(no subject)

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Help! Whenever I use sanitary towels they really hurt me after a little while. They rub at the very tops of my legs and make it really sore, the skin goes red and shiny, like a friction burn? It really really hurts. Does anybody else ever get this problem? (Does this even make sense?)

I've tried using different brands of towels but they all seem to do it. I've tried changing them more regularly but that doesn't help either.

I try and use tampons mostly because of this but I don't really like them and I don't like to use them overnight so I'd appreciate it if anyone had any suggestions on how to stop it! Thanks!

Comments

[adjectivegail]

I had a flatmate at univeristy who could hardly use sanitary towels because effectively they gave her nappy rash. She used tampons the vast majority of the time and just made she she used a low absorbency and changed them frequently.

You could also consider using a mooncup (http://www.mooncup.co.uk)?

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it is like nappy rash really. Thanks for the link, it looks interesting, I'll check it out! :)

[snapdragon-666.livejournal.com]

Have you tried cloth pads (http://lunapads.com/home.php)? I've got some, they're nice. I got mine from here (http://www.twinkleontheweb.co.uk/acatalog/Twinkle_For_Mum_15.html).

[peregrin8.livejournal.com]

Just what I was going to say! I got mine from Hag Rag (http://www.hagrag.bigstep.com/) and they're wonderfully soft. There's also a company that sells panties with the pad built in ... Lunapads (http://www.lunapads.com/).

[snapdragon-666.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's the first link i put. I haven't used the pants, but they seem good.

[peregrin8.livejournal.com]

d'oh - so you did!

[snapdragon-666.livejournal.com]

Doesn't matter, i have a habit of not putting names of websites!

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Thanks a lot! These cloth things look great!

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm checking out the links now :)

[c4bl3fl4m3.livejournal.com]

I did a Reference page for this community on Reusable Menstrual Products that has more links to different reusable pad makers than you can handle. Trust me on this.

http://www.livejournal.com/community/menstrualhut/1425288.html

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

thanks :D

[flubbles.livejournal.com]

You could always try an alternative product...like a keeper (http://www.thekeeper.com), divacup (http://www.keeper.com), or mooncup (http://www.mooncup.co.uk)...

I've had a DivaCup since about October...and there haven't been towels or tampons at my place at all since then...I just love it!

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll check those links out.

[krasota.livejournal.com]

Whether I use natural (recycled wood pulp) disposable sanitary pads or mainstream ones (Always, Stayfree), I get a rash--especially the newer wetness control ones. Sometimes the rash is like nappy rash, sometimes it's more of an allergic reaction. Homemade (or storebought) reusable flannel pads are great, though. :)

I don't wear tampons at night and I can't wear tampons on the first day of my period without having horrific cramps. Any other internal product is out at those times, too. Flannel pads are wonderful for me.

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Can tampons increase cramps? I always feel like they do but I thought I'd read somewhere that they can't. I don't really like them anyway :/

Flannel pads do sound great, I'm not sure if they're in stores here in the UK so I'll probably have to order some online but I can't wait til I have some :)

[krasota.livejournal.com]

They worsen mine. The first day or so of my period is generally 24-36 hours worth of intense cramping, both uterine and bowel. Since I tend to get rather explosive bowel issues, it's also easier for me to *not* need to yank out a tampon as I sprint to the toilet. Since I get cramps bad enough to make me feel faint, it's easier for me to *not* worsen them in any way. I rest, take naproxen or a muscle relaxer, and use heating pads. Gentle stretches also help me. After the first day, I can use tampons for the next day or two my flow is heavy enough to warrant them.

If you sew, flannel pads are very easy to make. You might ask in diy_pads (i think that's the name) to see if any UK folks who make them for themselves are willing to do it on commission or on trade. :)

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link! :)

[inanna.livejournal.com]

i have to agree with the others who said so... cloth pads rock. YOu can buy them in the store or make them yourself. They are really easy to make, pretty darned cheap, and uber-comfy.

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I like in the UK though, so not sure if they sell them in stores here, I've never seen them. And I'm no good at sewing, so I guess I'll see about ordering some online :)

[ex-suum-cuiq980.livejournal.com]

They can be ordered online from several places in the UK. I have some of these:http://www.plushpants.com/phppages/details.php?cat_id=4&sub_cat_id=29&extra_cat_id=7 and some of these: http://www.moon-mammas.co.uk

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Thanks :D

[indreamsx.livejournal.com]

cloth pads cloth pads cloth pads! i will never, EVER go back to disposables.

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Thanks! They do sound really good, can't wait til I get some!

[tenderbloodrose.livejournal.com]

If you don't want to try cloth pads, which I've never tried, you can use Stayfree pads. I find them to be less irritating since they are so thin
cloth pads sound comfy though

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

I don't know if we have Stayfree pads here, but i'll have a look for something thin, cuz I can't afford cloth pads for a while. Thanks!

[mylittleaadvark.livejournal.com]

I get that, although usually only if I'm sweating or if the edges ride up. Very annoying. All I can really recommend is sleeping naked with some antiseptic cream (pick something that says it can be used for nappy rash) on it...

[mylittleaadvark.livejournal.com]

Although obviously sleeping naked is problematic when you're on your period. But immediately afterwards :-)

[cleodora.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I didn't think of antiseptic cream! :)