Flushable moist wipes can be used as a complement to toilet paper, or as a replacement for toilet paper. In addition to providing a more refreshing and comfortable cleaning experience, flushable* wipes are septic-safe and designed to be flushed down the toilet.
However, in the worst case scenario, feminine wipes (and baby wipes) could be associated with a variety of issues: they can cause allergic reactions, a burning feeling, yeast infection, and they can even contribute to urinary tract infections. Not to mention, wet wipes could clog toilets if you flush them.
The University of Iowa's vulvar skin care guidelines suggests that it is best to refrain from using any type of “feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes, adult, or baby wipes.” They also suggest that women use only white, unscented toilet paper and stay away from those containing aloe.
Unless advised by your healthcare provider because you have hemorrhoids or a fissure, avoid wipes. You might like wipes for that fresh butt feeling, but they can cause their own problems. "I see so many people who have irritation and rashes around the vulva and perianal area from using wipes," said Dr. Dweck.
Use wet wipes
Wet wipes can help you avoid irritation from dry toilet paper. Even wet toilet paper can work in a pinch. Look for products that are unscented and for sensitive skin. Otherwise, these wipes could cause irritation and actually worsen your symptoms.
After comfortably passing a stool, always wipe from front to back. Avoid any skin-to-skin contact with stool. Simply reach behind your back and between your legs, using plenty of crumpled or folded toilet tissue. Wipe backward from the perineum , the space between the genitals and anus, moving toward and past the anus.
Should you wipe standing up? In terms of cleanliness, it's a bit of a matter of personal preference. However you feel cleanest is likely ideal, though it's best to be thorough, no matter how exactly you choose to go about it.
Wiping Front to Back
The reason is that you'll be moving feces away from your more delicate parts, lowering the risk of infection. This prevents the transmission of bacteria and goes a long way in preventing UTIs or an itchy, uncomfortable bum.
Being more than 90% water, wet wipes are more susceptible to microbial growth than typical personal care products; hence, high concentrations of preservative compounds are often used to ensure extended protection against contamination.
Not only do wipes remove dirt and grime, but they also disinfect, making them a staple hygiene product for when you're at home or on the go.
Cleaning your private parts after peeing is an important part of overall hygiene. It helps get rid of odors caused by leftover urine droplets and keeps your genitals healthy. Bacteria need warmth and moisture to grow, so keeping the area clean reduces the risk of skin irritation and bladder and yeast infections.
A 2021 study published in Environmental Challenges found that wet wipes are a major contributor to marine microplastic pollution when improperly disposed (aka flushed)—which affects the safety of our water supply as well as the health of ocean ecosystems.
Intimate wipes and washing
Contact allergy from wet wipes, bubble baths and wash products is a common cause of vulval itching and these products can also be a trigger for thrush. Dr Nitu Bajekal, a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Spire Healthcare, comments: "Take showers rather than baths.
Myth: Hygiene habits and clothing fit contribute to UTIs
But UTIs are not caused by how you wipe in the bathroom, by tampon use or by failing to empty your bladder after sexual intercourse. They're also not caused by wearing tight clothes. “A lot of women express concern about these,” said Dr.
Stay away from wipes listing these ingredients on labels: polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, sodium laureth sulfate, ceteareth, oleth, oxynol, -xynol, and PEG.
Should you wipe your baby after every nappy change? We found out that It is not necessary to use wipes to wipe your baby down during every nappy change. Urine rarely irritates the skin and disposable nappies are very absorbent limiting the amount of urine that comes into contact with your baby's skin.
In particular, the brand of wipes with the lowest pH (2.8) in the lotion reduced the mean skin pH from 5.6 to 5.0 (p < 0.01), and those with a pH of 5.5 had no significant effect. Wipes of intermediate pH (3.7) gave a final skin pH of 5.4-but the downward trend was not statistically significant.
Lesson number one: "Always wipe from front to back," says Alyssa Dweck, M.D., an ob-gyn and author of V is for Vagina. "Wiping from back to front can bring bacteria from the rectum toward the urethra and increase your chances of a urinary tract infection," she explains.
If the staining only happens occasionally and after you use dry tissue to clean yourself after a bowel movement, this may be due to inadequate cleaning. When you have a bowel movement, there will be faeces that stains the inner lining of the anus. We need to clean the anus of this faeces to prevent skidmarks.
While a Reddit user surveyed 950 participants—626 identified as male, 306 identified as female, and 18 people put their gender as “other”—they found that 65.7% of respondents wipe sitting down and 34.3% wipe standing up. But even though standing wipers may be in the minority, they do exist.
Common causes include: Chronic diarrhea Constipation Hemorrhoids Crohn's disease The skin of the anus can stick to the stool and make it difficult to clean the anorectal area after a bowel movement. Leaky gut Leaky gut is also known as fecal incontinence.
In most cases, the best remedy to clean (if you must) is as close as the water that comes from our pipes. Water will easily wash away any particulates without causing abrasions or irritation. If you must use something other than plain water, witch hazel or Balneol can be used in conjunction with your bath or shower.