Why It’s Best To Avoid Baby Wipes my

You

handkerchiefs

Baby wipes are many mothers’ best allies, as some mothers use them not only to wipe their baby’s bottom, but also to clean their little face and hands when they are out and about. The bad thing is that this cosmetic product, which has become indispensable for many, can harm babies’ skin, as among its components is phenoxyethanol, a chemical that is related to dermatitis.

This substance is allergic and

irritating

 for many babies, and its action is not only evident on the skin, but can also irritate the child’s airways and even some consumer advocacy associations have qualified phenoxyethanol as a carcinogen. In addition, this substance may inhibit your child’s natural immune response.

A study on the use of wet wipes on babies’ skin was recently published in the journal Pediatrics. Dr. Mary WuChang, a professor of dermatology at the Connecticut University of Medicine, located in Farmintog, co-authored this study that focused on the impact this product had on the skin of many children.

Reports on reactions to chemicals present in wet wipes highlight the appearance of stains that disfigure until they become scales, skin inflammation, blisters and tiny sores in the mouths of the participating children. In addition to phenoxyethanol, the study reveals that most cosmetic products contain a high dose of melitisothiazolinone, a preservative that can cause

allergic reactions

.

Wet wipes cause severe eruptions

Six of the children who participated in the study carried out by the dermatologist had chronic dermatitis in the perianal area and face, which did not improve with the application of antibiotics or topical and oral steroids.

In fact, an 8-year-old girl even had a huge

eruption

on the buttocks and mouth. After several tests it was determined that the cause of the severe rash was baby wipes. The girl’s mother stopped using them and all the rashes healed.

“The preservative is to blame for the rashes (…) but the most important thing is that the rashes resolved a few days after the parents stopped using the handkerchiefs, and they were rashes that had lasted months or weeks on the children’s skin,” he explains dermatologist Mary WuChang.

The health side effects produced by the chemicals that cosmetic products contain in general are alarming. For example, phenoxitamol is an organic bactericidal agent widely used in lotions, creams, perfumes and children’s hygiene products.

The use of this product is

prohibited

 in countries like Japan as it can affect the development of children under 3 years of age.

Reading labels can help

The best thing is that you pay attention to the labels of the products you use to clean your baby, and try to use those that are free of parabens and phthalates, which are chemical components associated with the appearance of cancer, in addition to polyethylene glycol.

This is a chemical that is used as a solvent or emulsifier, the use of which can interfere with children’s development and affect their nervous system. Due to its high penetration power, polyethinglycol accumulates in the heart, brain and kidneys, creating long-term damage. Knowing the effect of these products helps you to be more aware when buying and also when you use them, the ideal is not to abuse these types of products, and try to use more and more natural alternatives and less chemical products.

Alternatives to baby wipes

It’s true that baby wipes are very practical, especially when we’re a first-time parent and haven’t acquired the skill of changing a fussy baby’s diaper.

The most recommended way to keep your baby’s delicate skin clean is to use mild soap and water. This way you will avoid exposing your baby to the harmful effect produced by the chemical substances contained in the wet wipes.

However, there are also brands of natural and environmental wet wipes on the market. The particularity of this type of cosmetic product is that it is biodegradable and therefore does not contain chemicals that damage your baby’s skin.

There are also those who use handkerchiefs

fabric

, these allow you to have full control over the products that are in contact with your baby’s skin, and are as easy to wash as cloth diapers. And if the issue is practicality, there are those who abstract even soap, and prefer to use only water to wash their butts.

babies

.