TY - JOUR T1 - Contact dermatitis associated with the use of Always sanitary napkins JF - Canadian Medical Association Journal JO - CMAJ SP - 1173 LP - 1176 VL - 154 IS - 8 AU - E. L. Eason AU - P. Feldman Y1 - 1996/04/15 UR - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/154/8/1173.abstract N2 - OBJECTIVE: To report a clinical association between vulvar irritation or contact dermatitis and the use of Always sanitary napkins. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: A gynecology practice in Montreal. PATIENTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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". ER -