Rashes in the intimate area, referred to as hives in medical terms, generally appear about 3 to 7 days before menstruation. It either disappears completely or visibly reduces after menstruation, around the time progesterone levels go down. They appear in your intimate area and around the thighs near your lady bits. Par, pareshan mat ho! You can keep hives under control if you keep a few hacks in mind. Not just that, we will also discuss some tips here that will help you prevent these rashes and also treat them, should they occur.
So, learn more about how you can prevent and treat period rashes through these 6 ways.
1. Move Over Sanitary Napkins
If you haven’t already guessed it, sanitary napkins are at the core of these red, itchy rashes developing around your intimate area and the surrounding places near the thighs. It may also happen because of the brand that you may be using. So, try switching to another brand and see whether you still get rashes. In such situations, try changing to other period products like menstrual cups and tampons, and see whether they suit you better.
Read: 7 Home Remedies For Sore Breasts During Periods
2. Change Your Napkin Every 5-6 Hours
Considering the busy lives that you lead, it may become difficult to change your napkin every 5 to 6 hours, the maximum time span for which you should use one. Prolonged use of napkins is likely to not just land you into a messy situation as a result of a spillage but may also cause rashes. So, the next time you over-use your napkin and then you get rashes, you will know why you’re getting it.
3. Take Care Of Hygiene Down Below
Wash your vagina with warm water every few hours to keep the area clean and free of infection-causing bacteria. This wouldn’t be possible when you’re outside. That’s obvious. But, coming back to the same topic of not finding enough time, make an effort to eke out as much time as possible when you’re at home and see whether that works for you.
Read: 10 Not-So-Fun Things That Happen To Women During Periods
4. Make Good Use Of Talcum Powder
Mild talcum powder, more specifically baby powder, absorbs extra moisture, keeping the area clean and dry. A moist area is a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria, the culprit behind the painful rashes. What’s more, it reduces the chances of friction from chaffing, yet another reason behind the development of rashes.
5. Apply Soothing Creams
Invest in a calamine-enriched cream that serves as a marham for the itching and pain that is the cause of hives. Despite these creams being available over-the-counter (OTC), it’s best to take the advice of a doctor since it is meant for your intimate area.
6. Invest In The Right Underwear
Anything else other than cotton underwear during your periods is a strict no-no. Breathable cotton absorbs sweat, leaving no traces of it on your skin. With proper ventilation and preventing moisture build-up due to profuse sweating, there are far lesser chances of rashes developing. Tissues and wipes aren’t safe alternatives for warm water. After washing, allow the genital area to dry completely before putting your pants on. Steer clear of body wash, soaps, and fragrances down below to maintain hygiene. Saunas and bubble baths should also be avoided. To top that, wear loose-fitted clothes that allow you to breathe and feel comfortable throughout the day
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