When bonding becomes risky - the hidden dangers of skin to skin contact in infants

Skin to skin contact is encouraged for infants because of its powerful psychological and emotional benefits but in a medical case, a baby girl has reportedly developed a micropenis-like structure after frequent skin-to-skin contact with her father’s bare chest after the father used a gel for his low testosterone levels.

Doctors suspect residual testosterone transfer as a potential cause — opening up conversations on hormone exposure and infant sensitivity. Even though doctors strongly advice people using the testosterone gel to avoid contact with pregnant female and infants, Sweden has seen about six cases similar to this in the last 8 years.
Here is the full article : Baby girl grows 'micropenis' from lying on dad's bare chest; Experts issue serious health warning about parents' medications | - Times of India

Should there be more clear packaging warnings for hormonal treatments about risks to children ? Comment your thoughts

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People should seriously start reading warning labels

Yes, its quiet risky to take chances while handling an infant. Its always advisable to follow the doctor’s advice and do not do anything on assumption.

It’s advisable to have skin-to-skin. The girl growing micropenis is due to exposure to testosterone. Parents should be more noticing to what can and cannot harm their kids.

This is something shocking and new altogether. Hormones having impact over basic touch was known, but this level of sensitivity will need to be addressed to parents/physicians/everyone involved in child care to avoid preventable situations.

Hormonal treatments like testosterone gel and oestrogen cream can have unintended consequences if proper precautions aren’t taken. Clearer and bolder packaging warnings could definitely help raise awareness especially for new parents who may not realize the risks of skin to skin contact in such cases.

Touching infants are normal just try to take all the precautions not to infect or harm

Yes, their should be an easily understandable packaging highlighting the warnings for hormone based medicinal products coming in contact with infants/children.

  • Doctors & Pharmacists should also warn patients about all the possible risks of using these particular hormone based products.
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Parents undergoing such treatments should be advised by healthcare professionals on how to safely interact with their newborns. Awareness and caution are key to ensuring both bonding and safety.

I completely agree that clearer warning labels are necessary for hormonal treatments. Alongside this, it’s vital to promote greater awareness. Every healthcare provider - doctors, pharmacists, and others involved in patient care - should actively communicate these essential risks to ensure informed decision making.

Yes the fact that everyone involved should communicate about essential risks is so important. Its about creating a safe environment where bonding happens with precautions.

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Parental involvement is absolutely crucial. Parents have to be more careful and responsive to the baby’s needs as they should be the first one to notice any change in behavior or sign of distress

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I agree, we can make labels more clear and better but until people seriously start reading and acknowledging them it wouldn’t be beneficial.

This is fascinating and concerning at the same time. Who knew hormone sensitivity would be a factor to consider post development and delivery in an infant! Goes to show that new parents should carefully monitor their newborn’s exposure to not only their outer environment, but with themselves too. Yes all hormonal therapy drugs must come with well defined warning labels, which they often do. This is likely a result of parental negligence.

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People should be aware of this hormonal treatments and handle the baby in safer and healthier way.

Parent’s and baby has a contact that cant b expressed in words while handling the infant parent should be care full and beawre of hormonal
treatments for baby health

Clear warning and precautions are needed for hormonal treatment to prevent accidental exposures to infants and pregnant women. Healthcare provider should prioritize education and safe handling practice to minimize risks.

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How did that happen? That is shocking to hear.

When the testosterone cream applied comes in contact with the infant (especially female infant), even small amounts of transferred testosterone can cause hormonal disruptions like enlarged clitoris and premature virilization. In male infants it may cause abnormal penile development