Caring for your baby's skin can be both enjoyable and nerve-racking. In the first year of his life, his skin is just starting to develop. This means it's particularly susceptible to infection. According to Dr. Veronica Policarpio, a certified pediatrician and dermatologist at Gat. Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, "Baby skin is very delicate. Anyone who has had the chance to stroke the face of a newborn knows it. But while it is soft, it is also very sensitive."
What makes your little one's skin different from yours is that it's thinner and has less natural moisture. This means it loses more water than an adult's. Since baby skin is more prone to dryness, you need to make a habit of moisturizing it.
It's important that you understand your child's skin so you know how to take care of it. That's why we asked an expert pediatrician to answer some of the toughest questions you have about baby skin.
Q: A rash here, a spot there—something always appears on my baby's skin. How do I know if it's something I should be worried about?
A: There are rashes that heal naturally over time, and there are those that you have to manage more carefully. Pink pimples or neonatal acne, possibly caused by exposure to maternal hormones in the womb, can last for weeks or even months. Just give it time to heal naturally. The same goes for drool or teething rash, or reddish splotches and bumps that can develop because drool gets on the neck. Just remember to wipe up excess drool and keep the skin dry at all times. Baby creams and petroleum jelly can help ease the discomfort.
Other skin conditions such as intertrigo (rashes on baby's skin folds) and seborrhea (similar to dandruff on the scalp, eyebrows, and ear and neck areas in babies under six months old) need extra attention. To prevent intertrigo from setting off a prickly heat rash, use hypoallergenic soaps, moisturizing lotions with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly. Hypoallergenic soap also works best for seborrhea, as does a little olive oil or baby oil gently brushed over the area.
Contact dermatitis is another condition that raises a red flag. Rashes on the baby's body are usually caused by traditional soaps and detergents, and if the rashes appear on the chest and arms, they are probably caused by improperly washed clothing. The use of gentle soaps, hydrocortisone cream, and moisturizer help in the treatment of these rashes.
Q: I've heard of atopic dermatitis causing complications. Is this something to be worried about, too?
A: Yes, it's true that atopic dermatitis may lead to hay fever or asthma; that's why treating it at an early stage is key. Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is an inflammation of the skin which may also appear as patchy windburn-like lesions. Common among children during the first year of life, atopic dermatitis can make baby skin itchy, reddish, swollen, and cracked. What is vital in managing atopic dermatitis is avoiding the triggering factors: cold weather, pollution, food, and pollen. Mild anti-inflammatory creams, gentle cleansers, and moisturizers would help heal the rashes.
Q: Skin dryness is a common problem in babies. Are there ways to hydrate baby's skin without harming it?
A: When babies are in the womb, their skin is protected by a waxy substance called vernix, making their skin dry. This means that babies' skin can absorb and lose moisture more quickly, so it's susceptible to dryness. To prevent dryness, you need to balance the exposure of your baby to sudden temperature changes. Cold, dry, outdoor air and indoor heating can rob skin of its natural moisture.
Make sure you have a moisturizing regimen which starts with a mild cleanser that can moisturize and maintain the right pH of your baby's skin. Keeping your baby's skin hydrated regularly increases the skin's moisture by reducing evaporation. It's important that you choose baby products that can cleanse and moisturize baby skin at the same time—regular soaps won't always do the trick. You also need to apply powder throughout the day, especially around your baby's bum area. This helps prevent diaper and heat rash.
Q: Are there any alternatives to talc powder?
A: Talcum is an ingredient in powder, which may be effective in absorbing moisture and keeping the skin dry, but it may not be suitable for your baby. For one, your baby can breathe it in and potentially clog areas in the lungs. Be discerning when it comes to choosing products for your baby—try to go for powders which are 100% talc-free and reduce inhalation of irritants.
The most important thing you can do is to lessen skin irritation by identifying what triggers it and how to avoid them. Make sure your hands are clean when giving babies a bath or changing their diapers. Change diapers frequently to reduce moisture. Do not bathe your baby too often. Use products with zinc oxide, which can help heal and protect baby skin to prevent diaper rash. You can also try new products like liquid powder—unlike traditional baby powders, liquid powder reduce the risk of inhaling harmful irritants.
Spotting a rash or spot on your baby's skin can be alarming. But if you know the basics of baby skin care, then you should have nothing to worry about.
*Dra. Maria Veronica Policarpio of Gat. Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center is a resource person for this article and not in any way affiliated with LACTACYD.
Looking for an alternative to traditional baby powders and soaps? Check out the videos below!
You'll need all the help you can get, so make sure you have LACTACYD 2in1 Moisturizing Cleanser and LACTACYD Liquid Powder in your list of baby essentials on hand.
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LACTACYD 2in1 Moisturizing Cleanser has more moisturizing abilities, which gives your baby's sensitive skin the care it deserves. It's very easy to use on babies because it can be rinsed off like a normal wash or can be wiped off when you're on the go. LACTACYD 2in1 Moisturizing Cleanser is hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, and safe for daily use.
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The NEW and revolutionary LACTACYD Liquid Powder is a 100% talc-free lotion that dries into powder—no need to worry about your baby inhaling harmful irritants. It has zinc oxide that protects baby skin and promotes healing. LACTACYD Liquid Powder is an effective way to prevent skin irritation.
When you've got these in your baby bathing and skin care routine, you'll have less to worry about and more time to bond with your baby especially in these early years! LACTACYD Liquid Powder and LACTACYD 2in1 Moisturizing Cleanser are both available at a drugstore or supermarket near you.
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All content found in this smartparenting.com.ph article were created for informational purposes only; and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kindly seek the advice of your attending physician regarding questions you may have about a medical condition. Please do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of information you obtained on this article.
SAPH.LAC.17.08.0351 / Certification 2.2 / 15AUG2017
