Contact dermatitis associated with the use of Always sanitary napkins.
OBJECTIVE
To report a clinical association between vulvar irritation or contact dermatitis and the use of Always sanitary napkins.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
A gynecology practice in Montreal.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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".
Eason
E L
EL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Montreal General Hospital, Que.
Feldman
P
P
D000328:Adult; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016496:Incontinence Pads / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D008598:Menstruation; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000517:prevention & control; D014847:Vulvitis / Q000209:etiology*