Faculty Collaboration Database

Potential Allergens in Disposable Diaper Wipes, Topical Diaper Preparations, and Disposable Diapers: Under-recognized Etiology of Pediatric Perineal Dermatitis. Dermatitis 2016;27(3):110-8

Date

05/14/2016

Pubmed ID

27172304

DOI

10.1097/DER.0000000000000177

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84970005643 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   43 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis in young children may be an under-recognized cause of perineal dermatitis. The diapered infant skin is uniquely susceptible to allergic contact dermatitis because of more permeable neonatal skin, a moist environment, frequent contact with irritants and resultant skin barrier breakdown, and exposure to topical products such as diaper wipes, diaper preparations, and disposable diapers. To our knowledge, potential allergens in these products have not been thoroughly catalogued or studied.

OBJECTIVE: We explore and review potential allergenic ingredients in diaper wipes, topical diaper preparations, and disposable diapers.

METHOD: We analyzed 63 diaper wipes, 41 topical diaper preparations, and the 3 top selling diaper brands available from two of the largest retailers in the United States. Each potential allergen is discussed, and epidemiologic studies of rates of sensitization to potential allergens in children are also reported.

CONCLUSIONS: Botanical extracts, including members of the Compositae family, were the most commonly represented potential allergen in both diaper wipes and topical preparations. Other potential allergens identified with high frequency include α-tocopherol, fragrances, propylene glycol, parabens, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, and lanolin. Frequent culprits such as formaldehyde releasers and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone were not prevalent in our analyzed products.

Author List

Yu J, Treat J, Chaney K, Brod B

Author

Keri S. Chaney MD Assistant Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Allergens
Asteraceae
Carbamates
Child, Preschool
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact
Diapers, Infant
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Lanolin
Ointments
Parabens
Perfume
Perineum
Plant Extracts
Propylene Glycol
Skin Cream
alpha-Tocopherol