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Wet wipes are more and more popular for many families since the pandemic due to their increased awareness of protecting health. However, many individuals wonder: “Can wet wipes cause irritation?”. Let’s find out the answer in this article.
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Irritation is one of the most prevalent skin problems, particularly among those with sensitive skin. Irritation can be caused due to harsh ingredients in some poor-quality wet wipes, the texture of wet wipes, or the method of using wet wipes,… To conclude, “Can wet wipes cause irritation?”, we will examine each of the causes in the sections below:
Harsh ingredients in best wet wipes:
The majority of wet wipes available now are truly hypoallergenic and safe to use. However, we must be aware that not all of them have the same composition and quantity of ingredients. Some of them are created with low-grade components and harsh chemicals that might cause skin irritation.
Some wet wipes with toxic ingredients can lead to irritation
According to many researchers, dermatologists have emphasized that certain preservatives in wet wipes are associated with a rapid increase in allergic reactions. Much testing has been done and the findings stated that methylchloroisothiazolinone or MCI is the main cause of irritation. Areas of the body commonly affected by skin irritation related to MCI include the buttocks and genitals from using moistened flushable wipes, the fingers and hands from handling the wipes, and the face from using soaps and shampoos. Similarly, other preservatives such as parabens, and formaldehyde,… can lead to rashes, redness, and skin stinging,…
Therefore, to prevent irritation when using wet wipes, you should carefully read the ingredient list before choosing the product and be aware of which ingredients are potentially harsh or should be avoided such as methylchloroisothiazolinone/ methylisothiazolinone.
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Preservatives such as MIC, MIT, and parabens,… may cause severe skin irritation
Skin irritation, in babies or persons with sensitive skin, occasionally comes from other causes rather than just the toxic chemicals listed above:
Sensitive skin: Many people may be easily irritated due to their super sensitive skin when being exposed to external objects. They can have allergies to certain ingredients in wet wipes, which can worsen skin problems.
The texture of wet wipes: Occasionally, the texture of wet wipes is the source of skin irritation, rather than their composition. Some wipes are composed of coarser materials and inferior nonwoven, such as polyester and nylon,… Because they are made of plastic or synthetic fibers, using them regularly to clean your infant might cause the skin to become rough and dry. A similar issue occurs when exposed to rough textiles or diapers.
The method of using wet wipes:
The appropriate usage and storage of wet wipes is an extremely critical consideration that many people overlook. Otherwise, it will diminish the quality and efficacy of wet wipes. An example of this would be carelessly closing the lid after using wet wipes. This makes it easier for bacteria to infiltrate each wipe, resulting in an infection in reverse. After a long time of use, the quality of the wet wipes will deteriorate dramatically; if they come into touch with the skin, they will easily cause redness and irritation.
Some producers have researched and implemented the technology of sketching each sheet to avoid reverse infection. DHTI is one of the few firms that have effectively implemented this technology in their wet wipes. Specifically, this technology ensures that when the wipes are pulled out, they protrude no more than 3 centimeters, so that the lid can be closed tightly after usage. In addition, folding wet wipes will be set up with precise criteria by technical experts at the factory, guaranteeing that each sheet is packed equally, making it easy to use while preventing contamination from the reverse.
Read now: Can You Use Wet Wipes on Your Body? Find Out Now!
Skin irritation can come from other factors not only the ingredients
If your skin is irritated due to wet wipes containing toxic ingredients such as MCI/MI, parabens,… you should immediately stop using them, clean the damaged skin and apply topical medicine to heal the vulnerable skin.
In case of severe skin damage, such as a large redness area, a rash with crust, oozing, or pus, pain in the afflicted area, fever, swelling in other parts of the body, dizziness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or stiff neck, please see a doctor for advice and treatment timely.
Learn more: Can you use wet wipes on your face? All you need to know
Stop using and take advice from doctors after using wipes containing harmful ingredients
When buying wet wipes, especially baby wipes, you should avoid the toxic ingredients below:
Paraben is a preservative with antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is added to wet wipes to prevent bacterial infection and limit the decomposition of ingredients in wet wipes so that it can extend the shelf life of products and avoid contamination by environmental agents. However, many studies stated that long-term use of products containing Paraben would lead to serious skin problems such as irritation, redness, and even skin cancer. Unfortunately, Paraben is not mentioned directly in the ingredient list but other different names:
Paraben is a preservative causing skin irritation
Sulfate is another preservative used in many products, including wet wipes. Some researchers have found that sulfate can strip moisture from the skin and cause irritation. In some rare cases, those who may be extremely sensitive or allergic to sulfate can raise severe dermatitis or even anaphylactic reactions.
You can find Sulfate under these names in the product:
Sulfate can strip moisture from the skin and cause irritation
Phthalates are used as lubricants and softeners to make wet wipes smoother. Phthalates, when it comes to contact with the skin, may affect hormones, damage internal organs, and cause fertility problems or birth defects and it has also been linked to breast cancer. You might find Phthalates under other names:
Fragrances or perfumes are included in some wet wipes to make them more pleasant to use. Unfortunately, some of them are made from synthetic ingredients, which may irritate and aggravate existing skin problems such as rashes. Synthetic fragrances typically have a strong and pungent odor that keeps the smell for a long period. Therefore, you should try the product on a small patch of skin on your palm to see if the aroma stings or irritates the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1: What are the signs of an allergic reaction to wet wipes?
The rash may appear anywhere on baby’s body, but is most often found on the buttocks and lower back. The rash does not cause pain; however, it can be very itchy. The rash usually begins as small red bumps or flat spots on the skin that develop into small blisters filled with clear fluid or pus.
Q2: Can wet wipes irritate skin?
Wet wipes won’t be cause irrritate skin if you use the right and quality one for your skin
Q3: How to avoid irritation when using wet wipes?
Read the ingredient list and avoid harsh or tricky ingredients like methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone.
Can wet wipes cause irritation? The answer depends on each circumstance. In fact, high-quality wet wipes are made from gentle and skin-friendly ingredients so that they are safe for use. In contrast, some contain toxic components, which can lead to irritation. Therefore, you have to read the ingredient list carefully to determine which ones are suitable for your skin. If you have any concerns, please contact us for more details.
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