Babies suffer from dry skin for the same reasons adults experience dryness, such as lack of environmental humidity, improper skin care, sun exposure and dehydration. Mild cases of dry skin may appear as rough or flaking skin, while more severe cases may itch or even crack. In most cases, dry skin is of no medical significance and will improve with a few changes in routine and grooming.
Moisturize
The best time to apply moisturizer is within three minutes of bathing and drying your infant. This will help lock moisture into the skin. Use a moisturizer free of fragrances, alcohol and other chemicals that is appropriate for use on an infant's skin. According to AskDrSears, Eucerin, Aquaphor and Cethaphil are safe and effective moisturizers available over the counter at most retail stores and pharmacies. Olive oil and vitamin E also are safe for use on babies. Keep Kids Healthy states that ointments sometimes work better than moisturizing lotions.
Reduce Bath Time
Too frequent bathing and use of harsh soaps and hot water can cause or increase dry skin in babies. To help ease dry skin, AskDrSears recommends using only lukewarm water and a moisturizing soap without perfume, and limiting baths to 10 or 15 minutes, two or three times per week. Gently pat the skin dry after bathing, as rubbing can increase dryness and irritation. Avoid bubble baths.
Prevent and Treat Dehydration
In addition to other symptoms, such as reduced urine output, sticky mouth and a lack of tears, dehydration in babies can cause dry skin, according to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Dehydration occurs when more fluids are lost from the body than taken in, whether because of diarrhea, vomiting, fever or feeding difficulties. Increasing fluid intake and treating the underlying cause of the dehydration will effectively remedy the dry skin. Severe dehydration in infants is a medical emergency.
Humidify
Low environmental humidity due to dry outside air or excessive use of central heating and air-conditioning systems contributes to dry skin in babies. AskDrSears recommends keeping indoor humidity levels between 25 percent and 40 percent by using a humidifier during dry winter months.
Other Remedies
Whenever possible, babies should wear cotton clothing and use cotton sheets and blankets. Synthetic materials are irritating to the skin. Dressing infants appropriately for the weather is also beneficial, as temperature extremes, the wind and the sun can all lead to dry skin. Although an infant's skin is more delicate and vulnerable to damage than adult skin, most babies require the same level of dress as adults, according to Discovery Health. Rinsing off after swimming in chlorinated water is also important in preventing dry skin.
