The joy that Hygiene brings
a public education project supported by the Singapore Paediatric Society (www.sps.org.sg) and Lion Corporation
Q1
For the sake of hygiene and convenience, I’ve started using wipes on my baby girl when I change her diapers and when I feed her. However, she appears uncomfortable when I clean her with them. Is this due to the material? Could the solution of the wipes be irritating her skin?
A
Baby wipes often contain mild detergents mixed with moisturising agents and fragrances. These constituents are meant to maintain the natural oils in the skin and decrease skin irritation potential.
Some contain oils or lanolin to soften the skin. Mildness is a prime consideration given that the wipe solution may be in contact with delicate skin around the baby’s genitals.
The wipes are usually made of nonwoven materials that are usually nonabrasive to the skin. Many contain other ingredients to increase consumer appeal. These include natural ingredients that are known to be kind to the skin such as aloe vera or oatmeal extract.
Generally, the materials used and the constituents are non-irritative but you will have to examine the ingredients included. It is best to use alcohol-free wipes as alcohol can cause dryness and skin irritation.
If your baby has eczema or sensitive skin or if her skin shows redness or develop rashes, you may want to consider alternative wipes or simply use cotton wool dipped in cooled water.
The wiping process should also be gentle. There’s no need to assert any pressure.
Q2
I’ve recently noticed small pimples on my child’s back. They are not itchy. Could they be caused by the hot weather that Singapore is facing?
A
Rashes are difficult to diagnose without pictures or careful examination. Your description is suggestive of heat rash.
Anyone can get a heat rash, but babies are more vulnerable because their sweat glands aren’t fully developed. Heat rashes are characterised by small bumps on the skin, surrounded by a red area. They tend to break out on areas of the body covered by clothes (such as the groin and armpits) and tend to occur in hot and humid environments.
Q3
I’m looking for a laundry detergent and softener that is safe and fragrant for my baby’s clothes. I’ve been advised to select one that has a gentle pH balance formula and a dermatologist-tested fragrance. What is your recommendation?
A
What detergent you buy for your baby’s clothes will depend on personal preference, family history and any skin reactions your baby may have.
Do observe baby’s skin carefully to be sure he or she doesn’t develop any rashes or inflammation.
It is also important to ensure that the clothes are rinsed thoroughly before they are hung out to dry. Residual detergent — especially along the seams of the clothing — can cause irritation and rashes. Consult your doctor if that happens.
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Questions were answered by Dr Daniel Y T Goh from the Singapore Paediatric Society. The information provided is for your general knowledge only. You should seek professional advice or treatment for your child’s condition.
Q1, our question of the week wins a Kodomo gift set worth $60. The winner has been notified. We will now be accepting questions on hygiene care. Stand a chance at winning a Kirei Kirei gift set worth $60 by emailing your questions to hygienecare@newstoday.com.sg
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From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 14-April-2009
a public education project supported by the Singapore Paediatric Society (www.sps.org.sg) and Lion CorporationQ1
For the sake of hygiene and convenience, I’ve started using wipes on my baby girl when I change her diapers and when I feed her. However, she appears uncomfortable when I clean her with them. Is this due to the material? Could the solution of the wipes be irritating her skin?
A
Baby wipes often contain mild detergents mixed with moisturising agents and fragrances. These constituents are meant to maintain the natural oils in the skin and decrease skin irritation potential.
Some contain oils or lanolin to soften the skin. Mildness is a prime consideration given that the wipe solution may be in contact with delicate skin around the baby’s genitals.
The wipes are usually made of nonwoven materials that are usually nonabrasive to the skin. Many contain other ingredients to increase consumer appeal. These include natural ingredients that are known to be kind to the skin such as aloe vera or oatmeal extract.
Generally, the materials used and the constituents are non-irritative but you will have to examine the ingredients included. It is best to use alcohol-free wipes as alcohol can cause dryness and skin irritation.
If your baby has eczema or sensitive skin or if her skin shows redness or develop rashes, you may want to consider alternative wipes or simply use cotton wool dipped in cooled water.
The wiping process should also be gentle. There’s no need to assert any pressure.
Q2
I’ve recently noticed small pimples on my child’s back. They are not itchy. Could they be caused by the hot weather that Singapore is facing?
A
Rashes are difficult to diagnose without pictures or careful examination. Your description is suggestive of heat rash.
Anyone can get a heat rash, but babies are more vulnerable because their sweat glands aren’t fully developed. Heat rashes are characterised by small bumps on the skin, surrounded by a red area. They tend to break out on areas of the body covered by clothes (such as the groin and armpits) and tend to occur in hot and humid environments.
Q3
I’m looking for a laundry detergent and softener that is safe and fragrant for my baby’s clothes. I’ve been advised to select one that has a gentle pH balance formula and a dermatologist-tested fragrance. What is your recommendation?
A
What detergent you buy for your baby’s clothes will depend on personal preference, family history and any skin reactions your baby may have.
Do observe baby’s skin carefully to be sure he or she doesn’t develop any rashes or inflammation.
It is also important to ensure that the clothes are rinsed thoroughly before they are hung out to dry. Residual detergent — especially along the seams of the clothing — can cause irritation and rashes. Consult your doctor if that happens.
-----
Questions were answered by Dr Daniel Y T Goh from the Singapore Paediatric Society. The information provided is for your general knowledge only. You should seek professional advice or treatment for your child’s condition.
Q1, our question of the week wins a Kodomo gift set worth $60. The winner has been notified. We will now be accepting questions on hygiene care. Stand a chance at winning a Kirei Kirei gift set worth $60 by emailing your questions to hygienecare@newstoday.com.sg
-----
From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 14-April-2009
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