Dehydrated baby head
Sunken fontanel: Causes, picture, and complications
A sunken fontanel occurs when the soft spot on a baby’s skull becomes more deep set than usual. One of the major causes is dehydration.
The human skull is made up from several bones that are connected by tough fibrous tissue called sutures. These sutures give the skull some flexibility, allowing the head to pass through the birth canal.
Where several sutures meet, they create a fontanel. Fontanels make the skull flexible enough for the brain to grow. When a child is born, it will have several fontanels on the skull, but the ones on the back (posterior) and top (anterior) of its head are the most well-known.
For many babies, only the larger anterior fontanel is open after birth. People refer to this fontanel as the soft spot.
Sometimes, the smaller posterior fontanel is also open and may be felt at birth but soon closes.
Over time, this flexibility becomes less necessary, so the fontanels close up, and sutures harden.
The anterior fontanel should curve slightly inwards but remain relatively firm. It is not always visible, particularly under hair. In some cases, the dip may be very pronounced and noticeable. This is a sunken fontanel, which requires medical attention.
Share on PinterestA baby’s skull can have a soft spot, which is called a fontanel.Image credit: Nojhan, 2005.
Dehydration is the primary cause of a sunken fontanel.
Dehydration occurs when an infant does not have sufficient fluid in their body to maintain normal functioning. This can happen for a many reasons, including:
- vomiting
- not drinking enough fluids
- diarrhea
- fever
- urinating too often
Dehydration in children can range from mild to severe. More severe cases will require immediate medical attention to avoid complications.
A sunken fontanel can be a sign of dehydration. Other symptoms will usually be present and can include:
- dry tongue and lips
- dry, cool skin
- rapid heart rate and breathing
- infrequent urination
- no tears when crying
- sunken eyes
It is also possible, though uncommon, for a sunken fontanel to be a sign of malnutrition. Malnutrition can result from a calorie deficit or an underlying condition, such as malabsorption syndrome.
Infants with malnutrition will almost always display other signs, including:
- being underweight
- dry, inelastic skin
- dry hair that falls out easily
- fatigue or lethargy
Share on PinterestA doctor may visually examine the baby to help diagnose the cause of a sunken fontanel.
A doctor will visually examine the fontanel and gently feel the area to help determine whether the structure of the fontanel is abnormal. An abnormal structure could indicate an underlying problem.
A doctor will also check for signs of dehydration or malnutrition. This could include monitoring the baby’s heart rate and breathing or feeling the skin for dryness and reduced elasticity.
The doctor will ask when a person first noticed the sunken fontanel. They will also ask questions relating to the infant’s overall health, such as whether they have had a fever or bouts of vomiting or diarrhea.
They will want to know about the baby’s feeding habits and whether they have been urinating more or less than usual.
The diagnosis may require blood or urine samples.
If the sunken fontanel is due to dehydration, immediate medical attention may be necessary, sometimes in the hospital.
In a hospital, a doctor will give the infant fluids orally to prompt rehydration. If the infant has been vomiting, doctors may administer fluids into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line.
This treatment will continue until fluid levels reach an acceptable level.
Parents and carers may be able to treat mild cases of dehydration at home by encouraging the infant to drink or feed if they breastfeed. However, people should only try to treat dehydration at home if a doctor has examined the baby and instructed them to do so.
If the cause of the sunken fontanel is malnutrition, treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. It will typically involve increasing overall calorie intake or a specific nutrient.
In some cases, it may be necessary to deliver nutrients through an IV line or a tube.
Share on PinterestKeeping a baby hydrated and well-fed can help prevent a sunken fontanel from occurring.
It is possible to treat most cases of dehydration quickly and easily.
Malnutrition can be challenging to treat, depending on the cause.
However, the longer an infant goes without treatment, the greater their chances of lasting damage become.
The human body needs to stay hydrated to function. A prolonged period of dehydration can lead to brain damage and even death.
Prolonged malnutrition can lead to developmental delays and disability.
Fontanels occur naturally in infants. It is normal for a fontanel to form an inward curve in infants while their skull is still hardening. But in some cases, it may become sunken, and the cause may need medical treatment.
A sunken fontanel, when accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of dehydration or malnutrition.
Some baby’s fontanels always appear slightly sunken even when they are well. Sometimes, a baby is dehydrated but does not have a sunken fontanel. It is vital to know the signs of illness and dehydration in a baby and seek medical help, regardless of the appearance of their fontanel.
