Are you suffering from period rashes? Know why it happens and what measures you can take to reduce it. Cramps, mood swings, bloating and low energy already make periods distressing, both physically and emotionally. The season can also weigh in and influence period-related discomfort. The summer season worsens the period discomfort, primarily because of the scorching heat, damp humidity, and excessive sweating.Know why summer season sees high cases of period-related rashes. (Picture credit: Unsplash)Dr Priya Darshni, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Plush, told us that around the vaginal area, rashes, itching, and infections develop. Many cases are reported around this time, and the doctor sees many such problems in practice. “As a gynaecologist, I often see an increase in complaints of rashes, itching, and discomfort in the vaginal area, especially during periods in this hot and humid weather."What are these rashes?Anyway, during menstruation, the doctor stated that the vulva is sensitive because of the hormonal changes in the cycle. Summer conditions only exacerbate the problem and create the ideal environment for irritation to occur.“Common causes include excess moisture and sweat, which can lead to skin peeling. Using sanitary pads for prolonged periods can cause friction and dampness, which may also lead to vaginal yeast infections. Poor ventilation due to tight clothing, like wearing tight jeans all the time, synthetic underwear, or tummy tuckers, can worsen the issue. Chemical irritation from using scented pads or low-quality materials is also another reason,” Dr Darshni detailed the major causes driving summer rashes and infections.Signs to watch out for:The gynaecologist urged to look out for these signs, which may indicate period-related summer rashes:Burning sensation: Often the first sign of irritation or imbalance.Itching or irritation: Persistent discomfort shouldn’t be ignored.Small bumps: Tiny, dot-like bumps can appear, sometimes even without shaving the area.Foul smell: An unusual or strong odour may indicate an underlying issue.PreventionChoose cotton-based, unscented pads! (Picture credit: Adobe Stock )The prevention is simple. Here are some of the precautionary measures the doctor listed:1. Change underwear frequentlyWhether on period or not, change underwear if it becomes slightly wet.Carrying a spare pair can help.2. Change pads every 4 to 6 hoursPads should be changed regularly, whether they are fully soaked or not.3. Wear breathable clothingCotton best choice.Loose pants are better than tight jeans or leggings, especially when worn all day.4. Choose the right menstrual productsGo for cotton-based, unscented pads, as harsh chemicals can disrupt the natural vaginal flora and pH balance.5. Consider alternatives if comfortableMenstrual cups or tampons can also be considered if one is comfortable using them.6. Keep area dryWash with plain water during every change or after peeing.Gently pat dry using a tissue or towel. Avoid aggresively rubbing.In the end, the doctor recommended visiting a gynaecologist if the vaginal area develops a rash.Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.Adrija Dey’s proclivity for observation fuels her storytelling instinct. As a lifestyle journalist, she crafts compelling, relatable narratives across diverse touchpoints of the human experience, including wellness, mental health, relationships, interior design, home decor, food, travel, and fashion that gently nudge readers toward living a little better. For her, stories exist in flesh and bones, carried by human vessels and shaped through everyday endeavours. It is the small stories we live and share that make us human. After all, humans and their lores are the most natural and raw repositories of stories, and uncovering them, for her, is akin to peeling an orange under a winter afternoon sun. Always up for a chat, she believes the best stories come from unfiltered yapping, where "too much information" is kind of the point. A graduate of Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, and an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Adrija spends her idle hours cocooned with herbal tea and a gripping thriller, scribbling inner monologues she loosely calls poetic pieces, often with her succulents in attendance. On lazier days, she can be found binge-watching, for the nth time, one from her comfort-show holy trinity: The Office (US), Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Modern Family. Dancing by herself to her peppy playlists, however, is an everyday ritual she swears by religiously.Read MoreHealthCatch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.See Less