The wife of Nollywood actor Rotimi Salami has raised concerns about the safety of sanitary pads after sharing her personal experience with prolonged itching following menstruation.
In a social media post, she said she experienced severe itching for several months after completing her menstrual cycle.
According to her, she initially believed the problem could have been caused by wearing underwear continuously for several days. However, after the discomfort became persistent, she decided to visit a hospital.
She Said A Doctor Asked About Her Sanitary Pad
According to her account, the doctor asked what brand of sanitary pad she was using.
She said she had been using Always sanitary pads for years and had never changed the brand since she started menstruating.
The doctor reportedly advised her to change the sanitary pad brand and observe whether the symptoms continued.
She said that after switching to another brand, the itching stopped.
“I had been itching for so long, but the itching stopped and I got my life back,” she said in her account.
She subsequently became concerned after seeing social media reports alleging that the new brand she had switched to, Softcare, was also being described online as fake.
NAFDAC Records Show Softcare Is Registered
However, claims circulating online should be treated carefully.
NAFDAC's official Greenbook currently lists Softcare Sanitary Pad (Normal) with registration number 03-8166, while the Heavy and Light variants are listed under 03-8167 and 03-8168 respectively. The records show the products as active medical devices, with registration dates in 2022 and expiry dates in April 2027.
This means that the existence of counterfeit products or complaints about a particular product should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that every pack of that brand is fake.
Consumers should check the packaging, registration information and source of purchase, and report suspected counterfeit products to the appropriate authorities.
“What Are We Going To Do?”
In her post, Salami's wife expressed concern about the situation, particularly for young girls who are beginning menstruation.
She questioned what parents should put in emergency menstrual-care kits if consumers cannot easily determine whether products being sold in the market are genuine.
She also mentioned the growing discussion around alternative menstrual products, including tampons and adult diapers, but said she was not comfortable using some of those alternatives.
Her post has since generated discussion about menstrual hygiene, product safety and the need for stronger monitoring of sanitary products in the Nigerian market.
Itching Should Not Be Ignored
Persistent itching around the genital area can have several possible causes, and it should not automatically be attributed to a sanitary pad.
Irritation, infections, allergies, moisture and other conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Anyone experiencing persistent, severe or recurring itching should consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional rather than simply changing products repeatedly.
A person's experience with a particular product also does not establish that the product is responsible for the symptoms in every user.
What Should Consumers Do?
Consumers buying sanitary pads should take some basic precautions:
- Buy from reputable pharmacies, supermarkets or trusted retailers.
- Check the packaging before use.
- Look for the relevant regulatory information on the product.
- Avoid products with damaged, suspicious or poorly printed packaging.
- Do not assume that every product carrying a familiar brand name is genuine.
- Keep receipts or packaging where possible if you experience a suspected adverse reaction.
- Seek medical attention when unusual or persistent symptoms occur.
- Report suspected counterfeit or unsafe products to NAFDAC.
NAFDAC maintains an online Greenbook where consumers can check registered products. Its current database lists multiple registered sanitary-pad products, including Always and Softcare.
The concerns raised by Rotimi Salami's wife have opened up a wider conversation about the safety and authenticity of menstrual hygiene products available to Nigerian consumers.
However, individual experiences and social media claims should be distinguished from laboratory findings or regulatory enforcement actions.
For now, consumers should verify products through official channels and seek medical advice when experiencing persistent symptoms rather than relying solely on social media claims.
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