A new myth that we will dismantle is related to child hygiene. The idea that the wet wipes we use to wipe the baby should be warm to avoid irritation and discomfort is not based on solid foundations.
To begin with, we should understand what irritation is from a pathophysiological point of view.
The irritation
Any tissue irritation is a tissue inflammation that consists of a set of humoral, vascular, but also cellular reactions, triggered by different factors, such as physical, chemical, infectious agents, foreign bodies of an exogenous or endogenous nature (from the outside or from inside the body) etc.
Wet wipes
Wet wipes do not cause irritation from a thermal point of view, as long as a high temperature is not used, because temperature does not prevent irritation in the baby. Also, heating the wet wipes could be a favorable factor for the development of the bacterial environment and other microorganisms. From a chemical point of view, they may contain chemicals such as perfumes, detergents or preservatives, which can cause irritation and allergies on the baby's skin.
Factors that cause irritation
Repeated rubbing and moisture of the skin, especially in areas where the skin comes into contact with itself, can encourage the development of a bacterial or fungal environment, which can lead to irritation and other symptoms.
Other important factors that cause irritation (self-defense reaction) include: friction and trauma, infections, excess moisture and heat, allergens, allergic reactions, and irritating chemicals.
