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Caring for kids with extremely sensitive skin can be a huge responsibility. Generally, children’s skin is much thinner than that of adults, which is why a mosquito bite can result in a bump the size of a golf ball.
If your child’s sensitive skin is a cause of concern, then avoiding creams altogether is not a solution. Here are tips that parents can follow when tackling sensitive skin issues.
- The Wonders of Nappy Rash Cream
While your grandmother may recommend homemade treatments for sensitive skin, these are often not supported by scientific evidence. In fact, certain home remedy ingredients, like essential oils, can be inflammatory to sensitive skin.
So, if you notice rashes or irritation on your child’s skin, use a high-quality nappy rash cream for babies. Nappy rash cream not only works for rashes but any irritations in the nappy area as well as insect bites and chapped lips.
- Take Heed at Bath Time
While kids are more prone to getting dirty, you should never bathe them just because it’s that time of day. Limit bathing as much as possible as baths tend to strip off the child’s natural bodily oils.
Also, make sure to bathe your child in lukewarm water as excessively hot water could further irritate their already sensitive skin. Finally, remember to avoid bubble baths and bath bombs as these can be highly irritating.
- Check All Products and Test Them
As a parent of a child with sensitive skin, you need to read the ingredients of every skincare product. Even products labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ may still contain irritants like synthetic fragrances. With this in mind, we suggest choosing products specifically made for sensitive skin.
It’s also advisable to do a skin reaction test whenever you purchase a new product. Usually, it’s best to apply some of the lotion or shampoo to the inside joints of the arm. If no reactions occur within 24 hours, you can feel confident in using the product.
- Stock up on High-Quality Sunscreen
Never underestimate the value of a great sunscreen for kids. While everyone’s skin reacts differently to sun exposure, sunburn can be really bad for children with overly sensitive skin. That’s why you should never allow your child to play out in the sun without applying a thick layer of sunscreen.
Also, make sure to apply sunscreen whenever your child goes out to play in the water. When playtime is over, rinse them off thoroughly, especially if they’ve come out of a chlorinated pool. The chlorine in water can also affect their sensitive skin.
- Wash All Clothes Before Letting Your Child Wear Them
While certain detergents may irritate a child’s sensitive skin, new garments may cause a skin reaction as well. Make sure that you use a detergent that is suitable for your child, and wash each new garment prior to letting your child wear it.
New clothes and bedding should ideally be washed immediately because new fabrics are often coated with chemicals that may cause skin irritation.
If your child is constantly experiencing negative skin reactions when wearing washed clothes, the detergent used may be the problem. Invest in a gentle, kid-friendly detergent to prevent any potential skin flare-ups.
When dealing with kids with sensitive skin, it’s important to take special precautions with the products you use and the way you handle their skincare routine. The goal is to protect your child’s skin from irritants while nourishing it with the right ingredients and products.
