The Link Between Toxic Baby Diapers and Eczema In Babies

Your baby's skin is the softest, and most vulnerable it will ever be. This is why it’s so critical to take care of it. As a new parent, there’s nothing worse than watching your little one writhing in pain as you wipe their red, raw butt during a diaper change.

Diaper rashes aren’t uncommon - they happen whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned vet. But, why do they happen?

Understanding the link between toxic diapers and eczema in babies can help you prevent those nasty rashes from ever occurring in the first place.

Here at BabyCozy, our passion is not to simply sell a high-quality diaper but to spread knowledge and awareness so your baby can be happy, healthy, and pain-free.

Diaper Dermatitis:

The toxic chemicals millions of loving parents strap onto their baby's skin every day are causing painful, red rashes, otherwise known as diaper dermatitis.

Diaper dermatitis, caused by a type of eczema called contact dermatitis, is inflammation of the skin in a baby's diaper region.

Contact dermatitis - when the skin touches an irritant - often occurs due to urine and feces, however, toxins in disposable diapers can cause this as well. If the diaper rash itself isn’t caused by these chemicals, they still are likely to make the pain and inflammation much worse.

Urine changes the skin’s PH levels, and with many diapers providing a warm, moist environment, this lets fungi and bacteria grow, eating away at your little one’s bottom.

When your baby’s skin is suffering from this specific painful type of eczema, it’s often met with harsh substances like perfumes, dyes, and phthalates.

How Harmful Are Some Diapers?

There are many chemicals in some diapers for baby to cause eczema, hormone disruption, headaches, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and even damage to your precious baby’s organs and nervous systems.

Every infant diaper has three layers:

Inner layer

Absorbent core

A waterproof outer shell

Each layer of the diaper contains different chemicals that are risky for your baby's health. The inner layer, for example, sits right on your baby's sensitive skin - yet you don’t know what are the exact ingredients inside. Scary, right?

Toxic Triggers Found In Newborn Diapers:

A few of the most harmful chemicals that can trigger eczema in babies include:

Volatile Organic Compounds: Don’t let the word organic fool you. These toxins are found in household items such as paints, and glue. These chemicals are released during manufacturing and have been linked to respiratory and asthmatic conditions in babies.

Dioxins: Disposable diapers that have been bleached to give you that pearly white color, still contain traces of dioxins from the bleaching process. In studies done with animals, these small amounts were linked to hormone and reproductive disruption as well as cancer.

Dyes: Those nifty wetness indicators? Yes, even those contain harmful toxins. The dyes found in pretty patterns and wetness strips can cause diaper rash/eczema, and allergic reactions.

Tributyl-tin (TBT): Inside the inner core of a baby's diaper, lies TBT - an antifungal chemical that is extremely harmful to aquatic life, and the environment. TBT has been linked to hormone disruptions and neurotoxicity.

Other Causes Of Diaper Dermatitis:

There are other causes of eczema in babies as well. The symptoms of their diaper dermatitis will vary depending on the cause of the skin eruption.

Candida: If contact dermatitis is not treated immediately, a yeast infection can occur.

Seborrhea: Often known as ‘cradle cap’, this type of eczema usually occurs on the tops of babies' heads but can appear in the diaper area as well.

Bacteria: Staph or strep bacteria can cause diaper dermatitis.

Allergies: Babies that have an allergic reaction to dyes, perfumes, or other chemicals in diapers often develop contact dermatitis.

Symptoms Of Diaper Dermatitis In Babies:

Symptoms may occur differently in each child depending on their skin sensitivity, the type of diaper being used, and the root cause of their eczema.

Contact Diaper Dermatitis: Skin that is irritated from urine, feces, or harsh chemicals will appear red and shiny. The skin on your baby's bottom, thighs, and lower abdomen may all be affected.

Candida Diaper Dermatitis: The skin will often appear a rich, deep red color with areas outside of the diaper region also becoming affected. Other areas may include skin folds in thighs, or thrush.

Seborrheic Diaper Dermatitis: With this type of eczema, the skin is red with yellow oily patches that affect skin folds, face, neck, and scalp all at the same time.

Clean Ingredients Prevent Diaper Rashes:

There are many proactive steps you can take to prevent a diaper rash from occurring in the first place. Making sure you’re changing your baby's diaper as soon as possible after soiling is key, as well as rinsing with warm water after each change along with gently patting their bottom with a towel. These simple actions can prevent moisture and bacteria from growing and spreading.

However, you can take all the actions in the world but if your baby is constantly coming into contact with harsh toxins, you’ll find yourself fighting a losing battle.

At BabyCozy, we use hypoallergenic, non-toxic materials to ensure eczema is kept at bay. With our inner core made from earth-friendly substances, you can feel safe and secure knowing both your baby and your planet are protected.