Top 10 Baby Skin Irritants

There are multiple skin irritants when it comes to babies due to the delicacy and sensitivity of their skin. Reading product labels is key.

Written and verified by the dermatologist Maria del Carmen Hernandez.

Last update: 24 March, 2023

There are many skin irritants when it comes to babies. Because it’s not fully developed, their skin is more sensitive and delicate. Therefore, not all products suitable for adults can also be used on children. Here are some of the most common skin irritants.

Learn about the baby skin irritants

The vast majority of cleaning or hygiene products should be formulated appropriately and take into account the particular nature of the characteristics of a baby’s skin.

1. Nickel

Nickel is one of the main causes of irritant reactions in the general population, both in children and adults. In fact, it’s the number one allergen in the frequency of positive reactions to the patch test. Eruptions are characterized by recurrent eczematous lesions in areas of direct contact with the products that release it, such as the wrists, earlobes, neck, and umbilical region.

2. Sweat

Heat dermatitis, also known as miliaria or prickly heat. It’s a heat rash in infants, where excessive sweating obstructs the sweat glands. The clinical manifestations are based on small red bumps or blisters. It doesn’t usually require medical attention and tends to disappear on its own. Clothing that’s too warm or too tight can worsen the condition.

3. Neomycin

Neomycin is one of the most commonly used topical antibiotic preparations found in common over-the-counter products. It should be noted that there’s a high degree of sensitization in infants to this topical drug. In fact, in 2010, the American Contact Dermatitis Society designated it as the allergen of the year.

4. Wet wipes

It’s important to ensure that wet wipes contain ingredients that are gentle and safe for the skin’s surface. This will help minimize skin discomfort and irritation. There are some that are made with fragrances and products that act as skin irritants in the case of babies.

5. Saliva

Drooling may occur in healthy babies under 2 years of age. However, it’s most prominent around five to six months of age, when salivation increases to its maximum capacity. To avoid the irritation that saliva often causes in the perioral region, the use of petroleum jelly or other products is recommended before the baby sleeps or eats, which is when saliva accumulates.

6. Perfumes

All cosmetic products intended for babies should be free of some potential skin irritants such as the following:

• Alcohol
• Essential oils
• Strong detergents
• Fragrances
• Soap

In addition, fragrances shouldn’t be applied to the baby’s delicate skin, but rather sprayed onto clothing so that it doesn’t come into direct contact.

7. Fecal matter

Diaper rash dermatitis is a complicated skin condition characterized by compromised barrier function. It occurs on the perianal region, buttocks, abdomen, and inner thighs. The proteolytic and lipolytic activity of fecal enzymes along with skin occlusion, friction, and increased pH are factors that aid in the development of irritant dermatitis.

8. Detergents

There are harsh detergents that contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and can be irritating to babies’ skin. Some of the products that contain SLS may include the following:

• Bath oils
• Baby soap
• Babyconditioner
• Baby shampoo

Certain laundry detergents can cause allergies or sensitivity in babies due to their high content of fragrances and colorants. Consequently, the manifestations appear in the areas of the skin that come into contact with the allergen.

9. Sunscreens

Some sunscreens are more suitable for babies because of their low capacity to produce allergic reactions. This product should be broad spectrum, i.e., protect against UVA and UVB rays.

In turn, to prevent rashes, it’s ideal to choose those that are composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are hypoallergenic compounds that, when applied to the skin, aren’t absorbed like chemical sunscreens.

10. Antibacterial soap

70% of antibacterial soaps contain triclosan, which is a non-recommended ingredient that eliminates germs from the skin surface. However, plain soap and water are advised to fulfill this role. In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked manufacturers to submit data demonstrating the long-term efficacy and safety of such products.

Skin irritants and babies

The skin of babies lacks the necessary maturation of its outermost layers. For this reason, it’s very vulnerable to certain care, hygiene, or cosmetic products. Ideally, it’s best to read the labels of all products and choose those that are suitable for use on babies. In other words, those that are hypoallergenic and free of parabens and phthalates.