Children can get dry skin just like adults.  As a matter of fact because  young skin is more  delicate, it is more susceptible to becoming dry.

What are the causes of dry skin ?

• Too much bathing and soap
• Dry climate makes dry skin worse  as does  winter weather.
• Genetics can also play a  role dry skin.
• Keratosis Pilaris is  dry, rough bumpy skin  on the back of the upper arm. It is made worse by soap. You can treat with moisturizing cream.
• Pityriasis Alba are dry pale spots on the face. They are common in the winter time  and also made worse by soaps. You can treat with moisturizing cream.
• Children with eczema have very dry itchy skin.

What to do about your child’s dry skin

• Cut back on bath time. Instead of 30 minutes, cut it down to 10 minutes, use warm not  hot water and use soap sparingly.
• After taking a bath, quickly pat your child dry  with a towel  and apply moisturizer. You need to apply the moisturizer within minutes of taking your child out of the tub to  seal in the water that’s still in his skin from the bath.
• Don’t let salt or chlorine dry on the skin. After swimming in a pool or ocean, rinse off the child with tap water  and apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp.
• Use a cool moist humidifier in your child’s room  if the air in your home is dry.
• Keep your child well hydrated  to replace the moisture that is evaporating from the skin.
• Protect your child from elements. You should make sure your child wears  mittens and gloves  in the cold weather  to keep her hands from becoming dry  and chapped from the cold and winds. Take steps to protect the child from windburn and sunburn.
• Avoid drying and aggravating ingredients  such as perfumes or powders on the child’s skin. You should  use unscented laundry products. If you child has sensitive skin :
  • Rinse his clothes twice to remove all traces of soap residue.
  • Don’t dress him in tight or rough clothing
  • Keep in mind that fabrics such as wool can be irritating to dry skin