A pediatric emergency doctor has revealed five products that her children don’t need at all and that she completely “detests.”
The information was shared in a new video posted on TikTok by Florida-based Dr. Meghan Martin, who goes by the username @playagem10 on social networks.
Dr. Martin often uses TikTok to share her safety tips, provide guidance for cold and flu season, and break down medical news.
But in this video, the doctor explained that there are some things you have at home that are unnecessary for children.
First on your list? Cough and cold medicines for children under six years of age.
Pediatric emergency doctor Meghan Martin has revealed five products that her children don’t need at all and that she absolutely “hates”
“Very commonly it causes hypersensitivity reactions that look like cellulite,” he shared about Neosporin without a prescription.
“These are not recommended, they are expensive, generally do nothing and have many associated side effects,” revealed the pediatrician.
“My general recommendations for coughs and colds are ibuprofen and Tylenol for fever and discomfort, encouraging fluid intake with Pedialyte or Gatorade or another electrolyte solution, saline in the nose, and cool mist humidifiers,” she shared.
Next on her list of things she doesn’t need was Neosporin, an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
“Very commonly it causes hypersensitivity reactions that look like cellulite,” he shared.
Instead of using Neosporin, Dr. Martin suggested washing the area with soap and water and then applying something like Vaseline or Aquaphor to it.
“Number three, soaps, lotions and detergents intended for babies and newborns that have fragrance,” Dr. Martin continued.
“A lot of these kids end up with contact dermatitis or worsening eczema symptoms, they have a lot of rash,” she shared.
“Get rid of all scented products.”
“Number three, soaps, lotions and detergents intended for babies and newborns that have fragrance,” continued Dr. Martin (file image)
The fourth item on Dr. Martin’s list was “toddler formulas marketed to children who do not medically need them.”
These are usually flavored drinks.
“There is absolutely a group of children who medically need this food, but most children do not, and they should transition to table foods and drink milk, water, etc.,” he explained.
“Toddler formulas are expensive, they are teaching them to drink their calories instead of eating their nutrients, and there is simply no indication for them.”
And at number one was a product that may surprise parents everywhere: gummy vitamins.
“These are literally candies with vitamins sprinkled on them,” Dr. Martin said.
Because of this, vitamin doses can be inconsistent or even totally inaccurate, he said.
“These products have tremendous marketing departments, if you have any questions, talk to your pediatrician,” Dr. Martin concluded.
And coming in at number one was a product that may surprise parents everywhere: gummy vitamins.
“Plus, all of this sticks to children’s teeth and they are at high risk for cavities. Most children don’t even need vitamins, and they are expensive, so talk to your child’s pediatrician,” she said.
“These products have tremendous marketing departments. If you have any questions, talk to your pediatrician,” Dr. Martin concluded.
In the comments section of Dr. Martin’s video, many people seemed to agree with her opinion, especially when it came to Neosporin.
‘I became allergic to Neosporin as an adult and it was a horrible (and very itchy) experience. I also can’t use bacitracin. Now I strictly use Aquafor and Vaseline,” said one person.
Another shared: ‘I’m 54 years old and I just found out about Neosporin this year during my mom’s radiation treatments. I’ve told everyone I know. I also share this golden information.’
‘My God! I have very bad contact dermatitis and I bought a baby detergent that has fragrance. I think you just saved my damn skin. Thank you!!’ someone else wrote.