Jean in Newcastle Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I just discovered that I am allergic to feminine napkins. Last month I had noticed that I was getting a rash "down under" but thought that it might be a moisture problem. I became more scrupulous about changing quite regularly. This month within 5 min. of my first pad, I have a burning rash. I have to run down to the drugstore for something different. Help! What do I get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeekingSimplicity Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I use cloth pads, made from old receiving blankets, old pj's, and dh's old flannel shirts. For me, when I use store bought pads I get a very achy swollen feeling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celia Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Stay away from the Always brand! That one did that to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 You're not alone. You need cloth topped pads, Kotex or I love Always Infinity (NOT the plastic covered regular Always)-these are cloth covered pad tops and come in a black box. They're more $, but I get no rashes. I know, all you natural padders/Diva Cuppers cringe, but I'm just not there yet. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I became allergic to the deodorants/perfumes and to the ones that had the plasticized covers. I began looking for dry cotton type covers, no additives, etc. and those worked fine for me.... I've had problems with synthetics for more than a dozen years now and I'm hearing that more and more folks are allergic to polyester, etc., too.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CariS Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 First I'm sorry that stinks. I'm allergic to latex so I understand your pain. Are you sure it is all feminine napkins? Maybe it is an added sent, or ingredient particular to that brand. I would consult with your GYN either way. I know that there are cloth napkins, usually sold by the same companies that sell cloth diapers. I know others with similar issues that use them and swear by them. Good luck to you, Cari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Always brand has changed their formula/process whatever you call it. They really bother my gluten free daughter. I have wondered if they have some type of gluten component because she definately gets a contact rash from them. :confused: She switched brands and was okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 (edited) I use cloth pads, made from old receiving blankets, old pj's, and dh's old flannel shirts. There's a free, easy pattern for these at my web site, plus lots of links to other free patterns and more cloth info. It might not be the whole solution for you, but it might be part of a solution. Even if you don't use them for heavy days, they are great for light days. http://home.comcast.net/~askpauline/crafts/pads/pads.html Edited May 23, 2011 by askPauline Free! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amey311 Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 You could power thru with some cut up t-shirts (fold them for more absorbancy) to get thru this cycle. http://lunapads.com/more-ways-to-shop/find-a-store - LunaPads sells cotton menstrual pads in several retail shops (not just limited to North America). There are LOADS of etsy and hyena cart "stores" that sell pads. There are also loads of directions online for making your own. You could also trace a paper pad that you like and make a pattern that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sukale Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I had to go in for my yearly a few days after my period. I had that same type of rash. My doctor took one look and asked me if i used always pads. He said he seen it all the time. He told me to try Kotex. I have used them for years now with no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happygrrl Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 7th generation makes the only pads that I can use. I buy them at Vitacost.com as the local store has a huge markup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermom Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Always gave me a terrible rash too. Stayfree works fine, mostly. So my advice is to try a brand with 'cottony' stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happygrrl Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 There's a free, easy pattern for these at my web site, plus lots of links to other free patterns and more cloth info. It might not be the whole solution for you, but it might be part of a solution. Even if you don't use them for heavy days, they are great for light days. http://home.comcast.net/~askpauline/crafts/pads/pads.html I have always wanted to make these! Thank you SO much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree House Academy Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Kotex Ultra Thin always work for me. When I used the orignal Always brand, I felt really icky and itchy. Ugh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 (edited) I just discovered that I am allergic to feminine napkins. Last month I had noticed that I was getting a rash "down under" but thought that it might be a moisture problem. I became more scrupulous about changing quite regularly. This month within 5 min. of my first pad, I have a burning rash. I have to run down to the drugstore for something different. Help! What do I get? Move to cloth. Seriously. Commercial pads are full of chemicals. On commercial brands, I get irritated with Always brand also. Not so much with off brand or Kotex. Edited May 23, 2011 by mommaduck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 23, 2011 Author Share Posted May 23, 2011 Hmmm. I think I was using Always. . . . I went to the drugstore. They had an expensive natural brand that is all organic cotton. I got some of that for now. Emergency averted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_melody_ Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I just discovered that I am allergic to feminine napkins. Last month I had noticed that I was getting a rash "down under" but thought that it might be a moisture problem. I became more scrupulous about changing quite regularly. This month within 5 min. of my first pad, I have a burning rash. I have to run down to the drugstore for something different. Help! What do I get? I have a cloth diaper forum, and a lot of the people there use cloth feminine pads. There are several people there who have businesses making them as well. You might want to check a few of them out. Here are some I have seen discussed. Mother Moon Pads TreeHugger Pink Lemonade Pampered Mama Cloth Indulgence There are a bunch of people over there who use mama cloth, and I know they'd be glad to answer any questions you might have. If you'd like to check it out, the board is Cloth Diaper Nation. I'd be glad to see you there! (In case you're wondering, there are plenty of people there who don't cloth diaper, and a few who don't even have kids. That's just where the board started.) :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyeska Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 That happens to me too. I switched to cotton topped pads (7th Generation) and the problem resolved rather quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitilin Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 You could also switch to the Keeper/Diva or one of the disposable versions of them. I know the idea can take some warming up to (it took me 4 years!), but I really am sold on it now. I have almost zero monthly symptoms since switching. