Question:
Every
month after my monthly period is over I have some itching on the external
part of my vagina.
I use
Johnson & Johnson Stayfree.
Do you
think it's the Stayfree I use?
Ashantie
Answer:
Dear
Ashantie,
STAYFREE®
Advanced Protection, with the unique DRYTECH SYSTEM™, is the
first STAYFREE® line developed specifically to protect against
both menstrual and bladder leaks.
The chemicals
in many pads can cause perineal skin irritation. Natural cotton pads
that you launder in hypo allergenic detergent are alright to use.
Pads
can cause irritation and itching.
There
are also several living habits and bodily care changes that are felt
to help prevent vulvar skin irritation so that a secondary yeast vulvitis
(as opposed to a primary yeast vaginitis) does not develop:
* Avoid
pantyhose and tight pants such as jeans which trap moisture near the
perineum
* After exercise or any sweat producing activity, bathing or swimming,
make sure the perineum is air dryed. Moist surfaces that rub against
each other break down and provide an area for yeast secondary growth
* Wear loose, all cotton underwear (not cotton crotch panties) that
absorbs body moisture.
* Wipe front to back when you urinate or have a bowel movement. Bowel
bacteria and yeast can cause vulvar skin breakdown and vaginal infection.
* Use tampons instead of sanitary pads.
* Do not shave the vulvar area. The pubic hair protects against chemicals
making contact with the skin.
* Avoid all chemicals in the Vulvovaginal area.
* Follow a low carbohydrate diet with almost no simple carbohydrates,
only a small amount of complex carbohydrates.
* Take steroids, antibiotics and oral contraceptives only if absolutely
necessary.