Delaying treatment of dehydration or malnutrition can have severe and lasting consequences for the infant’s development. Anyone concerned about a sunken fontanel should speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
Sunken fontanel: Causes, picture, and complications
A sunken fontanel occurs when the soft spot on a baby’s skull becomes more deep set than usual. One of the major causes is dehydration.
The human skull is made up from several bones that are connected by tough fibrous tissue called sutures. These sutures give the skull some flexibility, allowing the head to pass through the birth canal.
Where several sutures meet, they create a fontanel. Fontanels make the skull flexible enough for the brain to grow. When a child is born, it will have several fontanels on the skull, but the ones on the back (posterior) and top (anterior) of its head are the most well-known.
For many babies, only the larger anterior fontanel is open after birth. People refer to this fontanel as the soft spot.
Sometimes, the smaller posterior fontanel is also open and may be felt at birth but soon closes.
Over time, this flexibility becomes less necessary, so the fontanels close up, and sutures harden.
The anterior fontanel should curve slightly inwards but remain relatively firm. It is not always visible, particularly under hair. In some cases, the dip may be very pronounced and noticeable. This is a sunken fontanel, which requires medical attention.
Share on PinterestA baby’s skull can have a soft spot, which is called a fontanel.Image credit: Nojhan, 2005.
Dehydration is the primary cause of a sunken fontanel.
Dehydration occurs when an infant does not have sufficient fluid in their body to maintain normal functioning. This can happen for a many reasons, including:
- vomiting
- not drinking enough fluids
- diarrhea
- fever
- urinating too often
Dehydration in children can range from mild to severe. More severe cases will require immediate medical attention to avoid complications.
A sunken fontanel can be a sign of dehydration. Other symptoms will usually be present and can include:
- dry tongue and lips
- dry, cool skin
- rapid heart rate and breathing
- infrequent urination
- no tears when crying
- sunken eyes
It is also possible, though uncommon, for a sunken fontanel to be a sign of malnutrition. Malnutrition can result from a calorie deficit or an underlying condition, such as malabsorption syndrome.
Infants with malnutrition will almost always display other signs, including:
- being underweight
- dry, inelastic skin
- dry hair that falls out easily
- fatigue or lethargy
Share on PinterestA doctor may visually examine the baby to help diagnose the cause of a sunken fontanel.
A doctor will visually examine the fontanel and gently feel the area to help determine whether the structure of the fontanel is abnormal. An abnormal structure could indicate an underlying problem.
A doctor will also check for signs of dehydration or malnutrition. This could include monitoring the baby’s heart rate and breathing or feeling the skin for dryness and reduced elasticity.
The doctor will ask when a person first noticed the sunken fontanel. They will also ask questions relating to the infant’s overall health, such as whether they have had a fever or bouts of vomiting or diarrhea.
They will want to know about the baby’s feeding habits and whether they have been urinating more or less than usual.
The diagnosis may require blood or urine samples.
If the sunken fontanel is due to dehydration, immediate medical attention may be necessary, sometimes in the hospital.
In a hospital, a doctor will give the infant fluids orally to prompt rehydration. If the infant has been vomiting, doctors may administer fluids into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line.
This treatment will continue until fluid levels reach an acceptable level.
Parents and carers may be able to treat mild cases of dehydration at home by encouraging the infant to drink or feed if they breastfeed. However, people should only try to treat dehydration at home if a doctor has examined the baby and instructed them to do so.
If the cause of the sunken fontanel is malnutrition, treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. It will typically involve increasing overall calorie intake or a specific nutrient.
In some cases, it may be necessary to deliver nutrients through an IV line or a tube.
Share on PinterestKeeping a baby hydrated and well-fed can help prevent a sunken fontanel from occurring.
It is possible to treat most cases of dehydration quickly and easily.
Malnutrition can be challenging to treat, depending on the cause.
However, the longer an infant goes without treatment, the greater their chances of lasting damage become.
The human body needs to stay hydrated to function. A prolonged period of dehydration can lead to brain damage and even death.
Prolonged malnutrition can lead to developmental delays and disability.
Fontanels occur naturally in infants. It is normal for a fontanel to form an inward curve in infants while their skull is still hardening. But in some cases, it may become sunken, and the cause may need medical treatment.
A sunken fontanel, when accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of dehydration or malnutrition.
Some baby’s fontanels always appear slightly sunken even when they are well. Sometimes, a baby is dehydrated but does not have a sunken fontanel. It is vital to know the signs of illness and dehydration in a baby and seek medical help, regardless of the appearance of their fontanel.