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I would switch to cloth or something like the Diva cup with a cloth liner underneath if the cotton topped pads don't solve the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecclecticmum Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Like SS I use Cloth. There are some very beautiful ones out there for sale, I usually use velour topped with hidden PUL. I am 100% useless at sewing, so I buy, the brand I have is twinkly Lily, but they are Aussie, but there is a US version of the Shop/Mall I use http://us.clothpadshop.com/ They are not any trouble at all, and feel way better than plastic stuff, better for the environment too. In the meantime, not sure how useful this is, but is there the possibility of using ones without plastic backing? Non-waterproof? Its usually not the bit that touches your skin that much, but the "waterproofing" is what usually causes the rashes Hope that helps hun xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KS_ Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 7th generation makes the only pads that I can use. I buy them at Vitacost.com as the local store has a huge markup. I started using these, too. I've purchased them from Amazon and my local Fredy Meyer, and I see Amazon sells them. I have some cloth ones, too, and used to use them more frequently, but got lazy with having to wash them. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I am allergic to regular ones. Finding that out was very painful. Here is what I buy, I get them from Amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JadeOrchidSong Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 You could also switch to the Keeper/Diva or one of the disposable versions of them. I know the idea can take some warming up to (it took me 4 years!), but I really am sold on it now. I have almost zero monthly symptoms since switching. :001_smile: I spent over $30 on a Diva, but after two days of using it,my hemoroid was really flaring up so much that it took many days for me to recover. I would not recommend Diva for any woman that have hemoroid because it causes more pressure and makes the H even worse. My Diva is sitting there being idle. Unfortunately it is a product you can't return once you open it or use it. So after I learned about cloth pads from ladies on this forum, I bought 7 for $25 and have been using them happily since the beginning of this year. I feel good that the environment benefits from this switch as well. I used to use Always and had swelling down there as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Amanda~ Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 i use homemade cloth pads, as well. I refuse to go back to plastic disposable pads :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Use a little barrier cream. I've used anything from Desenex to Butt Paste. A little bit goes a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I use Natracare. They are organic cotton and yet quite absorbent. I used to use Always, and I find these just as good at controlling the flow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravinlunachick Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 If you don't want to drop the money on a Diva or a Keeper, you could pick up a box of Instead at Target or a drugstore. They are around $8-9, iirc. They sit up high, like a diaphragm, so it is technically possible to DTD with one in, if one so chooses. http://www.softcup.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 There's a free, easy pattern for these at my web site, plus lots of links to other free patterns and more cloth info. It might not be the whole solution for you, but it might be part of a solution. Even if you don't use them for heavy days, they are great for light days. http://home.comcast.net/~askpauline/crafts/pads/pads.html Alright, you got me. There's no reason for me to not whip up a batch and try. If you don't want to drop the money on a Diva or a Keeper, you could pick up a box of Instead at Target or a drugstore. They are around $8-9, iirc. They sit up high, like a diaphragm, so it is technically possible to DTD with one in, if one so chooses. http://www.softcup.com/ If I can grab one at Target, then I'll try that, too. But I have to admit, I feel crampy just looking at it. Touch my cervix at that time and you won't have a face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I just discovered that I am allergic to feminine napkins. Last month I had noticed that I was getting a rash "down under" but thought that it might be a moisture problem. I became more scrupulous about changing quite regularly. This month within 5 min. of my first pad, I have a burning rash. I have to run down to the drugstore for something different. Help! What do I get? I have always had allergies to any of the ones with plastic...dryness...whatever they call it. Only Kotex ultras are good for me...no plastic. I also have used cloth...but prefer to throw that stuff out:tongue_smilie: Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 (edited) www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A3779601%2Cp_n_theme_browse-bin%3A405690011&page=1 Edited May 25, 2011 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I started using Natracare products.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 24, 2011 Author Share Posted May 24, 2011 I use Natracare. They are organic cotton and yet quite absorbent. I used to use Always, and I find these just as good at controlling the flow. I started using Natracare products.... This is the brand I got. I'm still very raw and sore so I can't tell if it is good for me or not yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I've used several types of cloth pads and the best I've found are from Saucy Tots. http://www.saucytots.com/catalog.php?category=49 I made the switch to cloth several years ago and then added the Keeper for my heavy days. All three of my girls use cloth. My oldest started with disposable, but when I got her to try cloth, she told me to burn all the disposable pads. I still have the all the disposables underneath my sink in case a friend is over here when her period starts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in AZ Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I have this same problem with Always. I discovered it a post partum visit after baby #3 and was quite relieved when the mw said it was only the pads I was using. I thought something was really wrong with