Children's skin can be just as dry as their parents'. In fact, it is more delicate than adult skin, making it more susceptible to dryness. Your child's skin may simply be dried out from too much weather and soap, or it may be a recurring condition such as eczema or allergy. Either way, have no fear: there are several simple treatments that can stop dryness, alleviate itching and improve skin's overall condition.
Cut Back on Bathing Time
Dr. Jennifer Shu is a pediatrician and Living Well Expert for CNN. Her advice for children prone to dry skin: limit baths or showers to three or fewer per week. According to Shu, frequent contact with water is not the best way to treat dry skin. In fact, washing can be a major factor in skin dryness, stripping the skin's natural oils. If your child has dry skin, try not to have him bathe more than three times a week, using warm water instead of hot. Dr. Seth Orlow, director of pediatric dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, agrees. In an article for BabyCenter, he recommends using a fragrance-free, soap-free cleanser. Even liquid baby soap can dry the skin; unscented Dove or Cetaphil are better alternatives.
Avoid Harsh Conditions
Shu writes that winter is the worst season for dry skin: children are exposed to dry air outdoors and indoors. However, dryness can pop up in summer as well, when kids swim in chlorinated pools and get dehydrated in the sun. If your child has dry skin, Orlow recommends having her rinse well under tap water after getting out of the pool, then moisturize immediately.
Moisturize Often
Orlow and Shu agree: the more moisturizer you apply--and the thicker it is--the better. Moisturize regularly, before skin is dry. After bathing, pat your child down with a towel, then slather on moisturizer before the water has evaporated from his skin. Use a heavier, greasier moisturizing lotion or cream: it may be less comfortable at first, but it will seal in the skin's moisture.
Hydrate And Humidify
Be sure your child drinks plenty of water. A dehydrated body is much more prone to dry skin. Remind her to drink water regularly, throughout the year and not only on dry days. Combine this with a regular moisturizing routine. Without moisturizer, Orlow says, hydrating is like pouring water into a bucket with a hole. If you live in a very dry area, try running a cool mist humidifier in your child's room at night.
Identify Irritants
Some dry skin patches can be red, cracked, irritated and itchy. According to AskDrSears.com, this may be atopic dermatitis, or eczema. It's a non-contagious condition that is more annoying than serious--but your child might find it very serious indeed. To help alleviate the symptoms, Sears recommends removing irritants, such as dyed and scented detergents, synthetic materials and soaps from their clothing and sheets. Have your doctor do an allergy test to determine whether your child might have a food or environmental allergy.
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