Wooden Toilet Seats Linked to Increase in Skin Irritation Cases

The use of wooden toilets seats and harsh chemicals to clean them is being blamed for an increase in the number of cases of skin irritations in U.S. children, a new study finds.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center say more cases of toilet seat-related dermatitis may be linked to exposure to varnishes, paints, and other cleaning chemicals on wooden toilet seats, which were once popular before they were largely replaced by plastic seats. However, a recent spike in the number of people using toilet seats made of exotic woods may be to blame for the increase, according to a HealthDay news report.

The scientists focused on five cases of skin irritation among children in India and the United States and concluded the condition most commonly seen in underdeveloped countries is appearing more regularly in the U.S.

Delayed Diagnoses in Many Cases

Many younger pediatricians who are not accustomed to seeing dermatitis linked to toilet seat use may be failing to properly diagnose the condition in children, the researchers found. All cases of skin irritation on or around the buttocks or upper thighs should be investigated as possibly being linked to toilet seats and cleansers used at home and at school, the study’s authors said.

The good news is, most cases of toilet seat dermatitis are not serious and can be easily treated with topical steroids. If not treated properly, the skin inflammation can worsen and spread, resulting in painful and itchy skin eruptions and pain discomfort for children, HealthDay reports. Also, skin that is continually irritated can become more vulnerable to bacteria and may lead to more serious infections that require treatment with oral antibiotics.

Toilet Seat Safety Tips

To cut down on the number of toilet seat dermatitis cases, the study’s authors made the following recommendations:

• Use paper toilet seat covers in public restrooms.

• Replace wooden toilet seats with plastic ones.

• Clean toilet seats and bowls daily.

• Don’t use harsh cleansers, which often contain skin-irritating chemicals. Instead, use a mix of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, which is an effective cleaner and gentler on the skin.

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