me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermom Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Pads? Adult women who are not post partum wear pads? I would *die*. After babies, I have my lovely soft cloth, but otherwise, it's all organic tampons until menopause. ;) lol Tampons never, ever feel right. They are always uncomfortable. So I don't use 'em. My best friend has the same problem, so I guess it's not too uncommon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFwife Claire Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I have this same problem with Always. I discovered it a post partum visit after baby #3 and was quite relieved when the mw said it was only the pads I was using. I thought something was really wrong with me! Yeah, this whole thread has been quite eye-opening for me! I just had a baby 6 weeks ago, and I started having terrible problems after wearing the big, heavy Always pads for a few weeks in a row, post-partum. I couldn't imagine what was giving me such a rash/pain/itching! I now can empathize better when my babies get the irritated raw diaper rash, LOL. I was almost at the end of my bleeding, so I stopped wearing the pads at night, and then not at all, so my problems went away, but I definitely assumed it was me, not the pads, which I've been wearing since I was a teenager. Time to look into some of these other brands. This was just a weird post-partum time for me, as I also reacted to those disposable panty-things you wear the first day or 2, while you are still in the hospital and bleeding so much. I got a terrible itchy rash from them, everywhere they touched (but thankfully not on any real delicate parts, since those were covered with the big hospital pads). That's never happened before, and it was a good week before the itching went away! Just what you need right after having a baby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lvbnhome Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 nt I just discovered that I am allergic to feminine napkins. Last month I had noticed that I was getting a rash "down under" but thought that it might be a moisture problem. I became more scrupulous about changing quite regularly. This month within 5 min. of my first pad, I have a burning rash. I have to run down to the drugstore for something different. Help! What do I get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpnick in nc Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 For me, when I use store bought pads I get a very achy swollen feeling. What an informative thread! I know that feeling. I hadn't always had it, so I assumed it was some kind of hormonal thing after having kids. I have been a big Always user - not anymore! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 What an informative thread! I know that feeling. I hadn't always had it, so I assumed it was some kind of hormonal thing after having kids. I have been a big Always user - not anymore! :iagree: I'm so glad I found this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy2BeautifulGirls Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 A couple years ago they changed Always-the only thing I EVER used. I have since discovered that Always Infinity is DEFINITELY worth the extra money!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BellaMama Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I use Natracare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Pads? Adult women who are not post partum wear pads? After babies, I have my lovely soft cloth, but otherwise, it's all organic tampons until menopause. ;) lol I see I am no help *whatsoever* unless this matters: www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A3779601%2Cp_n_theme_browse-bin%3A405690011&page=1 I can't wear them until about my 3rd day in. Otherwise I'm on the couch with cramps. They build up too much pressure and dam up the works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4everHis Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Use a little barrier cream. I've used anything from Desenex to Butt Paste. A little bit goes a long way. I've been using coconut oil as a barrier. Added benefit is that it's an anti-fungal/bacterial also. Now that I've read this thread and realize the 'real' culprit, I may not need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Cloth pads here as well, just love them, I hate the disposable ones now, yucky plastic. The cloth are nice and soft and move with you. I used to use tampons as well but just have no desire to anymore, I prefer the pads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecclecticmum Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 For those in the post-partum-ly way and using disposable pads (although I suppose you could do it with cloth too) I had a suggestion from my murse to put them in the fridge/freezer, the cooolness helps with the swelling and pain. I just used Tena? pants for my 3rd child, so yes, walked around in what is meant to be for incontinent people, a bit embarrassing lol, but it was very comfortable, and solved the problem I had the other times with the PP flow getting over underwear and/or clothes. We also had the bed pads like they have at the hospital which gave extra protection to the bedding of a night for me. PP cloth is quite bigger than normal cloth pads, due to the havy flow, and hence more expensive, so unless you have limited funds, or can sew your own, I usually just use disposable ones PP-ly, one less thing I have to clean for a while anyway lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhgillil Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I also developed an allergy not long ago and switched to Natracare. I found they tended toward the flimsy side in construction, so I tried 7th Generation. I haven't had a problem since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amey311 Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Pads? Adult women who are not post partum wear pads? After babies, I have my lovely soft cloth, but otherwise, it's all organic tampons until menopause. ;) lol I'm using mainstream ones myself (dear kotex, i love your absorbancy, but i hate the party atmosphere you're trying to create with the multi colored applicators). I had always assumed that most women (and even some teens) used tampons unless there was some sort of physical discomfort (like a PP who said they never feel right). And then I had a friend who said that "nothing is going up there except my husband" and my jaw dropped. oooooooooooooooooookay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Perhaps soaking in a bath of Dead Sea salts might help? Aquaphor may also be soothing for you.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 25, 2011 Author Share Posted May 25, 2011 Perhaps soaking in a bath of Dead Sea salts might help? Aquaphor may also be soothing for you.... The pain and rash has gone away once I took away the allergen (the Always pads) that were causing them. Phew! I'm so glad:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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