How to Help Kids Battle Dry Skin

With the summer humidity rapidly approaching, moisturizers might not be at the top of your shopping list, but dry skin can be a year-round concern, even in a humid place like Houston. That’s especially true for kids, as their skin tends to be much more sensitive than adults’ skin.

Many parents know just how hard it is to watch their children scratch constantly at their skin—and how challenging it can be to figure out the cause of those red, itchy splotches.

That’s why it’s so valuable to have insight from knowledgeable physicians such as Dr. Nada Saqer, who practices at Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatrics Atascocita. For the past two years, Dr. Saqer has been working with Memorial Hermann families to demystify dry skin and get relief for their little ones.

If dry skin has caused seemingly endless frustration for you and your child, Dr. Saqer offers tips to help you improve their skin and determine when to reach out to your pediatrician.

Common Causes of Dry Skin in Kids

Temperature and humidity are prime factors for dry skin, Dr. Saqer explains, which is why so many Houstonites—young and old alike—experience flaky skin during the winter months. During the cooler months, it’s especially important to keep your skin hydrated and protected. But if you’re already doing that and your child is still battling redness and itchiness once temperatures begin to rise, it could be that your child is experiencing eczema.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is often genetic. In babies, it can appear as tiny red patches on their face, whereas for older children, it’s more likely to show up as irritation in sensitive areas like the fold of the elbow or the crease behind the knee. Many kids outgrow eczema by the age of 4, but for others, it is a lifelong condition that they must learn to manage.

Eczema can be brought on or made worse by allergies, so as Dr. Saqer points out, it’s important to work closely with your pediatrician and allergist to identify your child’s specific environmental and food sensitivities. In particular, pay close attention to your child’s skin after they consume dairy or eggs.

Bathtime could also contribute to your child’s dry skin—specifically the products you use and the water temperature. To limit the risk of irritation, keep baths under 10 minutes and opt for a warm (not hot) water temperature. Too much time or heat can worsen skin conditions. And while bubble baths can be entertaining, many soaps contain ingredients that are too harsh for sensitive skin.

Five Tips to Help Kids Battle Dry Skin

Even when you know what’s causing your child’s dry skin, it can be difficult to know how to address it. Here’s what Dr. Saqer suggests:

1. Opt for hypoallergenic. Using gentle, unscented lotions, detergents and other personal care products can help you avoid irritation that might result from fragrances or dyes.

2. Moisturize immediately after bathtime. Skin is most absorbent when it’s damp. Dr. Saqer recommends applying ointments as a first layer because they absorb more easily into the skin. Then, depending on the season or how irritated your child’s skin is, you can apply either a thicker cream or a thinner lotion on top.

3. Use a humidifier. Humidifiers are especially helpful in keeping room air moist during the drier winter months. Just make sure to keep the device clean to prevent the spread of dust or other allergens into the air.

4. Choose breathable fabrics. If you’ve switched to hypoallergenic detergent but your child is still scratching constantly, Dr. Saqer suggests looking at their clothing tags: “If they're sleeping on anything, we want to make sure it's breathable like cotton or natural products rather than synthetic fabrics.” Unfortunately, polyester blends can easily irritate kids’ skin.

5. Keep lip care simple. Fancy lip balms can dehydrate your child’s skin and make their symptoms worse. Instead, Dr. Saqer recommends sticking to Aquaphor® or Vaseline® for lip protection.

When to Visit Your Pediatrician

While dry skin can often be treated at home, there are times when it’s best to make an appointment to see your pediatrician:

• Adjustments to skincare products, detergents, linens or bathtime routines don’t lead to noticeable improvement
• Itching and scratching interrupt your child’s sleep or persist over a long period of time
• Yellow, crusted lesions and other signs of possible infection appear on your child’s skin

Your pediatrician can determine whether your child is suffering from eczema or exceptionally dry skin and, if needed, can prescribe a medicated ointment to alleviate irritation. In some cases, a steroid might be needed to effectively treat symptoms.

No matter whether you or your child is suffering from dry skin, it’s important to remember that simple at-home treatments can often be effective. As Dr. Saqer points out, “Don’t underestimate the value of using good moisturizers throughout the day.”

So, remember: Even when summer is at its hottest and most humid, moisturizers still deserve an important place in your shopping cart and personal care routine.