Itchy downstairs? Common hygiene products could be to blame
And the unlikely suspect may be sitting in your bathroom cabinet right now…
Ever had irritation down there that just wouldn’t go away? Well, you’re not alone. Dermatologist Dr. Adeline Kikam posted a TikTok video exploring why people with vulvas may experience a persistent “itch” problem. Daily-use products such as pads, body wash and even toilet paper could be contributing factors.
Many of us wouldn’t think twice about the hygiene product stacked beside every toilet, but as Kikam explains, many personal care products may contain chemical irritants such as dyes and fragrances that can easily irritate sensitive skin.
In the video, Kikam goes over the two different types of toilet paper: bleached and unbleached. She explains that the classic, fluffy, white colour is achieved with the aid of allergens and chemicals.
“That bright, white colour comes from chemical bleaching, often chlorine-based, and those agents in the toilet paper can sometimes irritate you down there.”
She says using bleached toilet paper can lead to allergic or irritant contact dermatitis in the vulva area. It can potentially affect pH balance, causing the overgrowth of yeast.
For those experiencing vulvar irritation – fragrance and dye-free toilet paper may be a gentler option as these agents can trigger contact dermatitis. Cottonelle Ultra Clean Toilet Paper advertises itself as “free of added perfumes and dyes,” and “use a chlorine-free bleaching step to whiten the pulp, but the pulp used is not bleached with elemental chlorine.”
For those looking to avoid chlorine-based bleaching altogether, unbleached bamboo toilet paper from brands such as PlantPaper may be an alternative. On their website, PlantPaper states that “it is lab-tested free of bleach, formaldehyde and PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances).” However, unbleached does not automatically mean hypoallergenic and individual sensitivities vary.
Dr. Yolanda Kirkham (not to be confused with Dr. Kikam), gynecologist at Unity Health Toronto with specialized expertise in vulvar health, explains that the vulva is the term for all of the external genitalia, which is mostly skin, protecting the more delicate inner structures.
“As with all skin, everyday products may irritate skin, especially if the skin is disturbed or sensitive,” said Kirkham.
According to Kirkham, signs that a product may be irritating the vulva include redness, burning, pain and itching.
The idea that something as commonly used as toilet paper could contribute to vulvar irritation might come as a surprise to many. But for people experiencing persistent discomfort, even the most ordinary bathroom essentials may be worth a second look.
Nasha Dutta, a 23-year-old woman, was surprised to learn that chemically bleached toilet paper can be an irritant.
“I was imagining one-ply toilet paper. But to hear that it's the fancy cashmere five-ply paper is quite shocking,” said Dutta.
In recent years, Dutta has become more conscious of the products she uses, particularly when it comes to choosing items for sensitive skin.
“The majority of my products that I use - I prefer them to be made for babies because I find that there's a bit more integrity, in the production of them,” said Dutta
Dutta’s preference for baby products raises a bigger question: why products designed for adult vulvar health don’t always inspire the same confidence among consumers?
“[I heard] something about toxic chemicals being present in period products [like] tampons and pads,” said Dutta.
Menstrual hygiene products may also be worth assessing for potential irritants. Tampax, a common grocery store brand, is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit over its “Pure Cotton” tampons. The lawsuit alleges that the product is misleadingly marketed as pure cotton and free of dyes and chlorine bleaching, despite containing titanium dioxide. The case remains pending and the allegations have yet to be proven in court.
“Around that time I made the decision to switch to a DivaCup, which is made of silicone. I don't really buy pads or tampons if I can avoid it.”
Since making the switch, Dutta has noticed changes in her vulvar health – specifically less swelling and irritation.
But this vulvar irritation might be linked to more than toilet paper and menstrual items – even underwear could be a source of irritation.
22-year-old Chantal Fahmi began suddenly experiencing vulvar irritation after purchasing a new pack of underwear from a grocery store.
“I freaked out a little bit about it because when you have an issue down there, you have no idea what it could be caused by,” said Fahmi.
Fahmi went to stay at her partner’s place for a few days and left her newly-purchased underwear behind. Almost immediately, she noticed the irritation had cleared up. She tossed every single pair in the trash shortly after.
Although the timing led Fahmi to suspect the underwear, it didn't confirm what had caused the irritation. Dyes and allergens in material can contribute to skin sensitivities, making it important to pay attention to how individual bodies respond to different products.
All of these products are daily essentials, yet figuring out what works for your body can be complicated and frustrating, especially when vulva-owners are left to trial and error for different products.
“Toilet paper is ubiquitous,” said Dutta. “Everybody has it. Everybody needs it. It's everywhere. Any public establishment you go to, there will be toilet paper. So it is kind of mind-boggling.”
When it comes to vulvar care, Kirkham says less is more. Letting your usual skin cleanser rinse off your body and washing daily with water is the best for your vulva.
“Look after your vulvar skin as you would elsewhere — with care and attention,” said Kirkham.
If itching or irritation persists, it’s worth consulting a health-care professional rather than assuming a personal care product is the cause.
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