Pain, bloating, mood swings and discomfort – your periods can be troublesome for more reasons than one. These can affect your physical and emotional well-being. As we approach the end of periods, there’s one more problem that arises: period rash! What causes this and what are some home remedies to treat a period rash? Come, let us find out!

Use of sanitary napkins, constant moist conditions and friction due to movement can give rise to and aggravate a period rash.

Mostly, use of sanitary napkins can lead to contact dermatitis, which may cause redness, swelling or itchiness of skin. Sometimes, this is a result of a reaction between the vaginal blood and the chemicals in the sanitary napkin. Heat and humidity may be some other reasons behind a period rash.

If you’re an active woman, know that walking, running and physical activity during those days of the month can also cause a period rash, as per the Center for Young Women’s Health.

Neem has been known for its health benefits for years. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in its leaves can help you soothe your period rash. Wondering how to use them? Well, just boil water in a pot, add about 20 neem leaves to the water and let it simmer for some time. Remove the water from the heat and let it cool down. When this neem-infused water reaches room temperature, wash the affected area using it. You could also mix this neem water with your bathing water in a bucket!

Ice is famous for its quality to reduce pain and swelling in an instant. Just take a few ice cubes, wrap them in a clean, fresh cloth and apply this around the period rash. You will get qucik relief from any pain or irritation.

The good old ‘Nariyal tel’ or coconut oil has antibacterial properties, which can work like magic to treat a pad rash. It can also leave dry skin moisturized. The best way to use it would be to first clean the affected area with cold water, and then apply coconut oil using a cotton ball. Let it stay overnight. Alternatively, use it in the morning once you’re done with a bath.

* If a certain type of sanitary pad is not suiting you, switch to another brand or go for cotton pads instead of ones with plastic coating. The material can make a world of difference. Besides sanitary napkins, you could also go for period products such as menstrual cups and tampons which can be used internally.

* Avoid wearing synthetic clothes or even tight-fitting attires which can increase sweat production or leave no room for the skin to breathe.

* Using sanitary pads with fragrance or scent is a no-no. These are high on chemical content and increase your risk of a period rash.

* Change your sanitary pad frequently in a day. It is safe to change your pad every 3-4 hours even if it may not be fully soaked. This can reduce your risk of a skin infection.

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