How to avoid dry skin in babies and toddlers
If your child has dry skin, there are ways to lessen its effects and keep skin hydrated. In general, children have thinner, more delicate skin than adults. Because of this, it may lose moisture more easily. Dryness can be especially tough for children with atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema.
But there are other factors that play into dry skin. With a few changes to your child's daily routine, dry skin can be managed throughout the year.
Changing bath time routines can have some of the biggest impacts on improving dry, itchy skin. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends short baths, which are better than showers at helping to keep dry skin hydrated. Baths that are too long can have the opposite effect. The AAP suggests limiting bath time to less than 10 minutes, and these tips:
• Keep the water temperature lukewarm. Hot water may dry out the skin and also activates nerve endings, which become more sensitive, increasing the urge to scratch at the skin.
• Avoid bubble baths and foamy, scented soaps. Not only do children tend to spend longer amounts of time in the water with bubbles, the products often contain detergents that can strip skin of natural oils and make it more prone to dryness. In addition, fragrances and other chemicals in these products can irritate skin.
• Dry off without drying out. When done bathing, pat dry with a soft cotton towel. Do not rub as it strips more oils from the skin surface and irritates sensitive skin and nerve endings as well. Immediately after bathing, apply a good moisturizer head-to-toe. When it comes to soap and moisturizers, not all are the same. Here are a few things to consider as you look at products for dry skin:
• Non-soap cleansers are less drying and often recommended for sensitive and dry skin. Be sure whatever soap you use is fragrance-free, deodorant-free and hypoallergenic. Avoid using antibacterial soaps for general bathing because they may irritate the skin.
• Since they seal in moisture, it's best to use moisturizers right after showering or bathing while skin is still damp and moist. Misting the skin with a little water before using a moisturizer is a good way to hydrate the skin when it's not bath time. Use a moisturizer at least twice a day, even when skin is not irritated. Consistent, daily use can lower the chance of rashes and itches developing.
• Putting on cotton-based clothing right after using a moisturizer can help protect the skin, keep it from rubbing off and help seal in moisture.
After bathing, moisturizing and getting dressed, here are some other ways minor changes can make a big difference. Consider using "free and clear" laundry detergents with no fragrances, dyes or perfumes. Look for products for sensitive skin, which are less likely to have irritants that trigger itching. Avoid using dryer sheets or fabric softeners. These may contain chemicals, fragrances and oils that can irritate sensitive skin.
Consider cotton or bamboo sheets and pillowcases as they tend to be soft, breathe well and be less irritating to the skin. Consider cotton clothing as well. It can keep sweat from building up on the skin, which causes irritation. Synthetic fabrics can be rougher and tend to trap heat, which can cause sweating and irritation. Wash all new clothing before wearing to remove any finishing chemicals or dyes.
Parents may also consider taking steps to add moisture to your environment. Forced-air heating in winter creates dry air and low humidity in the home. In turn, dry air creates dry skin. A whole-house humidifier can help your overall environment remain around 40% humidity. If that's not an option, a console or cool-mist room humidifier can be another option to add moisture to the air.
Contact your pediatrician if you need more guidance on bathing and avoiding dry skin. Additional information on dry skin is available online at HealthyChildren.org.