How to Treat a Reaction to Perfumed Tampons

Perfumed tampons can cause an allergic reaction called contact vulvitis. Contact vulvitis causes itching and burning much like a yeast infection. Recent medical studies have found that many women are sensitive to the fragrances in tampons and other feminine hygiene products. Follow these steps if you want to treat a reaction caused by perfumed tampons.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your gynecologist to ensure that you really are having an allergic reaction to perfumed tampons. Other more serious vaginal infections have some of the same symptoms as contact vulvitis so it's crucial to ensure that you treat the correct condition.

• 2

  Follow your doctor's recommendation to treat the allergic reaction. He may prescribe a steroid cream to relieve the inflammation and irritation or he may recommend an over the counter cream or powder.

• 3

  Discontinue the use of all perfumed products that come in contact with your vulva. It's difficult to determine for sure if it was perfumed tampons that caused the initial reaction, so during treatment stop using anything perfumed to prevent further irritation.

• 4

  Wear all-cotton underwear to absorb moisture and to allow air flow to the vulva. This will help clear up the irritation.

• 5

  Thoroughly dry the vulva by gently patting it dry after a bath or shower. It's best not to rub vigorously because this can cause more irritation.

• 6

  Avoid using perfumed feminine hygiene products in the future. Use unscented toilet paper, tampons and pads. It's best to avoid using fabric softener when you wash your undergarments because anything that comes in contact with the sensitive skin of the vulva has the potential to cause a reaction.