Feminine wipes are cleansing cloths meant to clean the vulvar area. Wet wipes are marketed to maintain freshness and cleanliness of the vulva and perineum.
Chemicals That Might Be Harmful Found in Feminine Wipes
Crann et al. found the most common sensitizers in the products analyzed were fragrances and tocopherol. Another study of a chemical analysis of wipes revealed:
- 95% Contained fragrance allergens.
- 90% Contained phthalates.
- 55% Contained synthetic musks.
Impact on Your Health:
- Vulvar Contact Dermatitis.
- Crann et al. found that participants who reported using feminine wipes had almost double the odds of reporting a UTI (OR = 1.9, p <. 01).
- Significant association between bacterial vaginosis prevalence and the use of feminine cleansing wipes.
The vulvar and vaginal skin is unique due to its nonkeratinized, therefore vaginal and vulvar epithelia are highly susceptible to contact allergen. The symptoms are:
- Pruritus is a common chief complaint.
- Other symptoms include erythema, swelling, scaling, excoriations, fissures, erosions, and ulcers.
- Patients will experience discomfort, distress, or even sexual dysfunction.
Feminine wipes may be doing you (and the planet) more harm than good:
- Wipes can clog sewer system and create excess waste.
- Considerably more expensive that traditional toilet paper.
- Unnecessary for cleansing in most situations.
Should I Use Feminine Wipes?
Your vagina has a natural mechanism of killing bacterias and viruses. Using a feminine wipe might disrupt this protection mechanism and can expose the vagina to STIs and other diseases.
Alternatives To Pre-Moistened Wipes
- Good old fashioned toilet paper can do the trick just fine in most situations.
- Moisten toilet paper with water immediately before use or you can provide small portable spray bottles with water for your purse or your bathroom.
- Flannel or other soft fabric can be less abrasive than toilet paper for those with hyper sensitive skin.
References
Crann SE, Cunningham S, Albert A, et al. Vaginal health and hygiene practices and product use in Canada: a national crosssectional survey. BMC Women’s Health 2018: 18(52)
Newton J, Richardson S, Oosbre AM, et al. A cross-sectional study of contact allergens in feminine hygiene wipes: a possible cause of vulvar contact dermatitis. International Journal of Women’s Health 2022
http://www.womensvoices.org/feminine-wipes-health environment-concerns/
Supervised by dr. Yudo Irawan, Sp.KK, Subsp.Ven