What Can Cause Dry Skin in Children?

As your little one grows, you’ll probably encounter your fair share of hurdles with their delicate little skin, whether it’s rashes, flakiness, dryness or a chronic condition like eczema.

Dry skin is quite common in children – it might look like dull, rough, flaky or cracked patches, which can appear anywhere on the body, but in children, dry skin is most common on the face, arms and legs. There are many different reasons why your little one’s skin can become dry, from environmental factors to harsh skincare products or underlying conditions. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into all things dry skin – what can cause it, possible complications to be aware of and what you can do to help.

If your little one struggles with dry skin, the Itchy Baby Co. 3-step skincare routine offers a gentle way to cleanse, nourish and lock in much-needed moisture to help their skin recover.

Causes of Dry Skin in Children

A dry environment

Dry climates, windy conditions, air conditioning and heating can zap moisture from little skin. Winter can be a particularly challenging season for those with dry skin. 

Bath time blunders

Bathing your little one for too long or in water that’s too hot can remove more of the skin’s natural oils, causing it to become dry. Opt for shorter (5-10 minutes) lukewarm baths and consider adding something to their bath to help replenish moisture, like the Itchy Baby Co. Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak.

Skincare products

Harsh soaps and bubble baths, hand sanitisers, alcohol-based wipes and some other skincare products can tend to dry out delicate little skin.

Eczema

Dry skin can be caused by eczema, a skin condition that causes a weakened skin barrier and can result in itchy, dry and inflamed skin. If you suspect your little one could have eczema, you should see a doctor.

Underlying medical conditions

Sometimes, dry skin can be caused by an underlying medical condition like diabetes or thyroid issues.

Should I Be Worried About My Little One’s Dry Skin?

While dry skin is common, it can create complications when it becomes very dry and splits or cracks open. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can leave them more vulnerable to infections.

You should seek medical attention for your little one if their dry skin:

• Becomes painful, red, itchy or inflamed
• Starts to weep, ooze or develop yellow crusts
• Doesn’t get better with treatment
• Starts to show signs of infection such as a fever, pus coming from a skin wound, red streaks on the skin near a wound, or the skin becoming painful, warm or swollen. 

And of course, if you ever feel concerned about your little one’s dry skin or suspect they could have eczema or another skin condition, always consult with your trusted medical professional for advice.

What Can I Do to Help My Child’s Dry Skin?

Helping your little one’s dry skin comes down to managing or removing the underlying causes and taking steps to replenish their skin’s moisture levels.

Managing the causes of dry skin

It makes sense to first identify what could be causing your little one's dry skin and making changes to your routine of lifestyle accordingly. This might involve:

• Avoiding harsh skincare products that might exacerbate dryness and choosing a gentle soap-free, fragrance-free and sulphate-free wash, like Itchy Baby Co. Natural Shampoo and Body Wash
• Opting for shorter (5-10 minutes) lukewarm baths
• Avoiding over-exposure to air-conditioned or heated environments
• Dressing your little one in breathable cotton clothing to avoid overheating
• Working with your medical professional to manage underlying conditions such as eczema.

Replenishing moisture  

Below are some tips for boosting moisture in your little one’s skincare routine:

• Add some Itchy Baby Co. Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak to your little one’s bath. This soak is made from 100% natural colloidal oatmeal, which helps to gently cleanse the skin while it soaks up the nourishing goodness of oats.
• After bath time, gently pat dry with a soft towel – avoid using rough towels, as this can cause irritation.
• Apply a nourishing moisturiser to your little one’s skin within 2 minutes of patting them dry while their skin is still damp. This helps to seal in the most hydration from bath time. Using a thick moisturiser like Itchy Baby Co. Eczema Moisturiser can help seal in moisture for longer.
• If your little one has a dry or flaky scalp, apply a small amount of Itchy Baby Co. Natural Scalp Oil after bath time and leave in overnight.
• Moisturise their skin regularly – at least twice a day.

This blog post was brought to you and your family with love from the Itchy Baby Co. team x.

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.