Delaying treatment of dehydration or malnutrition can have severe and lasting consequences for the infant’s development. Anyone concerned about a sunken fontanel should speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
Dry and dehydrated skin: differences and features of care - Face Care - Care for dry and atopic skin - Blog
Peeling, tightness, dullness... Due to the similar list of symptoms, it may seem that the terms "dry" and "dehydrated" when applied to the skin describe the same phenomenon. However, these are two different problems: with different causes and requiring a different approach to solving.
Differences and features
Dry skin is a type of skin that is genetically determined, it does not depend on external factors and does not drastically change throughout life, while dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that everyone can face, regardless of skin type.
Dry skin suffers from a lack of lipids (fats) associated with an insufficiently intense work of the sebaceous glands, i. e. the problem comes from within. On dehydrated skin, a violation of the lipid barrier can also be observed (under the influence of external irritants), but its main problem is the lack of moisture in the stratum corneum, the upper layer. nine0003
Externally, these two problems appear almost the same. In both cases are characteristic:
- feeling of dryness and tightness;
- itching;
- peeling;
- irritability;
- dull shade.
However, there are obvious differences between them:
Dry skin | Dehydrated skin |
Thin, rough to the touch, prone to peeling all over the body | Dryness and peeling appear only in certain areas |
The state does not change dramatically regardless of the time of year | "Seasonal" dryness |
Non-greasy, fully matt | Dryness can be combined with increased sebum production (oily sheen, clogged pores) |
Tendency to early appearance of a network of fine, multiple wrinkles | Deep creases appear, quickly disappearing after applying the cream |
Keep in mind that dry skin can also suffer from dehydration. In this case, her usual condition will worsen, and the usual care may cease to work. nine0003
Main causes of skin dehydration
As we have already found out, the lack of moisture is a problem caused by external factors. Therefore, the key to solving it is to identify and eliminate them.
General dehydration
With a lack of moisture in the body, all organs suffer - including the skin. Start your fight against dryness by drinking a glass of warm water in the morning and repeating this procedure several times throughout the day. nine0003
Sun exposure
When it comes to "weather" factors, the main enemies of the skin are not wind and frost, as it might seem, but UVA rays. Although UVA radiation cannot cause burns or redness, long-term exposure to UVA radiation leads to the destruction of the skin's protective barrier and, among other negative effects, to loss of moisture. So, it is impossible to neglect the cream with SPF even in winter, because UVA rays can penetrate clouds. nine0003
Hard water, too hot shower/bath
Cleansers not only lather badly in hard water - this combination is especially dangerous because of the formation of "soap slags" that destroy the natural fatty film on the surface of the skin and are extremely difficult to wash off. You can avoid negative consequences by replacing tap water with filtered / purified water.
nine0004 Everyone who has ever washed dishes is familiar with the ability of hot water to wash off fat, and it interacts with the lipid barrier of the skin in a similar way. Therefore, it is better to wash your face with cool water, take a shower in warm water, and it is advisable to refuse long hot baths.
Air conditioning/central heating
Indoor air humidity tends to zero: during the cold period this is due to heating, and in summer it is replaced by air conditioners. This leads to the fact that moisture actively evaporates from the surface of the skin. Special humidifiers perfectly help to fight dry air, and if there is no such device at home, do not forget to ventilate the apartment more often. nine0003
If you have eliminated the above factors, but the skin condition has not changed, there is one more potential problem:
Improper maintenance
Owners of oily and problematic skin often seek to “dry” and deeply cleanse it in the hope of getting rid of oily sheen and imperfections. Alcohol-based lotions and tonics, acid and retinol peels, various scrubs, clay masks are used. All these products have a place to be in a properly selected care system, however, their abuse, coupled with insufficient hydration and nutrition, leads to the exact opposite result: the skin's protective barrier is destroyed, it begins to actively try to restore it, producing more and more sebum. Thus, the problem of oily sheen does not go anywhere, and peeling with irritations is added to it. nine0003
So what should be the care system for dehydrated skin and is it fundamentally different from dry skin care?
Dehydrated skin care
As we have already found out, moisture is needed to normalize the condition - but “just adding water” (for example, thermal water) is not enough. You will need products that provide long-term hydration and are able to retain moisture in the skin without overloading it.
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing
In any condition, skin needs to remove impurities, dead skin cells and "recycled" sebum - choose gentle, soap- and alcohol-free moisturizers to keep this process as gentle as possible.
