RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Contact dermatitis associated with the use of Always sanitary napkins
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 1173
OP 1176
VO 154
IS 8
A1 Eason, E. L.
A1 Feldman, P.
YR 1996
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/154/8/1173.abstract
AB OBJECTIVE: To report a clinical association between vulvar irritation or contact dermatitis and the use of Always sanitary napkins. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: A gynecology practice in Montreal. PATIENTS: Women presenting between September 1991 and September 1994 with itching or burning of areas that would be in contact with a sanitary napkin (mons pubis, external surfaces of the vulva and perineum) beginning at least 1 day after the use of the napkins was started and less than 5 days after the use was stopped. RESULTS: Twenty-eight women experienced vulvar itching and burning, often associated with eruptions resembling contact dermatitis, of the vulvar and perineal surfaces after using Always sanitary napkins. Twenty-six reported that symptoms disappeared after they stopped using that brand of sanitary napkin. Seven women who later used the same brand again reported a recurrence of the vulvar irritation. CONCLUSION: The findings of this case series reveal Always sanitary napkins as a potentially important cause of recurrent vulvitis. Physician awareness of the association will enable effective advice and relief for a large number of women suffering "chronic vaginitis".