Excelsior, who sells the cloth pads. I have never used them but have been dealing with almost constant itching that may have begun with using Always.
