Allergies to Bathing Products

A rising number of children suffer from allergies and some of the key culprits include commonly used products, such as bubble bath, soaps or sun care lotions.

Most of these types of allergies come in the form of skin reactions - rashes, eczema, spots, irritation or even blisters. They're painful, itchy and may cause a burning sensation on the skin and are really unpleasant. It's sometimes hard to know exactly what is causing the reaction but, if you suspect a bathing product, soap or other similar product may be the cause, a process of elimination can be a good way of sussing out the problem. For example, if you think the soap could be the cause, stop using it for a while, or change to an alternative product.

Here's why some of the products commonly on offer can cause allergic reactions, the ingredients to avoid and tips on buying safe products for allergy sufferers.

Soap and Cleansing Products

Many of the soaps sold throughout the high street boast that they're 'natural,' but often they're not. In fact, many products are made up of synthesised chemicals containing petroleum-based detergents - not nice and natural ingredients that will be gentle on the skin. Rather than cleansing the skin, the chemicals can have a drying effect and irritate sensitive skin. When you're buying soap and cleansing products, take a careful look at the ingredients list first.

Baby Products

You'd expect baby products to take into consideration the fact that baby skin is delicate, but alarmingly not all manufacturers do. Some products contain mineral oil - a petrochemical - synthetic detergents, preservatives and artificial fragrances. They can be too harsh on a baby's skin and cause unwanted allergic reactions.

Bubble Bath

It's a lovely notion to include some gentle, pleasant smelling bubbles in your bath, but if you're using them with children, it pays to shop around. Many bottled bubble baths are made from synthetic detergents, man-made dyes (which provide vivid colour) and artificial fragrances. It may look pretty in the water, but unwanted side-effects include skin rashes and irritation. In some instances, children are even susceptible to getting urinary tract and kidney infections from bubble bath.

Sun Care Products

Sun care products, such as sunscreen and lotion, are used to protect children's skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Whilst they certainly do that job well and are valuable to use, some children may suffer additional unwanted effects in the form of allergic reactions and skin irritation. This is due to some ingredients in certain products, namely cinnamtes (such as octyl, methoxycinnamate and cinoxate) and benzophenones. Sometimes the alcohol and preservatives used also cause problems.

Buying Tips

If your child suffers from skin allergies due to products such as these, you need to reduce their use or cut them out completely. Allergies can be treated, but if you continuously use the suspect products, it will just aggravate the problem. Some children will grow out of the allergy, or may eventually become immune to it, but finding alternative products that aren't so harsh on the skin is recommended.

When you're buying and choosing products, be aware of these issues:

• Some shops, especially those specialising in products that really are natural (e.g. Lush) are happy to provide small samples of products, so you can test them out and see how your child's skin reacts.
• Look carefully at ingredients labels. It's easy to spot chemicals and artificial ingredients (look for some of the ones mentioned above), but if you're unsure, don't be afraid to ask questions.
• If the shop assistants can't help answer your queries, find out if the manufacturer has a helpline available and call for more details.
• Look out for products marked, 'hypo-allergenic,' as these are generally kinder on the skin.
• If eczema is the problem (and do get it diagnosed by a doctor), then use aqueous cream instead of soap.
• If you shop around and search hard enough, there usually are effective alternatives that really are natural and won't cause loads of unwanted effects.
• Try products aimed at sensitive skin, as sometimes that can reduce the reaction.
• You may have to pay over the odds for natural products, but with your child's health in question, it's worth it.