How Bad is it Really to Use Wet Wipes?

How Bad Is It Really? sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors youâ€™ve heard might be unhealthy.

So, Are Wet Wipes Bad for You?

While you can wipe your bum with antibacterial wipes from time to time without having to worry, using wet wipes excessively can potentially harm your health. Here's how:

1. They Strip Away Good Bacteria

Wet wipes can make you feel extra clean, but they can be harmful if they completely replace tissue paper.

Tip

This can also apply to your vagina. For instance, using wet wipes can eliminate healthy vaginal bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus. Without it, you may be more prone to inflammation or infections like bacterial vaginosis, per the Mayo Clinic.

2. They Contain Irritants

According to Nancy Chung, MD, a New York City-based gastroenterologist, the skin around your posterior can be sensitive.

Can You Flush Wet Wipes?

Not only are wet wipes less-than-ideal for your bum health, but they can also potentially cause plumbing problems. Here's why:

1. They Donâ€™t Break Down

Unlike toilet paper, which breaks down in water before and after you flush, wet wipes don't disintegrate well, says Daniel Moore, service manager of Boston Standard plumbing company. That's because they're often made of synthetic materials and plastics that don't break down in water.

And yes, this rule even applies to "flushable" wet wipes. Indeed, they can also cause blockages and take hours to clear, Moore says.

"We highly advise against putting any wipes into your drainage system, regardless of whether it says flushable or not," Moore adds.

2. They Can Easily Clog Older Plumbing Systems

If you live in a building with an older plumbing system, chances are you'll experience clogging issues. That's because when one wipe gets caught in the drain pipe, "it forms a micro-stoppage that will quickly collect more wipes and waste until the pipe is completely clogged," Heise says.

While it may not seem like your toilet is clogged at first, Heise says to look out for water surrounding the wax seal at the toilet's base. This means that backed-up water is escaping.

Another sign: When your toilet gurgles after flushing or blows out air bubbles. "This is often caused by a partially clogged pipe," Heise says.

Alternatives to Wet Wipes

Instead of relying on flushable wipes to cleanse your backside, try these expert-recommended alternatives instead:

1. Scentless Tissue Paper

Scented wet wipes or toilet paper can cause irritation, so Dr. Glass and Dr. Chung recommend opting for scentless tissue paper instead.

"Avoid any other products that may upset your microbiome," Dr. Glass says, including wipes or paper that contain added fragrances or chemicals.

So, How Bad Is It Really to Use Wet Wipes?

Wet wipes usually aren't bad for you in moderation. But using them regularly can remove good bacteria from your bum and disrupt the balance of your microbiome, potentially leading to infection or irritation, Dr. Glass says.

And if you have sensitive skin, the scents and fragrances added to wipes can cause irritation, itching and inflammation, Dr. Chung says.

To err on the side of caution, it's best to steer clear and use expert- recommended alternatives like scentless tissue paper and bidets instead, which are safer ways to give your bum a deep clean.

"For day-to-day cleaning, less is generally more," Dr. Chung says. "But if you are using wipes specifically because you are having symptoms, such as itching or pain around the anus, then it's best to get checked out by a doctor to make sure that there isn't an underlying problem."

Tip

If youâ€™re still unsure of whether to add wet wipes to your cleaning regimen, talk to your doctor about whether it's safe for you.

Read more on: livestrong