What are the potential harms of 3-year-old children smelling medicinal oil?
Dec 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
In general, there is no harm for a 3-year-old child to smell medicated oil. However, using medicated oil may cause skin irritation, elevated bilirubin levels, and impaired brain development. In 3-year-old children, the use of medicated oil may also lead to respiratory allergies. It is recommended that if medication is needed, it should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Self-medication should be avoided to prevent adverse effects.
Generally, medicated oil is suitable for children over one month of age. It is usually harmless for 3-year-old children to smell medicated oil. However, improper use may lead to adverse effects such as skin irritation, elevated bilirubin levels, and impaired brain development.
1. Skin irritation: Medicated oil primarily contains menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, and other ingredients that are relatively irritating. Children under 3 years old have sensitive skin, and its application may cause skin irritation or even allergic reactions in severe cases.
2. Elevated bilirubin: Children around the age of 3 may lack glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). The camphor in medicated oil can penetrate the delicate skin and mucous membranes of infants and enter the bloodstream, causing red blood cells to rupture and break down into bilirubin. Excess bilirubin in the blood can bind to the meninges and brain cells, leading to infantile jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin, bluish discoloration of the lips, and brown-colored urine.
3. Impaired brain development: Medicated oil contains alcohol, and camphor is toxic. Prolonged use may allow alcohol and toxic substances to be absorbed through the skin into the child's body, potentially affecting brain development.
In addition, 3-year-old children exposed to medicated oil may also experience respiratory allergies. Long-term inhalation is not recommended.
