ALLERGIC FEMININE IRRITATION

Allergic Feminine Irritation (AFI) is a condition that has similar symptoms to thrush, including vaginal itching, soreness and discharge.

One in six gynecologists studied said that women notice the symptoms of AFI to be at their worst around the time of their monthly period, suggesting that their choice of sanitary protections may be the cause or aggravating factor.

Dr. David Nunns, Consultant Gynecologist at Nottingham City Hospital says, “Allergic Feminine Irritation is a condition that few women are aware of and not many doctors even consider it as a cause of irritation in the female genital area.  I would advise all women who experience this kind of vaginal irritation to try using natural sanitary protection and to wear cotton underwear, avoiding soap, etc as the first course of action.  If the symptoms persist, that’s when to turn to your GP for further help and advice.”

Most propriety and some “natural” brands contain many synthetic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, surfactants, perfumes and polyacrylate super absorbents as well as chlorine bleached fluff pulp.  With so many synthetic materials, there is a lot of scope for allergic reactions.

The effects of AFI, highlighted in the research, were wide-ranging and involved physical effects such as itching, soreness, general irritation and discharge as well as more emotional and practical side effects.  74% said that AFI affected their life in a non-physical way.  A third said they felt down or depressed and more than half said it had a detrimental affect on their sex life. 

Education Tips:
Tips to avoid Allergic Feminine Irritation (AFI)

• Switch to cotton underwear and natural pads, tampons, liners and wipes
• Do not wear nylon tights
• Do not use bath oils, bubble baths, etc.
• Do not wash your intimate areas with scented soap-plain water or Natracare Intimate Wipes are much gentler
• Avoid using spermicides
• Do not wear clothing that is too tight
• Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet

Helpful Advice for Women
Thrush affects 75% of women at least once in their lifetime with 10% suffering from recurrent infection, so it is not surprising that sales of thrush remedies are estimated to exceed $6 billion.  Yet for many, their symptoms can persist despite treatment.  Many gynecologists believe these women may be suffering Allergic Feminine Irritation (also known as Vulval Allergic Dermatitis), a condition that can be linked to the synthetic materials and chemicals that may be found in many feminine hygiene products.

Awareness of AFI is set to increase dramatically among the medical profession and consumers – and, with it, the demand for a healthier alternative for natural sanitary protection.  In addition to the usual prescribed treatments and complimentary therapies, you can recommend customers to try switching to natural, plastic-free, totally chlorine-free, latex-free sanitary protection.  This additional step can provide relief to those who may be suffering from AFI. 

One of the first pieces of advice that a woman receives from her doctor when she gets thrush is to wear cotton underwear.  Natracare’s new organic cotton panty liner is an ideal barrier against these synthetic fabrics, which can make it hard for the skin to breathe.

Many gynecologists have advised women with sensitive skin to use only Natracare pads and tampons to reduce their contact with chlorine bleached synthetics, plastic, latex and super absorbents made from petrochemicals. As an essential monthly purchase, those customers switching successfully to Natracare will return again and again to your store.