An interesting piece of research has emerged from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, suggesting that a resurgence in certain child skin irritations may sometimes be due to using a wooden toilet seat or the use of certain cleaning agents.

Bernard Cohen MD, an investigator at the children’s Center, has described how studies have shown a rise in cases of toilet seat dermatitis — popularly known as ‘poop dermatitis’ — seen recently by pediatricians. This is a condition which doctors may previously have only read about or encountered in Third World countries. But it may be the case that the trend for exotic wood toilet seats, including those covered with certain types of paint or varnish, and the use of harsh cleaning chemicals, may be causing the condition.

It may also be possible that when doctors see children with this kind of rash, they may not recognize these as possible reasons, and this type of condition may persist or even spread.

So what can be done to prevent poop dermatitis? Obviously, if it’s a problem due to using a wooden seat, replacing this with a plastic alternative is a quick remedy. But other recommendations include using a paper toilet seat cover when in a public bathroom or at school or in hospital, and switching to the types of cleaners which cause less irritation to the skin.

Wooden toilet seats may look elegant in the bathroom and feel warmer to sit on, but it seems that plastic seats may be a better choice in situations like this!