The human body is about
70% water and water is essential to the normal working
of the body. It lubricates the joints and eyes, aids
digestion, flushes out waste and toxins and keeps skin
healthy. Even though the body is mainly made up of water,
the percentage only has to decrease by a small amount
for dehydration to occur.
A baby’s skin is usually silky and smooth and
the healthiest skin that medical professionals see.
But baby skin is much thinner than that of adults
resulting in an increased permeability and a diminished
protection against various harmful substances. Baby
skin, with the exception of the area covered by a
diaper, does not require as much cleansing as adult
skin. Only mild, acidic skin cleansing products should
be used. Fragrance-free mild cleansing lotions with
moisturizing additives are recommended as well as
oils for very dry skin. It is best to apply oil after
the bath when the skin has already been dried. All
skin care products for babies should be free of irritants
or allergens.
Babies can be at the most risk from damage to their
skin. This is why it is so important to protect babies
from the sun with the appropriate clothing, hats and
sunscreen as well as limiting their exposure to the
sun during its most intense hours – usually
between 10 am and 4 pm.
With new babies, their skin is not fully developed
and can easily be dried out. This makes it more sensitive
so that extra care is needed particularly when choosing
baby products, clothes, at bath times and when out
in the sun. A sensitive skin should not be confused
with an allergy. Some skins will feel itchy or uncomfortable
when wool is placed next to them but this is not because
the skin is allergic to the wool but rather that the
skin is sensitive to the pricking effect of the wool
fibers. A fabric conditioner can help here but it
should be hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.
Eczema symptoms can often occur in infancy. Almost
30% of all new born babies carry the risk of developing
the condition. These symptoms include cracks behind
the ears and dryness and itchiness on the elbows,
backs of the knees, cheeks and sometimes other areas
of the body. This must be treated and moisturized
as babies will want to scratch or even find relief
by aggressively rubbing against the mattress or any
other hard surface. Nails should be kept short and
cotton mittens worn while the treatment is healing.
Make sure the baby is not too warm at night. Fortunately,
75% of children grow out of eczema before they reach
their mid-teens.
From heat rash and dry skin to cradle cap and eczema,
a baby’s skin is sensitive and needs careful
attention and care.
