The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued warnings about some bubble baths.
By NURSE PRACTITIONER ILA SHEBAR
Winter is coming and I love to soak in a bubble bath at this time of year. Are there any problems with that that I should be aware of?
With the cold weather approaching the idea of soaking in a warm tub becomes very appealing to many women (men too I’m sure). Bubble baths have a special charm; they feel romantic and relaxing, a great way to melt away stress. But for some women they can be problematic, causing inflammation and/or irritation.
The problem with bubble baths stems from the ingredients’. Bubble baths contain surfactants and fragrances. The surfactants lower water's surface tension and cause it to foam, and the fragrances make the bath smell good. These ingredients can cause dryness and irritation, especially in people who have allergies or sensitive skin, leading to a variety of medical issues or personal nuisances.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued warnings about some bubble baths. They have determined that fragrances, dyes and other substances found in many bubble baths can cause irritation to your skin, eyes, ears and urinary/genital tract.
Vaginal discharge is usually a normal state. The amount of discharge, the color, and the smell vary depending on the time of the month, with more discharge occurring at ovulation. This discharge helps keep the vagina clean and infection free by carrying away dead cells and bacteria.
If the vaginal discharge changes -- the color, smell, consistency, or amount -- especially if this change is accompanied by burning or itching, there may be an infection present. Some bubble bath products can cause this to occur or worsen. If you are prone to vaginal infections taking bubble baths should be avoided. While soaking in the tub may sound like a good idea to relieve the burning and itching, the bubble bath ingredients’ can actually increase the irritation.
Likewise, if you are prone to vaginal dryness avoid the tub. Many post-menopausal women experience vaginal dryness, or atrophy, from the decreased levels of female hormones that occur with menopause. This dryness can cause many symptoms. such as burning with urination or painful intercourse. The bubble bath does not cause vaginal dryness, but can make it feel worse.
Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men. I always advise my patients, who struggle with recurrent infections, to avoid bubble baths. The ingredients in bubble baths can cause irritation, which may increase the frequency of urinary tract infections. Also, use of bubble baths may prolong an infection if you have one.
Bubble baths can also irritate already compromised tissue. If you have rectal issues, such as fissures, the bubble bath can increase the discomfort you’re already feeling.
If you have a pre-existing skin condition such as eczema, or sensitive skin, bubble baths can exacerbate your issues. Soaking in a tub of bubble bath can actually dehydrate your skin by stripping away natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and itchy. You can develop a contact dermatitis, or allergy, to the products. Instead of being soothed, your skin could end up red and flaky.
If you want more information about what your bath products contain, check the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Household Products Database. This web site provides information on ingredients, and posts any product warnings, so you can make informed decisions about what products to use.
Ila Shebar is a women's health nurse practitioner specializing in women's pelvic health and continence at Pioneer Valley Urology in Springfield. Her "Ask Ila" column appears every other Wednesday in the Health & Science section of The Republican and on MassLive.com. She can be reached at ilashebarnp.pvu@ gmail.com