Wooden toilet seats linked to skin rash

The fashion for wooden lavatory seats and harsh cleaning products may be causing a re-emergence of bottom rash in children, new research suggests.

"Toilet seat dermatitis is one of those legendary conditions described in medical textbooks and seen in underdeveloped countries, but one that younger paediatricians have not come across in their daily practice," said Bernard Cohen, a professor of dermatology at Hopkins Children's Centre, where the study was carried out.

"If our small analysis is any indication of what's happening, we need to make sure the condition is on every paediatrician's radar."

The doctors analysed the skin rash on the bottom and thighs of five children and said that harsh cleaning chemicals and wooden toilet seats were to blame, especially if the seats were coated in paint or varnish.

Although most cases of bottom skin rash can be easily treated with steroid creams, the underlying cause is often overlooked by doctors, the researchers said. This in turn may lead to a persistent rash which could spread and become infected, requiring treatment with antibiotics.

The doctors said a missed or late diagnosis was "a hallmark of every single case" they examined.

"Some of the children in our study suffered for years before the correct diagnosis was made," said lead researcher Ivan Litvinov.

To prevent toilet-seat dermatitis, the research team recommend:

• Using paper toilet seat covers in public toilets
• Replacing wooden toilet seats with plastic ones
• Cleaning toilet seats and bowls daily
• Avoiding harsh cleaners, which often contain skin irritants like phenol or formaldehyde

The researchers suggested using alternative cleaners like alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, which are as effective, but gentler on the skin.

This article was published on Mon 25 January 2010