Do Sanitary Pads Cause Skin Darkening In Intimate Area? Here’s What Doctors Say

Last Updated:September 13, 2025, 13:19 IST

Worried pads might darken your intimate area? A doctor explains the real causes of discolouration, and it’s not what most people think.

Poor hygiene, friction, sweat, hormonal changes, and genetics often cause skin darkening in intimate areas. (News18)

It’s not uncommon for many women and girls to notice the skin around their intimate areas becoming darker over time. While the skin on the face, hands, feet, and neck is easy to care for, regularly cleansed and treated with various home remedies, the intimate area is often overlooked, leading to pigmentation or dullness.

A common concern among women is whether using sanitary pads causes the skin in the intimate region to darken. Addressing this, Dr Karuna Malhotra, Aesthetic Physician and Cosmetologist, and founder of the Cosmetic Skin and Homeo Clinic in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, clarifies that pads themselves are not the direct cause of skin darkening.

Factors Responsible For Skin Darkening In Intimate Areas

According to Dr Malhotra, simply wearing pads does not lead to pigmentation. However, wearing damp pads for prolonged periods or neglecting proper hygiene can cause irritation and discomfort, which may contribute to changes in skin tone. Other contributing factors include:

• Friction: Constant rubbing due to tight undergarments or movement (including that caused by pads) can lead to darkened skin.
• Sweat and moisture: Accumulated sweat and dampness in the intimate area can cause itching, irritation, and hyperpigmentation.
• Hormonal changes: Shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, or with age can affect skin pigmentation.
• Genetics: Some women are naturally more prone to pigmentation due to their skin type.

Dr Malhotra adds that the skin tone in intimate areas is naturally a bit darker than the rest of the body, and this is entirely normal. However, every woman’s skin reacts differently. While some may never experience discolouration, others may notice slight changes over time.

How To Maintain Healthy Skin In The Intimate Area?

• Avoid harsh soaps or chemical products; the skin here is delicate.
• Opt for breathable cotton underwear to reduce sweat accumulation.
• Change sanitary pads every 4–6 hours during menstruation.
• Use a gentle, pH-balanced intimate wash.
• Apply natural moisturisers like coconut oil or aloe vera gel.
• For excessive pigmentation, consult a dermatologist for treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy.

In conclusion, while pads themselves don’t cause skin darkening, poor hygiene, friction, and other personal and environmental factors can contribute. With proper care and hygiene, such concerns can often be managed effectively.

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Author: News18