The Best Skin Care Regimen For Your Kids

Skin care regimens are important for people of all ages. When it comes to kids, it is important to practice good skin care habits to protect them from infection, sun damage and to keep chronic conditions such as eczema under control.

Teaching kids proper hand washing techniques is a great place to start. Ensuring they use warm soapy and include in between the fingers as well as the nails. Remember to avoid products that have fragrance to them, because these can be extra irritating to skin especially if you child has sensitive skin.

If eczema is an issue, it is common that prescription medications are needed for bad flares. Make sure to visit your local dermatologist for proper evaluation and to discuss treatment options.

For at home maintenance, it is imperative to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. The best time to do this is right after the bath or shower when the skin is still a little damp. Again, avoid all products with scent to them to keep down irritation. Gentle cleanser and moisturizers are easily found over the counter at your local drug store or grocery store.

When it comes to sunscreen, there are certain guidelines to follow for application. Children over 6 months should have broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 applied about 30 minutes before outdoor activity and then about every hour during exposure. Sunscreen can’t fight the battle against UVA/UVB rays alone, so other tools are needed. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, protective clothing and seeking as much shade as possible are all important to keep the risk of sunburn to a minimum. Recent studies have shown that only a few sunburns in childhood and adolescence can double the chances of developing melanoma later on in life. For babies under 6 months of age, sun avoidance is crucial. Make sure to keep the shade over the stroller and use hats, sunglasses and protective clothing as well.

Kids often come in from playing outside with mosquito, ant, or other bug bites to the arms, legs, etc. Try to keep hands off. To help with itching, antihistamines and over the counter cortisone cream can be helpful. Always follow dosing instructions on labels or call your health care provider for instructions. Scratching can lead to possible infection and scaring. To keep little fingers from scratching, covering with a bandaid is a good idea. Make sure all areas are washed with warm soapy water to keep them clean. If you suspect signs of infection or itching and scratching are not controlled, make sure to see the dermatologist for additional treatment options.

Kids need good skin care regimens as much as adults and good washing techniques are the first step. If your child has any new lumps, bumps or rashes that are not controlled with at home therapy, make sure to seek treatment from your local dermatologist to avoid complications.

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