Caring for your child’s skin
Your child may be susceptible to skin problems as they grow whether it is due to bruises, scrapes, irritation, rashes or others. It can often be a distressing time for your child, and for you. Some of the most common skin problems your child may experience are described below:
- Dry skin – Adults are not the only ones who suffer from dry skin as it can also affect children, especially if the weather is very cold. Try your best not to use soaps which are fragrant as these may be too harsh for your child’s skin and could cause dryness. Excessive scrubbing can also damage delicate skin. Make sure to dry your child’s face properly after washing, and you may also wish to apply a gentle cream to their body to ensure their skin is kept moisturised.
- Chapped skin – Your child may get chapped skin but there are many creams available to combat this problem. There are children’s lotions available to keep your child’s skin moisturised and prevent chapping.
- Itchy skin – Many children suffer from itchy skin, especially if they have eczema. Your child can be especially prone to itchy skin during the winter months. It is often helpful to give your child regular baths and keep your child’s skin well moisturised.
- Broken skin – Your child’s skin can sometimes split and this can be quite painful. You may find splits on your child’s feet or hands and this can often be a result from very cold weather or frostbite.
Top natural ingredients for baby’s skin products
The best baby skincare products are likely to contain the following natural ingredients:
- Avocado oil – This is a natural ingredient which is able to easily absorb into your baby’s skin. It is good for the skin and scalp. Avocado oil contains key vitamins including vitamin A, D and E.
- Vitamin E –This works as a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from inflammation and helps to keep your baby’s skin well hydrated.
- Green tea – An excellent antioxidant for the skin which can prevent bacteria on the skin.
Dealing with your child’s skin problems
Many children can develop bruises, scrapes and other minor skin irritations due to falls or accidents. Sometimes your children’s diet can play a part in arousing a rash and it is important to monitor your child’s diet accordingly.
Tips for looking after your child’s skin
- Try to use only baby specific creams which are fragrance free to avoid risk of irritation.
- Monitor your baby’s diet. If they develop a rash then you can eliminate foods which they may be allergic to.
- Try to protect your child from the sun by using sun cream of a high level. Protecting your child from the sun is important as it reduces the risk of skin cancer later in life.
- Make sure your children wash their hands properly with soap in order to fight against bacteria which could otherwise lead to viruses.
- If your child has had a fall has a bruise then use ice to reduce swelling or apply pressure if there is bleeding. Never put heated pain relief on your child as this could make things worse.
- If your child has a burn leave it uncovered to allow air to reach the area. It is best to seek medical advice immediately if your child has a burn.
- Some children develop fungal infections on their skin such as ringworm. If your child does suffer from ringworm which is scaly red patches on their skin it is best to seek medical advice and visit your doctor.
Keeping your child’s skin moisturised
It is important to keep your child’s skin well moisturised in order to prevent dryness. You should never use harsh adult moisturise creams on your child’s skin, as it is best to use products specifically created for children. You could try the following things to keep your child’s skin well moisturised:
- Baby massage – After your child has a bath make sure they are thoroughly dried, after which you can apply some baby cream to massage into your baby’s skin.
- Cream for dry skin – If you notice your baby has dry skin, apply a baby cream immediately to the area and leave it well moisturised to prevent the condition from worsening.
- Baby oil – You can occasionally apply baby oil to your baby’s skin for moisture to ensure soft and clean skin.
Caring for your child:
- Caring for your child
- Children’s behaviour
- How to deal with sibling rivalry
- Dealing with bad behaviour
- Caring for your child’s feet
Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Baby calendar
- Newborn Baby’s Check-ups and Tests
- Newborn Babies’ Appearance
- Bonding with Your Baby
- A Guide to Sleeping for Mother and Baby
- Coping with a Crying Baby
- Sibling Bonding
- The Father’s Role
- Postnatal Health
- Baby Predicaments
- Sex after Childbirth
- Weaning and Moving onto Solid Foods
- Travelling with a Newborn Baby
- Losing Baby Weight
- Baby Health Concerns
- Breastfeeding
- Caring for your child
- Looking after Twins
- Baby vaccinations
- Caring for your newborn
- Mother and Baby Myths
- Mother and baby development FAQ
Related Guides
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Guide to Getting Pregnant
- Guide to Pregnancy
- Guide to Giving Birth
- Guide to Pregnancy Tests
- Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide
- Guide to Pain Relief in Labour
- Guide to pregnancy scans
- Pregnancy calendar guide
- Baby calendar guide
- Child development calendar guide
- Guide to miscarriage
- Guide to breastfeeding
- Guide to sleeping for mother & baby
- Guide to birth defects
- Guide to Post Natal depression