The feeling of dampness and an unpleasant odor during menstruation often makes women uncomfortable. Both of these things can arise if the way to care for the vagina during menstruation is not right. In addition, the use of inappropriate sanitary napkins can increase the risk of irritation in the female area.
The structure of the skin consists of several layers, namely the epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. The outermost layer of the epidermis has the function of protecting the body from foreign substances and germs. This layer consists of horn cells and keratin substances, this layer in medical terms is called the stratum corneum or horny layer. The degree of thickness of this layer is different in each part of the body, and one area of the body with layers horny layer thin is the feminine area.
During menstruation, women need to pay more attention to the cleanliness of their feminine area. Activities that cause sweating, hot weather, wearing pants that are too tight and do not absorb sweat, and sitting for too long, will further increase the risk of vaginal irritation during menstruation. By keeping the feminine area clean, and wearing sanitary napkins that have good air absorption and circulation, you can prevent this condition.
Pads that are too humid and do not support good air circulation, not only interfere with comfort because there is no breathing room, but can also cause health problems. For those with sensitive skin, you may experience irritation when the skin in the female area is too moist due to sweat and other body fluids, such as menstrual blood that is not absorbed properly. This can happen because the pads used do not have good enough breathing space.
Signs of irritation in the female area can include a red rash, itching, and even swelling.
How to take care of the vagina during menstruation
Keep sanitary napkins to avoid rashes and itching in the female area. Irritation usually occurs due to the growth of bacteria or fungi on damp pads due to overfilling or prolonged use.
The following are some things you need to pay attention to in cleaning the vagina and maintaining the cleanliness of the pads:
- Wash and dry the vaginal area from front to back, to avoid transferring bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
- During menstruation, you are advised to wash the vagina more than once. Also pay attention to the cleanliness of the perineum, which is the area between the anus and the vagina.
- If you want to use soap, choose unscented soap. The perfume content in soap can irritate the vagina. Use soap only on the thighs and pubis (pubic hair), but avoid the vulva area. Just rinse the vulva with water to clean it.
- Use soft, unscented pads to avoid the risk of irritation from fragrances. Air circulation pads can also help keep the vaginal area from getting too moist during menstruation.
- Change pads every 3-4 hours, even if the blood volume is low. The greater the volume of blood, the more often you will have to change the pads. Changing pads regularly can prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause irritation.
- Use cotton underwear that easily absorbs sweat and is not too tight.
Basically, the vagina has a natural mechanism to clean itself. There are many good bacteria in the vagina that function to maintain the natural pH of the vagina and prevent the entry of bad bacteria that cause infection.
Criteria for the Right Bandage for the Vagina during Menstruation
Pads function to absorb menstrual blood so it doesn't contaminate clothes, as well as to keep the skin dry and free from irritation. Pads are generally made of cellulose or synthetic fibers to absorb menstrual fluid.
In choosing a pad, pay attention to the following:
- Make sure the sanitary napkin has a distribution permit from the Ministry of Health and BPOM, whose information you can see on the packaging.
- Know the composition of the sanitary napkin on the packaging label.
- Choose pads with good absorption, so that the skin of the female area remains dry and comfortable.
- Choose sanitary napkins with a soft surface and unscented, to avoid the risk of skin irritation due to friction and fragrance ingredients in the pads.
Disposable sanitary napkins are widely chosen because they are easy to obtain and use. However, pay attention to how to use it to prevent irritation in the area of the intimate organs. By keeping the feminine area clean and using soft pads and air circulation, you can move more comfortably and avoid skin irritation around the feminine area during menstruation.
