Q: Hello Doc, I wore a pad for almost 6 hours. After I removed it, I developed itchy rashes. I scratched for days. I’ve now discovered sores and I don’t know which drugs to take. I even started suspecting my hubby of giving me STDs. Doc, it all happened fast. Please, help me Doc

A: Hallos! I love your narrative…the precise way you traced the story from where you believe it all started 😀

Wearing a sanitary towel for up to 6 hours is really going up to the very maximum limit of normal! Try to aim for every 3 to 4 hours. Indeed, if your flow is more than usual, you’ll probably need to change more often. When you wear your sanitary towel for a long time, the wetness provides a rich culture medium for bacteria and other organisms to breed. This situation is made worse by the fact that menstrual cycle can also distort the normal balance in the vagina causing fungi to overgrow. This results in infection and vaginal itching.

This itching can lead to sores on the vulva which can also get infected. The sanitary towel that’s also been worn for a long time can rub against the things and cause chaffing/bruises. Antifungal pessaries and cream are usually sufficient to deal with the fungal infection. Read more here:

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/11/02/daily-health-tips-why-do-i-have-candidiasis-around-the-time-of-my-menstrual-period/

Now, I suggest you see your doctor to give you the once-over and take a sample of the vaginal discharge. This will ensure that we’ve got the right diagnosis and then proper treatment can be given.

Have a good night y’all 😀