CPA recommends approved registered sanitary towels after complaints of itching, boils
The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has assured women and mothers that registered sanitary towels on the Ghanaian market are safe for use following complaints of itching, discomfort and boils among some users.
In a statement signed by its Head of Complaints, Benjamin Akoto, the agency said it had retested registered sanitary towel products on the market after receiving complaints about adverse experiences associated with their use.
According to the CPA, the tests confirmed that the products were in good condition, adding that registered sanitary towels had been approved by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and standardised by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).
The agency said further investigations pointed to handling and usage practices as possible causes of the reported discomfort, explaining that sanitary towels could be susceptible to contamination if not handled properly.
It identified poor hand hygiene as one of the major concerns, noting that users who fail to wash their hands properly or use sanitiser before applying or changing sanitary towels could transfer bacteria and viruses to their private areas.
The CPA also highlighted irregular changing of sanitary towels as another risk, urging users to follow the instructions provided by manufacturers.
It advised that sanitary towels should be changed every two to four hours during the day, in line with the usage guidance outlined in the statement.
The agency further raised concerns about clothing practices that could contribute to heat build-up around the private area. It said some users wore two pairs of underwear before putting on their regular clothing after applying a sanitary towel.
According to the CPA, the combination of heat and humidity could contribute to heat rashes, itching and infections if the symptoms were not addressed promptly.
The agency said it had identified gaps in the safe use of sanitary towels and would soon launch a nationwide awareness campaign to educate women and protect them from discomfort associated with improper use.
It stressed that while it remained committed to ensuring consumers received satisfactory outcomes from products on the market, users also had a responsibility to follow the recommended usage instructions.
The CPA urged women and mothers to observe proper hygiene and adhere to the guidelines for using sanitary towels as part of efforts to reduce discomfort and potential infections.