Toilet Seat Dermatitis Makes a Novel Resurgence

There has been a recent resurfacing of toilet seat dermatitis, a type of skin disease that was at one point of time believed to have been overcome in the United States. Exotic-appearing wood-based loo seats and harsh-natured chemical cleansing agents may be the reason for this comeback.

A new-fangled study has documented 5 latest cases of toilet seat dermatitis among infants, several of whom ailed for years prior to receiving an accurate identification.

During a news release, Dr. Bernard Cohen, MD, John Hopkins Children’s Center, Director, paediatric dermatology department and part of the research team explained that toilet seat dermatitis was one of the well-known skin conditions that has been widely illustrated in health manuals and observed in third world countries, however is one condition that several younger child specialists have not yet encountered in their every day practice. Dr. Cohen further added that in case their diminutive investigation is any suggestion of what is transpiring then it is imperative that this skin condition is watched out for by every child specialist.

Loo Seat Woes

Toilet seat dermatitis leads to irritation on the buttock and upper thigh area skin. In case untreated or improperly treated, investigators state that discomforting sensation could continue, thereby leading to excruciating and itchy skin flare-ups.

This skin condition was formerly illustrated during 1927. During those times, it was believed that being exposed to wood-based loo seats and the related varnishing, lacquering and painting employed on them were the culprits.

During the two decades spanning from 1980 onwards, majority of the public institutions and recreational facilities changed from wood-based to plastic-based loo seats and sanitized seating covers became widely obtainable, which the investigators state impelled a drastic plummet in this skin condition.

However, lately several residential holders have chosen to use exotic wooden loo seats and there has been greater usage of harsh-natured loo seat cleansing agents or detergents.

In 2 of the situations illustrated during the study, the kid’s toilet seat dermatitis was due to the school using strong-natured chemical cleansing agents that contained constituents like didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride that has earlier been reported to lead to acute skin aggravation.

For prevention of toilet seat dermatitis, investigators have recommended the below mentioned approaches:

• Always using loo seat covers in public facilities like restroom, gyms, hospital and school loos. These loo seat covers are broadly obtainable in key retail outlets. The investigators have added that allergic reactions to these loo seat covers have not yet been cited in medical descriptions.
• Replacing wood-based loo seats with plastic seats.
• Avoiding the use of strong cleansing agents.