Tips to protect a baby’s skin

The skin is one of the most visible signs of health and well being of your baby and should receive the same attention as other aspects of health. The skin problems listed below can be prevented with relatively little effort.

Dry Skin: The dehydrated and dry skin of your baby is less effective as a barrier against harmful elements.

Avoiding dry skin

1. Control the temperature and humidity in your home.

2. Protect your baby from the wind.

3. Keep your baby's skin well moisturized to prevent dryness.

4. Maintain proper hydration of the skin using a moisturizing cream.

Irritants: There may be friction between the baby's clothes and their skin or in areas where skin rubs such as neck, underarms and creases or bubbles and genitals with diapers and nappies causing irritations.

Avoiding irritants

1. Dry your baby thoroughly after bathing, paying special attention to creases and folds.

2. Avoid harsh fabrics, synthetic and tight clothing.

3. Use a medicated powder or baby lotion on the skin to reduce friction and keep baby comfortable.

Scabs on the scalp: The activity of the sebaceous glands of the scalp may cause crusted plaques on the scalp of your baby.

Avoiding crusty scabs on the scalp

1. To prevent them, wash the baby's scalp with a special baby product gentle enough to be used in the latter.

2. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

3. If the scabs are present, you should gently rub some good baby oil into scalp (Mother Care or Pigeon is recommended) and leave it at night to soften the crusted plates so they could be easily removed.

Common skin irritations

There are many irritations that occur commonly in infants.

Irritations heat: In humid climates, the pores of your baby can become clogged and cause small pink grains.

Avoiding heat irritations

1. Do not let your baby get too warm.

2. Do not make your baby wear too warm clothes.

3. Make sure your baby's clothes are not tight.

4. Bathe your baby regularly to prevent excessive sweating.

Reaction to soaps or talcum: Babies born with a delicate and sensitive skin require special attention.

Avoiding reactions

1. Avoid irritants such as strong soaps or shampoos which are made for adults.

2. Wash your baby's clothes with a mild detergent especially Genteel or Eazy and rinse well.

Hormonal changes: White grains characterized by irritation of the nose, cheeks and forehead may occur by the passage of hormones from mother to baby during pregnancy.

This is very normal and will disappear with time.