It’s no secret that baby wipes are a parent’s best friend, but did you know that they can also cause diaper rash?
Most parents use scented wipes without knowing the potential dangers they pose. Baby wipes can cause diaper rash, skin irritation, and even infection.
We explore and dispel some of the myths about baby wipes. We’ll also provide tips for preventing and treating diaper rash caused by scented wipes allergy.
What chemicals are in scented wipes that can cause a diaper rash?
Baby wipes are great to use for cleaning. They’re not only perfect for many babies but they can also be used for other amazing uses for wipes, such as disinfecting and cleaning multi-surfaces.
They’re handy to keep at home and are also great to use for traveling or for on-the-go use. But are wipes safe to use? The chemicals contained in wipes could cause a painful itchy rash on the baby’s skin.
Although most wet wipes are safe and won’t cause rashes for your baby, we need to be aware there are some differences. Not all scented wipes are formulated the identical way or have the baby’s delicate skin in mind.
There are a variety of products on the market with regards to their specifications and formulation. Some of them are manufactured using less shrewd ingredients and may contain harsh chemicals that are known to cause irritation to the skin.
These harmful chemicals are a variety of components and are not always obvious at first sight, particularly since we’re familiar with them being used in a variety of products.
There’s a tendency to not realize even though certain ingredients are safe and approved for use by adults they’re not appropriate for a child even a newborn.
Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to study the labels before purchasing the product and to be aware of the ingredients that can irritate skin.
Artificial fragrances
Baby wipes, especially scented ones, contain artificial fragrances. As aromatic perfumes can cause irritation to the skin and aggravate existing skin conditions such as itching.
The synthetic added fragrances and perfumes may be toxic. Alcohol, dyes, and chlorine are all commonly used ingredients that do not have any health benefits but also cause irritation to the skin.
Sulfates
As preservatives, there are scientific debates regarding the exact degree of sulfates’ adverse consequences. Some scientists say that it’s safe. Others state that the main thing sulfates do is remove moisture from the skin, at the worst, possibly causing mild irritation.
However, some believe that sulfates may also be carcinogens that cause harm. In rare instances, individuals may experience an extreme reaction or allergy to sulfates that cause severe dermatitis or diaper rash, or even anaphylactic reactions.
Parabens
They’re an ingredient in the form of chemical preservatives on lots of cosmetics, skincare, laundry detergents and baby products like baby shampoo, baby lotions, disposable diapers and more in order to keep your product “fresh” and bacteria-free.
Parabens are thought to be carcinogens because they are found in breast tumors. There have been some recent findings of parabens in marine life, causing scientists to believe that the parabens in the products which we utilize are swept into the oceans and absorbed into our planet, harming animals as well.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a skin irritant found in many big brands. They are not recommended so read the label to make sure they are not present in your wipes.
Methylisothiazolinone (MI)
It was widely reported a few years ago that the preservative Methylisothiazolinone (MI), which is typically included in wipes, was linked to an increase in contact dermatitis. Many brands, but not all, have removed this component from their baby wipes.
Can baby wipes cause a diaper rash on the baby?
Baby wipes could cause children to develop itchy, red, scaly patches, according to a study.
There haven’t been any reported allergies to moist wipes for children according to the study. However, this could be due to reactions that have been mistakenly attributed to other ailments, like impetigo, eczema, or psoriasis.
Researchers claim to have identified an ingredient in the form of a preservative that is found in numerous wet wipes as well as wipes as the cause of skin irritations that are allergic in children.
The reactions reported have ranged from disfiguring spots to crusting as well as blistering, swelling and tiny cracks appearing in the cheek, mouth or hands of patients who are young.
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter which products we’re using or whether they’re hypoallergenic or chemical-free. A variety of factors can cause a baby’s diaper rash. You can use the purest newborn diapers and lotions, or wipes, but sometimes our child will get skin rashes. A bacterial infection can sometimes be the cause of diaper rash.
It’s a bit frustrating when this happens when we’ve done our part to be careful of ensuring that the products are safe by examining every ingredient, yet we still experience the rashes.
It’s crucial to remember that there is a myriad of reasons the reason why rashes appear suddenly and could be completely not related to what you’ve used to clean your hands.
Babies’ skin is extremely sensitive and developing immune systems. As a result, they’re extremely susceptible to infections and irritations in all forms.
What is causing baby wipes allergy?
Baby wipes allergy can be caused by a number of things.
Chemicals
Ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates and sulfates as well as dyes, chlorine and alcohol can cause irritation and could reason for your rashes.
Allergies
Your baby might be developing an irritation because of allergies or sensitivities. Allergies to specific wipes ingredients or sensitivity to certain food items consumed may exacerbate the already sensitive skin which can make rash symptoms worse.
Dampness
Prolonged exposure to humidity or dampness could result in skin rashes. This is quite common since your baby’s bum comes in direct contact with urine, feces and even feces every day, making their bums more vulnerable when the diaper isn’t changed regularly.
Texture
It could be that it’s not the content in the wipes, but the appearance of the wipe. Some wipes are made of coarser materials and rougher high-end non-wovens. The baby’s skin is constantly wiped with harsh wipes that can leave irritated skin in the skin folds and creases. This happens when your baby comes in contact with rough clothes or diapers.
Pressure
It’s also the pressure that we put on our skin when wiping. Even a gentle wipe can sometimes be rough and irritating to the baby’s skin. It’s difficult to determine the appropriate amount of pressure to apply, so when there’s a question there’s no need to be too careful.
Can a baby’s sensitive skin be allergic to baby wipes?
