IDENTIFY BABY’S SKIN TYPE, CHOOSE SUITABLE PRODUCTS TO AVOID SKIN ALLERGIES - SMC DERMATOLOGIST

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Choosing high-quality and suitable bath products for babies is essential to maintaining their skin's health and moisture.

Paediatric Dermatologist Dr Heah Sheau Szu from Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, advised parents to avoid products with ingredients that can dry out or irritate a baby's skin, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES), Cocamide DEA, Dimethylol-dimethyl (DMDM), Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), and Parabens.

“For babies who are allergic to fragrances, avoid buying products that contain perfume, fragrance, benzyl alcohol and ethanol,” she said in a statement recently.

Dr Heah said that foamy bath products for babies may not be a good option as more foam means more active ingredients in the product.

“This will further thin the protective skin layer on the baby's body, causing their skin to become dry and rough. Therefore, avoid using products that produce a lot of foam and have a high level of alkali because these will cause the baby's skin to become sensitive,” she explained.

Dr Heah noted that allergic reactions can occur if babies use unsuitable bath products.

“Symptoms include red spots, rashes, rough, dry, itchy skin, and peeling. If the allergy worsens, babies may experience pain and increased redness,” she said.

She said that allergy symptoms typically appear after several weeks or months of using a product, not just after one or two uses.

“Sometimes, the reason babies are allergic to some bath products is due to the level of concentration of sensitive ingredients used in the product. In addition, we have to be mindful that the amount of soap or bath cream used is also one of the factors causing the allergies,” she said.

Dr Heah explained that using large amounts of soap does not make a baby's skin cleaner but can strip their protective skin layer and cause allergies due to excess residue.

"Therefore, it’s better to use (soap or cream) only once a day and use clean water to bathe in order to avoid chemicals affecting the baby's skin.

“Apply a suitable amount of bath soap on the palm, add a little water, and then bathe the child. Alternatively, put the bath soap in the bathtub and bathe the baby with clean water. Ensure there are no traces of soap or bath cream left on the baby's body, as this can cause allergies and irritate the eyes and nose,” Dr Heah further explained.

She also stressed the importance of mothers understanding their baby's skin condition and the causes of skin irritation.

“Parents can find suitable bathing products for their children through reliable sources such as relevant websites. They should also be aware of the products they use.

“If a child shows signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately. Ensuring bath products are suitable for babies is essential for maintaining their skin health,” she concluded.

-- BERNAMA