Baby`s Top Skin Irritants
- Womenscorner Desk
- July 27, 2020
You'd be surprised at some of the everyday substances that can harm your baby's skin. Here's what to avoid to keep Baby's skin healthy.
Nickel : Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis an itchy rash that appears only if someone has an actual allergy to the metal. An analysis of over 9,000 kids by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group revealed that nickel was the most common allergen in children referred for medical patch-testing. Nickel can be found in belt buckles, coins, zippers, earrings, watch straps, rings, necklaces, and, in the case of infants, snaps and fasteners for baby's clothes, like all-in-ones and kimono-style shirts. Look out for itchy red or dry patches of skin resembling a burn and rash, or bumps that align with culprit areas on clothing, or places where your jewelry or buckles may have touched your baby's skin. It may take a couple of days before the skin reacts.
Neomycin : This ingredient is found in many over-the-counter or prescription antibiotic creams, ointments, lotions, eye preparations, and eardrops. In 2010, neomycin had the
distinction of being named Allergen of the Year by American Contact Dermatitis Society. Look for a blistery or pink irritated patch around the site of application.
Baby Wipes : In early 2014 there was a lot of buzz about a new study that showed that the preservative methylisothiazolinone (MI), found in some baby wipes, can lead to allergic skin reactions in some babies and children. Six children had itchy, red, oozing, or crusty patches around the bottom, mouth, and any other skin that the wipes had touched.
Saliva and Poop : Your baby's drool and poop can be a real pain (literally) for your baby's skin (especially if it's poop combined with pee). "A baby's own stool and saliva are the biggest irritants," says Amy Paller, M.D., department chair and professor of pediatric dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. You don't have to be allergic to get a reaction, either -- anyone's skin can get inflamed from these triggers.
Sunscreen : No dermatologist will ever recommend skipping sunscreen, but some SPF products contain organic compounds such as oxybenzone, which can cause a contact allergy on the skin of babies and children.
Detergents : Detergents can be retained in washed clothing and can be irritating. Consider avoiding fragrances and dyes in detergents, and doing a double rinse for babies with sensitive skin, especially if the rash is confined to an area under clothing. Don't forget that the parents' shirts are in frequent contact with babies and can also
be an irritating factor, according to Dr. Paller. Keep an eye out for a pink, scaly rash that spares unclothed skin.
Soaps : Suds and bubbles make bathtime fun--but they're not so great for the skin. Soaps can cause excessive dryness and inflammation, and some of the ingredients could cause skin irritation.
Information Source : Google
