Baby Wipes May Trigger Allergic Reactions Among Users

Some brands of baby wipes that claim to be effective in reducing itching and rashes may actually do the opposite, a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics finds.

Researchers have argued that a preservative called methylisothiazolinone (MI) found in many wet wipes can cause acute contact dermatitis - a localized rash or irritation of the skin. The researchers said these irritations are often misdiagnosed as eczema, impetigo or psoriasis. Dr. Mary Chang and Radhika Nakrani of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine detailed six children from the United States who had been diagnosed with acute contact dermatitis as a result of MI in wet wipes.

The allergies were confirmed with MI patch tests and all the reactions cleared up quickly once parents stopped using baby wipes. However, the researchers also stressed that most baby wipes undergo rigorous testing and normally don't cause any allergic reactions in babies. "The current trend toward the use of wipes in personal hygiene products is not without consequence," said Dr. Chang. "As wet wipes are being increasingly marketed as personal care products for all ages, MI exposure and contact sensitization will likely increase."

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when someone touches an allergen, potentially leading to redness, swelling, rash, itching, bumps or blisters that may ooze fluid and result to skin peeling. Common causes include cosmetics, dyes in clothing, fragrances, latex, nickel and poisonous plants, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. The wipes in question were Cottonelle and Huggies brands, manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The company says that it plans on putting the wipes without the MI preservative on store shelves.