Is It True That Bubble Bath Causes Urinary Tract Infections In Children?
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Have you been giving your child a bubble bath? Are you worried that it can lead to Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)? There are children who enjoy taking bubble baths often. But before you make another bubble bath for your kids, let’s see if it can indeed lead your little ones to UTI.
Children are most likely to catch diseases like fever, cold, and allergies than us adults. And they can easily get urinary tract infections as well. UTI occurs when the system that carries urine out of our body gets infected by germs. It could be the bladder, kidneys, or the tubes that link them (1). It is found that up to 8% of girls and 2 % of boys will be infected by UTI by the age of five.
UTIs can be hard to detect in kids. Bladder infections are common forms of urinary tract infections, and they don’t pose a serious threat to life. But things can quickly escalate into a serious situation if the kidneys get infected.
What Causes UTI?
When the bacteria, most commonly E. Coli, travel from your child’s anus to the urethra, it can cause UTI (2). So, it’s important to teach your kids to wipe from front to back, and not the other way around. Girls are more susceptible to UTI’s as their vaginal and anal opening is more closely spaced.
UTIs can also be found in kids who are dealing with kidney or bladder problems (3). Another case of UTI is when the urinary tract gets narrowed. It can block the flow of urine, and become an ideal ground for the germs to multiply.
Can Bubble Bath Lead To UTI?
Though there is no evidence linking bubble bath with UTI, it can irritate the area around the urethra. Hence it is advised to avoid bubble bath if your kid is hypersensitive to certain chemicals in them (4). Bubble bath is also linked to dysuria and a red vulva in prepubertal girls (5). It can cause irritation while peeing.
It’s better to read the labels and confirm that there is nothing strong in them that can cause irritation to your child. It is also better to go for clinically tested and proven products with mild fragrances instead of using strong ones. If your child is somebody who gets easily irritated when using products with strong fragrances, chances are he/she will have issues with bubble baths. Avoid soaking for a long time in baths. If your child likes fragrances, you can try adding a few drops of essential oil in their bath. Remember, less is more. Use a small quantity of bubble bath and play it safe especially if your children have sensitive skin.
Look Out For These Signs And Symptoms
In younger kids and infants, the symptoms may not be as prominent. Look for signs such as fussiness, loss of appetite, and fever (6). Symptoms can also vary depending on the stage of the infection. The other symptoms are burning sensation or pain while peeing, cloudy urine, foul smell, fever, nausea and vomiting, frequent need to pee, and diarrhea.
UTI Diagnosis And Treatment
Consult a pediatrician if your child experiences symptoms of UTI. Your doctor might ask your child to take a urine test to confirm the UTI, and will be able to tell you the kind of bacteria causing it. Mostly, if it is a confirmed case of UTI, antibiotics will be given for the treatment (7).
Prevention is better than cure. Teach your kid the importance of good hygiene and bathroom habits. Stay hydrated at all times as it helps to expel the bacteria from the urinary tract. However, if your child has UTI, make sure they complete the course of the prescribed medicine. We have a tendency to stop taking the meds as soon as we start feeling better. It is also advised to avoid using perfumed products for baths and use a mild soap.
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