Allergic Reaction to ahm...feminine products

[shopaholic]

Since we don't have a sex forum, I thought I would post this here. Not sure exactly where to post it :confused:

Here is my issue, sorry if TMI.

Latly it seems that my skin is having an alergic reaction to pads. I haven't always been this way so I have no idea why its happening now. I haven't done anything different (besides starting BC) but I believe it was happening before I started the BC.

I just get the reaction on my inner leg area (bikini area). I do shave, but I always have, so I don't think THAT is the reason.

I have tried using some baby powder in that area to calm the itchy-ness. It isn't horrible (goes away once I stop using them) where I would have to discontinue use, but it does itch.


Does anyone else have this and hat do you do? I do use tampons as well, but I would like some other advice other than to just use those :)

I have read about people using reusable homemade pads and that is definitely not for me.

[beachlvr]

I don't have an allergic reaction, but I hate pads and since having my third kid, tampons don't stay in very well (way TMI, I know).

I've been using the Instead cups for the last few months and I love them. You can buy them at Target.

They're easy to get in but kind of messy to get out, but you can wear them for 12 hours at a time, so it's only a bit messy twice a day.

For the allergy, have you tried hydrocortisone cream? It might make it less itchy.

[Delaney21]

When it comes to allergic reactions, I have them all! Are the pads you are using scented? That can cause reaction. Or have you tried changing it more often? If the wetness is staying next to your skin, that could also be causing a reaction. I try to wear tampons as much as possible, but I hate them. If I am going to wear a pad, I'll wear the panty liners so then I have to change them a lot sooner so then I dont have any problems. Obviously, this wont work if you have to wear it for extended periods of time.

Or, have you switched to a new shaving gel recently?

[shopaholic]

When it comes to allergic reactions, I have them all! Are the pads you are using scented? That can cause reaction. Or have you tried changing it more often? If the wetness is staying next to your skin, that could also be causing a reaction. I try to wear tampons as much as possible, but I hate them. If I am going to wear a pad, I'll wear the panty liners so then I have to change them a lot sooner so then I dont have any problems. Obviously, this wont work if you have to wear it for extended periods of time.

Or, have you switched to a new shaving gel recently?
No new shaving gel. I have been using Skintimate forever.

Its not getting irritated where the wetness is but more like the edges of the thing. I never get the "wing" kind because those are even worse...but the edge of the pad where the wings would begin..that area is what rubs on my inner leg and drives me nuts.

I don't even think its an issue of the size either because I get the smallest size. The brand in question is Always....I think they changed their "formula" lol.


I try not to use pads that much for cleanliness reasons but sometimes I may have to use both a T & P :(

[shopaholic]

I don't have an allergic reaction, but I hate pads and since having my third kid, tampons don't stay in very well (way TMI, I know).

I've been using the Instead cups for the last few months and I love them. You can buy them at Target.

They're easy to get in but kind of messy to get out, but you can wear them for 12 hours at a time, so it's only a bit messy twice a day.

For the allergy, have you tried hydrocortisone cream? It might make it less itchy.
I will have to try instead. I do have a box that I got in a rebate but I have been to chicken to try them.


& no, no hydrocortisone cream.

[boilermaker]

In my previous job, I sold some of the raw material chemicals that went into making pads....and based on what that market is doing now, I would not at all be surprised if Always changed their formulations in an attempt to offset raw material increases. A lot of people are actually allergic to the chemical adhesives that hold the pad together and it sounds like that may be your problem. I would try another brand (make sure it is made by a different manufacturer, Always is made by P&G..try Kotex by Kimberly Clark) and see if that helps.

[shopaholic]

In my previous job, I sold some of the raw material chemicals that went into making pads....and based on what that market is doing now, I would not at all be surprised if Always changed their formulations in an attempt to offset raw material increases. A lot of people are actually allergic to the chemical adhesives that hold the pad together and it sounds like that may be your problem. I would try another brand (make sure it is made by a different manufacturer, Always is made by P&G..try Kotex by Kimberly Clark) and see if that helps.

Yes, it does seem like its the adhesive. I will try another brand & see if the same thing happens.

[apoppy]

I have been having problems with Always too, since they "improved" the pads a few months ago. Just last week, I sent an email to the company to gently complain and I received a message back that indicated they made no major changes in the composition of the materials used (which I don't believe in the slightest), but that I should call them asap so that I could discuss my symptoms with one of their staff.

Just thought I'd mention it in case you want to let them know that you are dissatisfied. I used an email link through www.always.com

[Delaney21]

I would recommend contacting them too. If a lot of people are having the same problem, they may switch the materials back since they would be losing customers. But they won't know about the problem if you don't call.

I did the same thing when Herbal Essences added Hawafena and they reimbursed my money for the product and added my complaint in their database. I was told that they received a lot of complaints, but not enough yet to do anything. So always make sure you call the company when you don't like the "improved" version!

[camberne]

The brand in question is Always....I think they changed their "formula" lol.Many many years ago, I used the Today Sponge as a birth control and they "changed their formula" ~ and I had an allergic reaction!! It was HORRIBLE. You can just imagine!!! :eek:

I feel your pain!!

[irish74]

I've been having a reaction to the Always pads lately, I thought it was the new cover layer stuff. I tried some Stayfree, they are more cottonlike instead of plasticy and that fixed the problem. I was also just getting irritated where the sides of the pad touched my bikini line. I think the Always doesn't "breathe".

[shopaholic]

I've been having a reaction to the Always pads lately, I thought it was the new cover layer stuff. I tried some Stayfree, they are more cottonlike instead of plasticy and that fixed the problem. I was also just getting irritated where the sides of the pad touched my bikini line. I think the Always doesn't "breathe".
EXACTLY!!!! It looks like I shaved bare without any shaving gel. Its horrible & itchy :(

I bought some stayfree so I will see how that works. Its a shame because it seems Always has a nice selection compared to the other brands!

[Reenie]

I also had an allergic reaction to Always' adhesive and switched to Kotex.

[shopaholic]

I am going to go to planetfeedback.com and write a complaint letter.

[apoppy]

Just an update on my complaint to Always. Proctor & Gamble just mailed me a multi-page questionaire and asked that I send a sample of the pads back to them. It will probably end here, but I will let you know if I hear anything else from them.

I would encourage everyone else to contact Always too. I keep hoping that if enough women complain, they will go back to the old product. But, then I am an optimist.

[shopaholic]

I wrote a complaint letter and this is the response I received:

Response (Monika) - 07/13/2005 09:02 AM
Thanks for contacting Always, Susan.

Your e-mail to Mr. Lafley was forwarded to me for handling since I'm
responsible for correspondence concerning this subject. I'm sorry about
your experience with our current Always Ultra pads. We still use the dri
weave technology, we've just re texturized the outer layer to be
softer. Our products are thoroughly tested to be safe when used as directed,
and we wouldn't expect the results you described. I'm sharing your
unusual report with our Health and Safety Division.

We appreciate your interest in our Company and I'm sharing your
comments with our Team. In the meantime, if you have additional questions or
comments about P&G or any of our products, please feel free to contact
us directly. Stop by our website at www.pg.com. We're happy to help!

Monika
Always Team

[shopaholic]

I thought I would also add that I got a package in the mail the other day from P&G.

They are requesting I send a new sample to them. Please. I don't have any more and I am not buying a new package just to send them a sample.