Warshaw and the North American Contact Dermatitis Group reviewed patch tests from 2011 to 2014 for reactions in which a wet wipe was a source. The cohort is a tertiary referral patch-test population. It is not a survey of babies, and it is not a metal assay.
Key numbers
Of 9037 patients tested, 79 (0.9 percent) had a positive patch test with a wet wipe source. Among those reactions the leading allergens were methylisothiazolinone 59.0 percent (36 of 61), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone 35.6 percent (26 of 73), bronopol 27.4 percent (20 of 73), iodopropynyl butylcarbamate 12.3 percent (9 of 73), and fragrance (combined) 12.3 percent. Anal or genital dermatitis was 15 times more likely in the wipe group. More than 92 percent of the relevant allergens were detected by the screening series.
No nickel, lead, cadmium, or other metal concentration is reported. No metal row was entered. Product names that appear as examples of wipe sources are not repeated here.
Methods (brief)
Retrospective cross-section of North American Contact Dermatitis Group data, 2011 to 2014. A wipe source was coded from the clinician’s source fields. Allergen percentages use the denominators printed with each allergen.
Evidence fitness
The counts support a statement about allergens in this patch-test cohort when a wet wipe was the source. They do not support a metal level in a baby wipe or in any other wipe.
Limitations
Referred patch-test patients over-represent people with dermatitis. The 0.9 percent figure is not a population prevalence of wipe allergy. The cohort is not limited to infants.
Related evidence
- Baby wipes
- Heavy metals in baby wipes
- Potential Allergens in Disposable Diaper Wipes, Topical Diaper Preparations, and Disposable Diapers: Under-recognized Etiology of Pediatric Perineal Dermatitis
Update history
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