Conventional baby wipes can trigger skin problems

Published May 3rd, 2008

A top dermatologist has advised parents against using conventional baby wipes, as they can trigger nappy rash, dermatitis or eczema.

Dr Peter Foley, a senior lecturer in dermatology at the University of Melbourne, says warm water and cotton wool or a soft face washer are the best things to clean a baby’s nappy area.

His comments come after a paper by UK dermatologists in Dermatology in Practice that says baby wipes can “contain crude surfactants and perfumes” which can “decrease the integrity” of the skin, leading to eczema.

Dr Foley says using conventional wipes in the nappy area contributes to eczema because it contains a surfactant, so it breaks down barriers and is an irritant — especially if the skin is a bit inflamed.

Conventional nappy wipes also contain perfume – a common cause of irritant contact dermatitis – and they remove oil.

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