ISSN: 2564-8942
+44 1478 350008
Emma Mactaggart
Doctor of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Australia
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Advances in Medical Research
Baby wipes are a commonly used cleansing method for infants. A literature review has been performed to assess if using baby wipes is beneficial or harmful compared to water and cloth in terms of nappy rash. This includes a detailed analysis of baby wipe ingredients, as many skin irritants as well as allergens are identified. MedLine, Embase and PubMed were searched and after 420 titles and abstracts were screened, 21 studies remained for inclusion. Baby wipes are deemed as superior to water and cloth in the majority of the literature. However, no definitive conclusion can be drawn as many studies are also industry funded. The most notable allergens identified are fragrances, such as linalool, cocamidopropyl betaine (surfactant), formaldehydereleasing preservatives and other preservatives, including methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone. As not all allergens are listed on the label accurately, this can be misleading for the consumer.
Emma has completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Queensland in 2015 and has now completed her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Melbourne in 2021. She will start work as a doctor at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 2022.