November 4, 2024 // by BCHPhysicians
With the crisp, cool fall air inviting families to enjoy more time outdoors, it's important to protect your child's sensitive skin from dryness while embracing the beauty of the season. From preventing dry skin to managing eczema flare-ups, Dr. Scott Bookner from Scarsdale Pediatrics, offers tips to help families ensure that their little ones enjoy winter without skin discomfort.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is common in the winter, often caused by indoor heating and cold outdoor air, both of which pull moisture from the skin. To keep your child’s skin hydrated:
- Pat dry: After the bath, gently pat rather than rub your child’s skin with a soft towel, leaving some moisture on their skin.
- Moisturize after baths: After pat-drying, apply a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or cream to lock in the moisture. Choose products that are free from harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate delicate skin.
- Use a humidifier: Running a humidifier in your child’s room helps keep the air and their skin hydrated.
Chapped Lips
Chapped lips can affect children of all ages, from newborns to toddlers and older kids. Cold air outside and dry air indoors often lead to cracked, sore lips. To prevent chapped lips:
- Lip Balm: Start using a gentle, fragrance-free lip balm as soon as the weather cools. Opt for balms made with natural ingredients, such as beeswax, shea butter, or petroleum jelly, which are safe for children.
- Stay Hydrated: Encourage older children to drink water throughout the day. Hydration is key to preventing chapped lips, especially in dry winter air.
Chapped Cheeks
Chapped, red cheeks are common in winter, especially when exposed to wind.
- Protection: Apply a layer of petroleum jelly or a protective ointment to your child’s cheeks before heading outside. This creates a barrier to lock in moisture and prevent windburn or chapping.
- Gentle Cleansing: When washing your child’s face, use a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water. After washing, apply a moisturizer to help prevent irritation and dryness.
Eczema
Eczema is a common condition that affects many children, and flare-ups often become more frequent in winter. Dry air, cold weather, and heavy clothing like wool can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms.
- Moisturize frequently: Keep eczema-prone skin well-hydrated with thick, emollient-rich creams. Apply multiple times a day, especially after baths, to keep the skin from drying out.
- Stay on top of treatments: Make sure to keep your child’s topical eczema prescriptions filled, especially during the winter months when flare-ups are more common. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before starting treatments.
- Avoid irritants: Wool and synthetic fabrics can irritate sensitive skin.
Additional Tips
- Dress in layers: Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton for your child’s base layers to avoid skin irritation.
- Sunscreen in winter: Even in cold weather, sunscreen is important, especially if your child is spending time outdoors in the snow. Snow reflects sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn even on cloudy days.
By following these simple steps, you can help protect your child’s skin from the winter air. If you have concerns about persistent dryness, eczema flare-ups, or other skin issues, we encourage you to reach out to your pediatrician for personalized advice.