Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body but take caution around the eyes. If baby happens to rub sunscreen into his or her eyes, use a damp cloth to wipe the eyes and hands. If irritation occurs, look for a brand of sunscreen that includes titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. And if a rash occurs, talk with your pediatrician or dermatologist.
There are two different types of sunscreen: chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin and where it absorbs the UV energy from the sun and turns it into heat so the underlying skin cells don’t get damaged. Chemic sunscreen is great at blocking the sun’s harmful rays, but for children, a physical sunscreen may be better tolerated.
Physical sunscreen: Now if you’re envisioning a lifeguard with a white zinc coating on their nose, it’s not that bad. “Physical sunscreen includes micronized zinc particles – they’re very small particles so you can rub them on and you don’t get that pasty film on your skin,” Dr. Desmond says. “And because they sit on top of the skin instead of within the skin, they reflect the sun’s light and don’t cause as much allergy in kids with eczema or other sensitivities.”
In the winter and early spring, cold, dry air can deplete your child’s skin of its natural moisture causing chapped skin. And it’s important to note that chapped skin is nothing more than dry skin that has become irritated. If you see dry patches, flaking, redness or scaly skin and wonder what’s up. There are a few things parents can do to help prevent dry skin in babies. If you’ve followed all of these suggestions and are still concerned about redness, dryness, or other skin issues, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician:
Cover up: To avoid exposure to the wind and dry air, cover as much of your child’s skin as possible when going outside.
Limit bath/shower time: It’s tempting to clean your newborn multiple times a day, especially if he or she needs frequent changing. It’s best, however, to limit bath time to 2-3 times per week, since frequent baths and contact with water can disrupt your baby’s sensitive skin and oil production which can contribute to dry skin. If your child shows signs of dry, chapped skin, try cutting back on bath/shower time and frequency. “The more we wash them, the more their natural oils are stripped away, and that’s exactly what they need is more oil and moisture,” Dr. Desmond says. And avoid using steamy hot water as it can remove natural oils from the skin. When toweling off your little one, pat the skin dry rather than rubbing. This will lock in moisture. And for best results, apply a moisturizer within two minutes of bath/shower time.
Moisturize: Applying a thick moisturizer such as Eucerin, CeraVe cream or petroleum jelly on your child’s skin – especially on problem areas such as cheeks and chin – helps relieve dry or chapped skin and it serves as a barrier to additional exposure to the elements. Avoid moisturizers that contain fragrance or alcohol; however, as they can cause further agitation.
Use a humidifier: Humidifiers are another option for those who are experiencing chronic dry skin. Humidifiers essentially add humidity back into the air, and they can even prevent chronic allergies and sinus infections by loosening the buildup of mucus and phlegm in the nasal passages. If your little one is experiencing severe dryness, ask your pediatrician if a humidifier placed at his or her bedside may provide some relief.
Protecting your child’s delicate skin from the elements can be challenging, but with some planning and preparation, you can help your child get back to what he or she does best – being a kid.
https://www.pedseast.com/blog/posts/tips-for-treating-dry-skin-in-babies-and-kids
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