Bioderma Sensibio: Cleansing Micellar Water, 500ml + Cleansing Gel, 200m L
nine0214 Set: micellar water 500 ml + cleansing gel 200 mlSOFT AND DELICATE CLEANSING FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
2147 ₽ -25% 2863 ₽
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La Roche-Posay Physiological Cleansers: micellar cleansing foam, 150ml + soothing moisturizing tonic, 200ml
Kit: Micellar Cleansing Foam 150ml + Soothing Hydrating Tonic 200ml
SOFT AND GENTLE CLEANSING FOR SENSITIVE FACE SKIN
2914 ₽ -20% 3642 ₽
nine0002 Receipt expected
Sesderma Hidraven Foam Cleanser nine0003
Foam Cleanser, 300 ml
effectively cleanses the skin of the face, perfectly removes makeup and can be used for the intimate area
2645 ₽ -15% 3111 ₽ nine0003
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nine0002Step 2: Replenish and retain moisture in the skin
Long-term hydration requires hygroscopic (i. e. "moisture-absorbing") ingredients. They attract water molecules from the air, thereby maintaining a constant level of humidity. Particularly effective in this regard will be products with the following ingredients:
- sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid
- glycerin
- sorbitol (sorbitol)
- urea
Nuxe Creme Fraiche De Beaute Intense Hydrating Serum 48 Hours
nine0214 Moisture Skin-Quenching Serum Anti-pollution plumping 30 mlComprehensive anti-aging care for all skin types
2369 ₽ -26% 3211 ₽
nine0002 Receipt expected
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum GIGI Lotus Beauty nine0003
Hyaluronic Acid Serum, 30 ml
long-lasting moisturizing, increase skin density, slowing down aging
6089 ₽
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Avene Hydrance Multifunctional Aqua Gel nine0003
Aqua Gel, 50 ml
Keeps moisture, softness and gives a feeling of comfort
1758 ₽ -27% 2411 ₽ nine0003
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nine0002Vichy Liftactiv Hyaluronic Express Face Mask
Step 3: Prevent moisture loss
"Lock" moisture in the skin will help products with occlusive components, creating a thin film on its surface. They include:
- Vaseline (petrolatum, petroleum jelly), paraffin (paraffin oil), mineral oil (mineral oil, paraffinum liquidum)
- dimethicone
- lanolin
- beeswax, cera alba
- shea butter
Do not be surprised that the first two paragraphs list synthetic ingredients, which many people try to avoid precisely because of the film that forms on the skin. In this case, they are more than appropriate and when used in day care (and, of course, with adequate cleansing), they will not cause harm. nine0003
La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense
Intense Deep Revitalizing Cream for Dry Face and Body, 50 ml
RELIEVES IRRITATION AND REDUCES DRY SKIN SENSITIVITY
2416 ₽ -20% 3019 ₽
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Avene Cold Cream
Cold cream, 100 ml
RELIEVES IRRITATION, DRY SKIN, PEELING
1430 ₽ -32% 2107 ₽ nine0003
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nine0002Cetaphil Moisture Protective Cream
Moisturizing Protective Cream 50 ml
For daily care of normal and dry sensitive skin nine0003
1436 ₽ -27% 1958 ₽
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Dehydrated skin care lines
Bioderma Hydrabio
Vichy Aqualia Thermal
Dry skin care
In general, dry skin care is based on the same principle as for dehydrated skin. The main difference is that dry skin, first of all, needs to restore the lipid barrier, so other components will become the main ones in caring for it: oils, fatty acids and ceramides.
nine0004 Step 1: Gentle cleansing
It should be extremely soft, with minimal impact on the natural lipid membrane. For the first stage of cleansing, products with a milk texture, as well as oils, creams and balms, are suitable, for the second - delicate foams and mousses.
