Pure Mavens

According the a recent article on WebMD, those little paper packets that come packed with shoes and other products contain a chemical called DMF which can cause contact dermatitis, a doctor’s term for irritated skin. DMF is a mold deterrent often found in Chinese made products (and which of them aren’t?).

According to Joseph F. Fowler Jr., MD, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, this chemical is also used heavily in furniture and can actually seep out of fabric and through your clothing to irritate skin. It’s essentially a preservative to which some people are quite allergic.

I’ve seen these packets in many of the baby items we’ve purchased like crib bumpers, nursing pillows, and plush toys. It seems the best approach is to try to avoid furniture made in China and discontinue use of products packed with DMF packets if a rash occurs.