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Dettol hand wash to clean potty area
Hi doctor,my toddler is 23months old I have been using Dettol hand wash to clean his area of potty while he does potty,I have been using since long now may b 3-4 months is it safe kindly please suggest liquid hand wash the original one (Dettol handwash the orange one)
Answers (9)
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Hello! Thank you for your question and for being so careful about your child’s hygiene. Using Dettol hand wash (the orange one) occasionally to clean your toddler’s skin after potty may not cause immediate harm, but these products are generally designed for hands and may be too harsh for delicate baby skin if used repeatedly over a long time. The ingredients can be irritating and may disrupt the natural barrier of your child’s skin, especially in sensitive areas
Next Steps
I recommend switching to a gentle, fragrance-free baby cleanser or just using lukewarm water and soft cotton or baby wipes for cleaning after your toddler’s potty time. If you notice any redness, dryness, or irritation, stop using the hand wash immediately and allow the skin to recover. If there are signs of persistent rash, discomfort, or infection, please consult a pediatrician in person.
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Hello 👋🏻
Using Dettol handwash (original orange variant) regularly to clean your toddler’s potty area is not recommended. While it's safe for hands, it contains strong antiseptic agents and fragrance chemicals that may irritate a baby’s sensitive perianal skin, especially with repeated use.
🔹 What to use instead?
Opt for gentle, baby-safe cleansers or simply lukewarm water with mild baby soap (like Sebamed, Cetaphil Baby Wash, or Bioderma ABCDerm). These are pH-balanced and specially formulated for delicate skin.
🛑 Watch for any redness, dryness, or rashes — if present, stop using Dettol and apply a mild baby moisturizer or consult your pediatrician.
Next Steps
✅ Switch to baby-safe cleanser
✅ Avoid harsh handwash or antiseptic soaps
✅ Follow up if any signs of irritation appear
Health Tips
Stay gentle on baby skin! 🌸
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Hello
Dettol hand wash is great for hands, but not safe for your child’s private areas. The skin there is very delicate, and using such strong products can cause rashes or discomfort. Just use plain warm water or mild baby soap to clean the area. And always pat dry gently without rubbing.
Next Steps
Use lukewarm water with or without a mild, fragrance-free baby soap. Cotton and water or baby wipes (unscented, alcohol-free) are okay occasionally
If there is irritation or rash: Pat dry gently
Apply a thin layer of diaper cream or coconut oil
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Dr. Tangade Vishal Bhanudas
Pediatrician
4 yrs exp
Pune
Visit physically to nearby pediatrician.
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Dr. Devaraja
Pediatrician
11 yrs exp
Coimbatore
I don't think there is no need of dettol at all.
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Anjali Maini
Pediatrician
33 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Good evening parent!
No need to use dettol hand wash in the potty area. Cleaning it off properly may only irritate the skin over there and in the process only mess up the local flora
You may clean the area around the anus with normal tap water. Should be cold or lukewarm only. The direction of stroke of fingers from front to back. If you clean with wet cotton swab - discard a swab after each cleaning stroke. If cleaning with running water please clean from the back so that no spill comes in the urinary area
It is the stool bacteria which infect the urine to cause a UTI if ever - so the rationale for the above precautions
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Dr. Jyothi
Pediatrician
2 yrs exp
Hyderabad
It's safe for hand washing not for the private area .
Kindly refrain from its use for cleaning that area
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Its safe only nothing to worry
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.