Dry skin, cracked lips and eczema: Winter skincare for littlies
Take steps to head off common winter skin issues in babies and toddlers.
Cold, dry outdoor air and indoor heating can be especially harsh on a little one’s sensitive skin, stripping it of natural moisture, leaving it prone to cracking and infections, especially on their lips.
It can also lead to flare-ups of eczema (atopic dermatitis) – patches of dry, scaly, itchy red or purplish skin, typically inside the joints of elbows and knees, says Dr Imraan Jhetam, a specialist dermatologist with rooms in Umhlanga and Ballito. Eczema is often caused by a combination of factors, such as a compromised skin barrier, irritants like harsh soaps, detergents or fabrics, or contact allergens.
To protect your little one’s skin:
Cover up outdoors: Protect against the cold and wind by dressing them in layers, with soft, natural fabrics that breathe. “Wool can irritate, so I advise cotton flannel garments instead,” says Dr Jhetam. Remember to wash new clothes (and bedding) before use to remove finishing chemicals such as dyes that may trigger skin sensitivity. “Fragrance-free laundry detergents and fabric softeners have not proven to be any less irritating,” he says. “I advise to double rinse clothes – by hand or washing machine – to remove any residues of detergents etcetera.”
Moisturise daily: Apply a thick but non-sticky child-friendly cream to their skin to help lock in moisture. It should be fragrance-free for sensitive skin, and if they have an allergy or skin problem, consult your healthcare provider about which would be most suitable. “Look for products that contain humectants like cetomacrogol and oatmeal extracts,” says Dr Jhetam. “Reapply moisturiser two or three times a day in winter. For very dry eczema-prone skin, in winter we recommend thick barrier creams that contain ingredients like ceramides.”
Change up bathtime: Too much bathing can worsen dry skin, so keep to once a day or every second day, and for less than 10 minutes, he says. Water should be warm but not hot, which further strips moisture from skin. Use fragrance-free soap, or if they have eczema, soap-free cleansers. Pat dry gently but thoroughly and apply moisturiser immediately for better absorption.
Don’t overheat your home: Try to limit use of heaters, as once air is warmed past a certain point it can absorb a lot of moisture, and then draw moisture away from the body, making skin feel drier.
Consider a steam humidifier: This helps combat dry air and is best placed in the room where your little one spends most time, such as their bedroom.
Keep them well hydrated: In winter we tend to drink less, which can contribute to skin dryness. Along with water and milk, offer your little one soups and caffeine-free herbal teas. Don’t give herbal tea before they are six months old, as it could contain harmful bacteria or trigger an allergic reaction – it’s safest to wait until they are a year or two old, and to check with your healthcare provider, Dr Jhetam says. Lemon balm, ginger and mint are generally considered safe, unless your little one has health issues such as liver or kidney disease.
Discourage scratching: Dry skin can itch, and an itchy rash is the hallmark of eczema, but scratching opens the skin to infection. Add oatmeal to your little one’s bath to help soothe skin, and remind them not to scratch. At night put scratch mitts on them to prevent them injuring themselves, and to help them (and you!) sleep better. “For an eczema-prone child who itches badly, speak to a pharmacist about taking an oral antihistamine,” says Dr Jhetam.
Discourage them from licking their lips: It coats them in saliva which evaporates fast, leaving lips drier than ever, and contains digestive enzymes which can wear down the delicate skin on the lips over time, making them more vulnerable to dry air and cracking. If you catch your little one licking, remind them gently to stop, and encourage regular use of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lip balm. Stock up, and keep it handy in coat pockets, changing bags or school bags.
If these measures don’t help, and dry skin, cracked lips and eczema persist or worsen, ask your healthcare provider about medication. For severe eczema, they may recommend different emollients (enhanced medical moisturisers) or topical treatments such as prescription medicated creams, says Dr Jhetam.
IMAGE: 123rf.com