Managing Sensitive Skin in Babies

 
Does your baby have sensitive skin? From years of practice as a pharmacist, I have come across a lot of mothers with babies that have sensitive skin (as most babies seem to do these days) with little or no idea on how to handle it.

Babies with sensitive skin tend to break out with rashes very often. They also have dry, itchy skin and might seem to cry very often. Babies with more severe forms of skin sensitivity might experience drying out, especially around the joint areas. There are simple tips to help enhance your baby's comfort, while you patiently wait for them to outgrow it, because they most likely will.

Helpful tips?

Avoid medicated powders. They are usually too harsh for the skin. Powders generally can encourage drying out of the skin and itching. Instead, use fragrance free products like fragrance free jellies, wipes, etc. They are milder to the skin.
 
Use mild soaps and moisturizers (eg Cetaphil, E45, Oilatum, Aveeno, Sebamed). Shea butter is also great for sensitive skin.
 
Try lactose-free formulas. Lactose can predispose to sensitive skin.
 
Check the labels of supplements and food they eat. Some might contain potential allergens like oil from nuts. A good example is Abidec, which contains arachis oil and might enhance sensitivity.
 
Dress your baby in cotton clothes; they are usually more comfortable in them.
 
Watch your baby's bathing routine. Bath with warm water. You could also add bath oils and apply moisturizers on damp skin to enhance absorption. Try not to use these tube skin creams. They may appear to get the job done but they merely suppress the rashes which will still show up again. These creams contain steroids which aren't too advisable for children, unless the use is being monitored by a health professional.

{Written by Chinekwu Oreh of Rafar Pharmacare LTD}


My 2-Kobo...

Chets used to have such sensitive skin, I was told by the hospital to even stop my own body cream
(it’s been long that i’ve forgotten the name) and stick to Pears Baby Lotion for myself. Everything i tried to use on him seem to just bring on angry blisters or rashes all over his body! Until i discovered the Sebamed baby range and the Johnson Shea Butter Lotion. Even though his skin sensitivity to irritants is almost down to the barest minimum, i wish i came across this write-up earlier in his life. Would’ve saved me the energy i exerted  worrying over his skin care.

Has this post helped? Tell us! Also, follow @RafarPharmacare on Twitter for more tips on Healthy Living.

XOXO...

14 comments:

Dobby said...

Luvly tips...Keep up the good work px.

Hazel said...

Hi @Dobby. Thank you

Olaedo said...

My daughter reacted to Persil Handwash powder and the moment I isolated that as the cause of the frequent, worrisome rashes and subsequent dryness on the skin around her neck and chest regions, that became a thing of the past. I don't even bother buying any other type of Persil now.

My son reacted to Abidec; it made him break out in rashes on his face and scalp. Luckily, I noticed that was the culprit very early and switched to another multi-vitamin syrup.

We all love our babies with oh-so-soft-and-smooth yummy skin, so thanks a lot, Chinekwu and Hazel :)
These are very helpful tips.

Unknown said...

Nice one... Just hope every dedicated mom gets to read it..
www.chachacorner.com

Njaykay said...

Aveeno did the wonder work for me for my daughter. with my two boys its aveeno all the way. i don't even compromise no matter the cost. Now my hubby uses the cream for adult as well. he has the worst kind of dried skin I've seen in my life.LOL. PROUDLY AN AVEENO MUM!!!!

LaBelle's Home Cooked Meals said...

this is exactly what am going through with Danica. she has terrible dry skin, everything i do seems to make it worse. Now i use just warm water to bath her with oilatum bath in the water and i use oilatum cream on her skin. Oilatum is a brilliant product for both babies and adults with dry skin.

Nice post sis!!!

Hazel said...

@Olaedo I never knew kids reacted to Abidec. Who woulda thunk it? And yes, Chets reacted to Persil too. I had to resort to Soap Flakes.
Thanks for stopping by!

Hazel said...

@Chacha Thank you!

@Njaykay Aveeno is a life...or should I say, face...saver! My face has not been same since I started using their Daily Moisturizing Lotion! Good stuff!

Hazel said...

@Belle Thank God for Oilatum! One cannot be contending with colic and come and add the crankiness and baby discomfort from dry sensitive skin!
Thanks for stopping by!

Hazel said...

Have y'all followed @RafarPharmacare yet? They tweet really helpful #healthyliving tips! Get on the bus....follow them!

Anonymous said...

Had a feeling of déja vu,knew i had seen this in www.babycenter.com. Thanks for bringing it closer home. My boy reacted to abidec but sheabutter worked wonders for his skin.

nenyibabs said...

Great post. Now,how do i get the aveeno moisturiser? Its an emergency,trust me.

nenyibabs said...

Great post. Now,how do I get the aveeno moisturiser? Its an emergency,trust me.

Hazel said...

Hi @Neni You can find Aveeno from your neighbourhood pharmacy or the supermarket. If you are in Lagos, check HealthPlus or Mopheth. If in PH, RafarPhaarmacare stocks them. Thanks for stopping by.