MY BABYS SKIN IS VERY DRY. WHAT CAN I DO? A babys skin is very delicate and dry skin is common problem. In winter the cold and dry weather, plus the use of heaters, can rob your babys skin of its natural moisture. In the summer, dont be surprised if you notice dry patches on your babys skin. The dry heat, exposure to the sun and the air conditioning, can also easily dry the skin. If your baby has itchy red patches, its possible he has eczema. Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. Sometimes eczema is cured by regular moisturising. However, if the patches dont get better and your baby seems itchy and uncomfortable, speak to your doctor. He/She will probably ask you to use emollients instead of soaps and lotions. If the eczema is severe he/she may recommend giving your baby oral medication. Dry skin can get infected too. If you see a yellow discharge or swelling around a crack in your babys skin, show it to your doctor. In rare cases, dry skin can indicate a genetic condition called ichthyosis.This shows up as dry skin with scaling and sometimes redness. It is generally accompanied by a thickening of the palms and the soles of the feet. If your doctor suspects your baby has ichthyosis, he may refer you to a dermatologist for treatment. Here are some tips that may help: 1) HUMIDIFY AIR THAT GETS DRY BECAUSE OF A HEATER OR AC - If the air is dry because of the heater or AC, leave a bowl of water in the room where the heater or AC is on. This will help as the water evaporates and moistens the air. You can also turn on a humidifier or steamer for short periods of time during the day or at night before going to sleep. 2) TAKE CARE WHILE BATHING YOUR BABY - Bathing dries your babys skin as it removes natural oils along with the dirt. However, as long as you take some precautions, daily baths shouldnt be a problem. On most days, give your baby a quick bath. You can keep bubble baths and water play for special occasions. Use warm, rather than hot, water. Also, do not use soap. Dermatologists recommend using a soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser which is much gentler on your babys skin than regular soap. Water-only baths work best if you live in a soft water area. If you live in a hard water area, then washing your baby with just water may actually dry out his skin. 3) KEEP YOUR BABYS SKIN WELL MOISTURISED - As far as moisturisers go,the greasier the moisturiser the better. Greasier preparations are called emollients and will help retain moisture in the skin. If your baby has very dry skin, consider moisturising twice a day or even after every nappy or diaper change. If your babys skin is still dry then check with your doctor. 4) PROTECT YOUR BABY FROM THE WEATHER - In winter, keep your baby well covered, including his/her hands. Hands tend to get ignored but they dry up fast so make sure the mittens are on. Slather cream or moisturiser on his/her face and cheeks. If he/she has chapped lips, check with the doctor how best to treat them. In summer, take steps to protect your baby from sunburn. Keep him/her away from direct sunlight and ensure he/she drinks plenty of fluids. After a swim in the pool or ocean, rinse off your baby thoroughly with tap water and then apply moisturiser to damp the skin. Chlorine and salt water can both be very drying. Try Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar in the bath for your baby today, it is soap-free and pH balanced. Try Dermavive Intensive Body Hydrating Oil to relieve your babys dry skin and keep them moisturised in both summer and winter. dermavive.au/dermavive-intensive-body-hydrating-oil.html
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 23:37:47 +0000
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