If your child experiences burning, itching, flaking and scaling skin that is difficult to remedy, he may be suffering from extremely dry skin. Fortunately, you will likely be able to eliminate or diminish the problem if you know how to effectively implement techniques that not only treat the current problem but also prevent it from cropping up in the future.
Causes
Children’s skin is particularly susceptible to developing dryness because it is more delicate than adult skin, according to BabyCenter.com. Environmental conditions such as dry, cold or hot air, whether outdoors or indoors by artificial heating and cooling devices, often cause dry skin in children. Skin can also dry out due to excess bathing and showering, sun exposure, psoriasis and exposure to harsh detergents and soaps, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Dry Skin Conditions
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in children. It appears as red, itchy patches on the skin and may be remedied through regular moisturizing, says BabyCenter.com. Another condition, ichthyosis, appears as scaling dry skin, thickening of the palms and soles and occasional redness, according to BabyCenter.com.
What to Do
Try to keep your child’s skin as moisturized as possible by cutting back on the amount of time she spends in the bath, using a cleanser without soap or fragrance and applying a moisturizer immediately after patting her dry with a towel, says BabyCenter.com. Moisturizers offer varying degrees of moisture; a lotion will offer some, a thicker cream will offer more, and an ointment, while greasy, will be most effective for the driest of skin. BabyCenter.com also recommends keeping your child well-hydrated by giving him plenty of fluids, running a humidifier in your home if the air is dry and putting gloves or mittens on your child’s hands in the cold air.
When to Call the Doctor
If your child’s eczema doesn’t clear up with regular moisturizing or you suspect that your child has ichthyosis, consult a pediatrician. Also call a doctor if you see no improvement in your child’s skin with home treatments or if you see signs of infection, including swelling or discharge around a crack in the skin, says BabyCenter.com.
Possible Treatments
A doctor may suggest that you apply an over-the-counter cream that contains lactic acid and urea, or a cream that contains hydrocortisone to reduce the itching, says the Mayo Clinic. However, if he determines that your child has a more serious skin condition, he may write a prescription for a stronger cream or ointment.
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