Children With Dry Skin

Causes

It has finally happened your child (or children) has finally arrived. A truly blessed time. But now you notice that your child's skin is very dry. While as many of 20% of children experience dry skin this one is different. This child is yours. Allowing them to scratch their itchy skin will only lead to further irritation. If your child is still an infant you will notice him/her rubbing his head on anything he/she can. Would you like more information on taking care of your newborn's skin? Click here.

If older now you will notice him/her scratching constantly. The most common causes of children with this problem are:

1. Laundry soaps or fabric softeners. Perhaps you should look into providing a non-toxic home for your children.

2. Bathing soap or shampoo. For an unbeatable shampoo for children click here.

In addition, the following dos and don'ts may help:

DO:

Moisturize every day or several times throughout the day. Make sure to use a soft lukewarm cloth to wash first, then moisturize to lock in the water. it is best to get into the habit of treating their skin with each diaper change. Thorough cleansing of their groin area is a must.

Since your child does not sweat as much as an adult consider bathing less often. For many children the less time spent in water the better. Maybe even try a shea butter or pure lanolin as a moisturizer for their dry skin.

Switch baby products to ones that are designed for sensitive skin. Fragrance free and dye free are best--the more natural the better.

Dress baby in clothing that is soft. Again natural is better. Think cotton.

Use 100% cotton bedding. And, launder at least once a week to get rid of dust mites that could be irritating their skin.

During cold dry weather use a humidifier. Be watchful for allergic reactions to dust mites or mold while using your humidifier.

Try to keep your child from sweating if possible as this can irritate their skin.

Keep their fingernails short to avoid scratching. If your child is still an infant buy some cotton mittens or gloves to keep them from scratching especially at night.

DON'T:

Use paper products to wipe their face. A warm soft cloth is better.

Avoid grasses and weeds.

Avoid high humidity.

Avoid tight clothing. Their skin needs to breathe.

Avoid alcohol based hand sanitizers.

Remove that drool protector from your child's crib or bed.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDE:

Could it be eczema that your child has? Add some flax seed or flaxseed oil into the diet. Flaxseed contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are a natural anti-inflammatory source. Discuss this with your pediatrician as you will need to know the proper dosage.

If you are breast feeding consider changing your soap, laundry detergent and changing your diet to include one high in Vitamins A,C,E, Selenium and Zinc as well as including Omega-3 to your diet.

Make sure to wash your breasts before breast feeding if you have been sweating. Your sweat can irritate their sensitive skin.

If these suggestions do not work consult your pediatrician.

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