Following your pregnancy is over, it’s important to be sure to take proper care post-partum for you and your child. It’s not unusual to see a baby develop the rash. In most cases, the rashes don’t cause harm and usually disappear within a few days following the use of a baby ointment or other treatment.
If your child has frequent skin rashes it is important to determine the root of the problem. A rash that does not disappear or is spreading to other parts of the body may result from an allergy.
Recently, more and more people are reporting allergic reactions to a preservative called methylisothiazolinone, commonly known as MI.
MI is found in a range of personal care products, for example, wipes, as well as deodorants, shampoos, sunscreen, hand soap as well as laundry soap. It’s not uncommon for adults to suffer from allergies to MI. If you’re using a new cream or soap following your pregnancy, be sure to look for indications of skin reactions on your body as well as the baby’s.
The reaction to the skin is known as allergic contact dermatitis. MI is typically harmless to those who aren’t allergic to it.
What is allergic contact dermatitis?
Allergic contact dermatitis is one type of dermatitis that develops due to the skin coming into contact with allergens. The symptoms typically manifest between 48 and 72 days after contact. The majority of the time allergic contact dermatitis can be limited to the part of the skin exposed to the allergen. However, it is possible for it to extend to other parts within the human body.
The most commonly reported manifestation associated with an allergic reaction to wipes is a scaly itchy rash that typically appears on the mouth, bottom, or hands of your infant.
The rash usually causes itching and can be seen anywhere on the body, especially when it comes in touch with the wipes. The swelling, redness and peeling of the skin are all symptoms that an allergy has occurred. Children may also develop bumps on their skin, which can develop into blisters.
The skin of your baby has a higher sensitivity and is likely to experience an allergic reaction due to the fact that newborns are spongier, and have less absorptive skin.
How do you know if a baby is allergic to wipes?
Parents and doctors should be aware of unusual rashes that appear to be bumpy, red and sometimes oozing that do not resolve on their own with standard treatment.
The most frequent signs and signs and symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction to wipes are:
- A rash that is itchy and scaling on the hand, mouth, bottom or any other area where the wipe could be used to wash your baby
- The swelling and redness
- The skin is prone to bumps and bruises. These can develop into blisters that are painful
- Peeling skin
What to do if your baby is allergic to regular baby wipes?
If you suspect that your baby may be affected by MI or a different ingredient found in wipes, try using the washcloth and water to clean them up during the process of changing their clean diaper whenever you can to determine whether the rash disappears.
Experts suggest parents use the product around the outside of the arm where your elbow is located, two times every day for two weeks. This test will aid in determining the source of the problem. can be causing the baby or you to feel discomfort.
If you think you or your baby has an allergy-related to MI doctors recommend that you stop using the product in question for a minimum of 1 month to see how the rash improves. If you’re concerned about the rash you’re experiencing, set appointments with your dermatologist.
How to treat baby rash caused by baby wipes allergy at home?
Most babies will develop rashes eventually which are bright red patches on the skin. Diaper rash and mild skin irritation in the diaper area can be treated at home by using over-the-counter medications and a bit of extra TLC.
Here are our tips and home remedies for treating diaper rash in the diaper area for how to deal with this painful issue and return your baby to their normal happy self.
Let the baby’s skin breathe to prevent diaper rash
Try to exfoliate your child’s sensitive skin frequently, without diapers for short durations. It’s an excellent idea to utilize diapers that are larger than the size of your baby’s requirements when dealing with diaper rash.
In order to prevent diaper rash, keep your baby’s bottom as clean and dry as you can. Change diapers frequently so that pee and pee do not irritate the skin.
Change and check their diaper on a regular basis
Make sure they don’t stay in dirty or wet diapers for more than they are required to and try changing them immediately after they’ve peed or pooped. It is a good idea to have to keep a vigilant eye on dirty diapers and monitor their cloth diapers often during the course of their day. Frequent diaper change can also help prevent your child’s diaper rash worse.
If you use cloth diapers, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Be sure to bathe your baby each throughout the day
Although you can make use of wipes on your baby’s bottom during the bath, we suggest bathing your child each day to treat diaper rash. Make sure to use a soap that is fragrance-free to prevent any irritation. Use fewer wipes and fragrance free soap. Also, bathe their skin in warm water, before gentle drying off. Warm water can be used to soak your baby’s more sensitive skin between diaper changes.
Apply an over-the-counter diaper rash cream or an ointment
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the most effective ointments or diaper rash cream for treating diaper rash.
A barrier cream or ointments made of zinc oxide is a great option as it creates a skin-protective layer and ease irritation. Use wipes from other brands that are free of artificial fragrances, alcohol free, pH-balanced and contain aloe and vitamin E.
Review the ingredients list and be aware of the ingredients of the diaper cream before putting them on your baby’s bottom.
Cornstarch Bath
It’s a traditional method to eliminate diaper rash. Cornstarch baths help keep skin dry and lessen friction, which could help prevent diaper rashes and see if the rash clears up.
Egg White
Egg whites can be used as a home remedy for diaper rash, but it is recommended to avoid wet wipes. Use cotton wall balls and warm water to wash him. You should also get as much airtime for his aching bum as you can.
Conclusion
There can be a myriad of reasons for diaper rash, but if you think your baby is suffering from an allergy to the ingredients found in their wipes it’s important for you to take action.
As with any medical condition, there are several ways this can be treated at home using products like over-the-counter meds and creams made without fragrance.
If these methods don’t work after one month or if the rash spreads from the diaper area to other parts of the body, make sure to consult your dermatologist about how best to treat them before trying anything else! Call emergency right away in severe cases.
