Teething is a painful process for babies, and the crying and moodiness that often come with this rite of passage can be stressful for parents. Infants often chew on their hands to alleviate the pain of teething, but too much moisture can cause chapped hands, increasing babies' pain and parents' stress. In some cases, chapped hands occur with teething but are not caused by it, so consult your pediatrician before trying any home remedies.
Causes of Chapping
Excess moisture can cause skin irritation, particularly during winter. Repeated pressure caused by chewing can also result in cracked, chapped hands, according to pediatrician William Sears in his book "The Portable Pediatrician." However, chapping of the hands is not always caused by teething. Eczema, a common skin condition in babies, can cause cracked, dry, flaky skin. Skin allergies and food sensitivities can also cause rashes that look very similar to chapping.
Chapping Remedies
To prevent chapping from getting worse, keep your baby's hands dry and avoid excessive use of soap. Babies don't need frequent baths, so only bathe your baby when absolutely necessary. Nontoxic baby lotion can soothe dry, cracked skin. However, even though this lotion is nontoxic, it's important to prevent your baby from ingesting large quantities, which can cause stomachaches and appetite loss.
Preventing Chewing
Prevent your child from chewing on her hands by keeping her distracted and engaged. When you see her chew on her hands, say her name and give her a toy instead. At night, place mittens on your baby's hands to prevent excessive chewing and chapping. It's important to provide your child with teething toys and other remedies to ease teething pain when you prevent her from alleviating the pain by chewing on her hands.
Teething Remedies
If your child is over 6 months old, give her hard, sugar-free teething biscuits. Always supervise her when she is eating these. Over-the-counter gum-numbing gels can temporarily alleviate the pain of teething, and nursing is often comforting to babies in pain, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cold, but not freezing, teething toys are also effective at eliminating the pain of teething.
References
- The Portable Pediatrician; William Sears, M.D. et al.
- Caring for Your Baby and Young Child; American Academy of Pediatrics
- Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child; Lynn Marotz
