Growing children spend a good part of the day outdoors, in contact with sand, public pools, plants, and various other sources of allergens. This, coupled with their skin’s natural sensitivity, make them susceptible to skin conditions. Unless the condition is severe, there are a range of self-care and preventative measures that can limit the damage to the skin.

Some of the home remedies listed below can help keep your child’s skin free of irritants and prevent long-term damage.

1. Use Fragrance-free Products

Most skin and hair products in the market are perfumed, and therefore contain several undeclared toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. When buying products off the shelf, read the labels carefully to make sure the contents are free of mineral oil and silicones, which are inexpensive substances without any significant health benefits. Instead, they tend to dry the skin and cause rashes.

2. Use Ice Cubes to Cool the Affected Area

If your child has been bitten by a bug or contracted chicken pox, eczema or contact dermatitis, s/he may have also developed itchy rashes. Excessive scratching could aggravate the condition, so cover their hands with socks. Keep the affected area cool and wet by rubbing it with ice cubes or a wet cloth; however, too much wetting can cause the skin to dry out and exacerbate the itching. A cool mist humidifier can keep the skin moist without causing burns, which are common with the use of hot-water vaporiser.

3. Use Child-friendly Sunscreen

Sunscreens meant for children contain fewer chemicals, so choose one that is photostable and suitable for young skin. Put your child in the habit of using sun screen, as it helps prevent cancer and slows the ageing of the skin. For the lips, use a sunscreen lip balm.

4. Change Wound Dressings Once A Day

An unavoidable part of childhood is nicks, cuts, bruises and other playground injuries. Since it is difficult to confine even injured children indoors, it is best to apply an antibiotic cream to the affected area and cover it with a sterile gauze to prevent an infection. Remember to change the dressing at least once a day.

5. Keep Away From Irritants Found in Common Household Items

Since your child’s immunity system is still developing, their skin is prone to irritation by even everyday household products such as air-freshening sprays, pet hair and dander, and wool or synthetic clothing. Most allergies can be avoided by using dye- and perfume-free detergents to wash children’s clothes, vacuuming frequently, and clothing them mainly in cotton or cotton blends.

When none of these measures are sufficient, consult a dermatologist, as conditions such as eczema require professional treatment.

Everybody loves the end-of-year festive season, except when it gets cold and raw out. The lack of humidity and exposure to indoor heaters often makes our skin taut, itchy and flaky. While there are countless winter care products in the market, this is the also the best time of the year to break out a few home care remedies.

1. Use Face Cleansers that Suit Your Skin Type

Limit the number of times you wash your face. For very dry skin, avoid soaps and instead, use natural cleansers like aloevera and lemon. Aloe is known for its moisturising properties and helps soften the skin, removes dead cells, and accelerates cell rejuvenation. The antibacterial properties in lemon cleanse and brighten your skin through repeated use.

For oily skin, use light moisturising lotions to keep the skin hydrated and soft.

2. Heal the Heels

Cracked heels can be particularly painful during winter. Soak your heels in warm water at night and scrub away the dead cells with a pumice stone. Coat both feet in any vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to restore moisture to the feet. Wear socks to bed so that it soaks in fully. Avoid soaps until your feet are healed. Avoid wearing open-backed footwear or shoes with thin soles.

3. Avoid Allergens and Irritants

Allergens may aggravate existing conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis. As the skin becomes more sensitive in winter, avoid irritating fabrics like wool and chemical-laden detergents. Use warm rather than hot water for cleansing and use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and oil-based moisturizers. Exfoliate your skin at least once a week.

4. Stay Hydrated

Your intake of water may reduce during winter due to drop in temperature, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated all through the season. Add more soups and broths to your diet to ensure your body receives the hydration it requires. Limit your intake of soda, caffeine and alcoholic beverages as these have a dehydrating effect on your body. Add more vegetables and fruits with high water content to your daily diet. Strawberry, cucumbers and celery are great sources of water in foods.

5. Do Not Forget Your Sunscreen

Even though the winter sun is comparatively mellow, do not forget to apply sunscreen before stepping out. The harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause severe damage to your skin and reapply it if you are out for more than 30 minutes in the sun.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply it to all areas of the skin exposed to the sun, including your lips. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially on sunny days or when swimming. Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

The Skin Studio is pleased to announce we are now offering cosmetic procedures in the Pascagoula office. Melissa Thierry PA-C, MHS is an expert injector in neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport) and dermal fillers (Juvéderm, Restylane). She joined our practice in early 2018 and is working full time in the Pascagoula office. Her clinic days are Tuesday-Friday. She is currently accepting new patients so go ahead and call the office to schedule a consultation.

Melissa has been practicing dermatology since 2012 and specializes in general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She is board certified by the National Commission on Accreditation of Physician Assistants, is a Diplomate member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Melissa received her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Alabama. Her undergraduate training was done in her home state of Michigan, where she graduated with honors from Grand Valley State University.