Avene Sensibles Mild Cleansing Milk nine0003
Mild cleansing milk, 200 ml
GENTLY CLEANSES DRY, DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN OF THE FACE AND EYES
1118 ₽ -35% 1711 ₽ nine0003
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nine0002
Janssen Cosmetics Luxury Facial Cleansing Oil
CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Cleansing Water nine0003
Moisturizing Ceramide Makeup Remover Micellar Cleansing Water for All Skin Types, 295 ml
Gently removes make-up and other impurities
1268 ₽
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Filorga Makeup Remover Moisturizing Mousse
Moist Makeup Remover Mousse, 150 ml
Gently cleanses, prevents dehydration, restores comfort nine0003
2340 ₽ -20% 2925 ₽
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Vitamin C Cleaner Holyland Laboratories nine0003
Vitamin Cleanser, 250 ml
DELICATE CLEANSING WITH FRUIT EXTRACT AND VITAMINS C AND B
3471 ₽
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Step 2: Repairing the lipid barrier
This is where natural nourishing oils come to the rescue: avocado, shea, hemp, apricot, cocoa, etc. They can be both ingredients in a serum / cream, and an independent care product. Using oils in their pure form, apply them after tonic and/or serum, as the last (or penultimate, before cream) step of skin care. nine0003
Sothys Hydradvance Essential Elixir for instant restoration of skin barrier functions
nine0004 Divine oil for face, body and hair Caudalie Divine
SVR Topialyse Intense Balm nine0003
Avocado Cream for Dry, Dehydrated Skin Holyland Laboratories
Avocado Cream for dry, dehydrated skin Avocado Cream, 250 ml
NUTRITION AND MOISTURIZING FOR DRY SKIN, ANTI-COUPEROUS EFFECT
3796 ₽
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Topicream ultra-moisturizing oil for face, body, hair nine0003
Ultra Moisturizing Body, Face & Hair Oil, 125 ml
gives the skin instant comfort, nourishes and moisturizes for 24 hours
1279 ₽ -20% 1606 ₽ nine0003
Receipt expected
nine0002Step 3: Prevent moisture loss
Having made efforts to normalize the protective barrier of the skin, it is necessary to “fix” the effect by creating a thin breathable film on its surface. A list of suitable components for this is given just above.
Ducray Ictyane Nourishing Dry Skin Cream nine0003
Weleda Skin Food All-Purpose Cream
Bioderma Cicabio Revitalizing Cream nine0003
Cream 40 ml
REPAIRS AND SOOTHES THE SKIN OF THE FACE AND BODY
815 ₽ -15% 958 ₽
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Medipharma Cosmetics Olivenol Intensiv Nourishing Day Cream
Olivenol Intensiv Nourishing Day Cream, 50 ml
Suitable for very dry and mature skin, reduces the feeling of tightness, supports collagen synthesis nine0003
1504 ₽ -25% 2009
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Lines for dry skin care
La Roche Posay Lipikar
nine0002
Uriage Xemose
CeraVe
Caring for dry and dehydrated skin is a difficult process that requires perseverance and patience, but it is worth the effort: choosing the right care, you can not only get rid of discomfort and unpleasant peeling. By restoring the protective barrier and normalizing the metabolism in the skin cells, you can preserve its youth and beauty for a long time. nine0003
Author - Marina Kanukhina.
Dry skin in a child [causes of dryness and what to do about it]
Features of dry skin in children
Dry skin in a child can develop under the influence of external factors, as well as be a symptom of various diseases. If the skin can be protected or restored from certain adverse effects by proper care, then in the presence of diseases, it is necessary to consult a doctor. nine0003
Causes of dry skin in newborns
Atopic dermatitis occupies the first place among the medical problems of dry skin in children. The disease is based on a genetic defect in the barrier function, resulting in increased moisture loss. The disease begins at an early age and is characterized by dryness, itching, and during periods of exacerbation - the occurrence of inflammatory foci. If an exacerbation needs to be eliminated with medicines, then in the period between exacerbations, the care recommended by the doctor must be carried out daily. Usually this is the use of emollients. nine0003
Ichthyosis is another cause of dry skin in newborns. This is a congenital disease that is accompanied by a violation of the keratinization of the upper layer of the epidermis. As a result, scales resembling fish can form on the body, hence the name of the disease. This is not a very common disease, it can proceed in different ways, from mild manifestations to severe conditions that require constant therapy.
Diseases of the endocrine system (hypofunction of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus), worm infestation, some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, deficiency of certain vitamins A and PP are also reasons why a child has dry skin. Regular monitoring of the baby, periodic examinations by a pediatrician, timely prescribed treatment, if required, will allow you to suspect and eliminate these causes in a timely manner. nine0003
If the child has dry skin on the body, there are other reasons. In the first month of a baby's life, the development of physiological dryness of the skin is possible. In utero, the child is in the aquatic environment, and after birth it passes into the air, and it takes time for the baby to adapt. The main cause of this condition is the insufficient work of the sweat glands, which begin to be activated after birth. Physiological dryness of the skin can manifest itself in the form of peeling on the whole body of a newborn. Gradually, within a month, this physiological condition disappears. It is enough after carrying out water procedures to moisturize the skin of the baby with a light cream or special milk. For example:
But if the skin is excessively dry in a one-year-old baby, this is a reason to consult a doctor to receive care recommendations in order to avoid complications.
Any inflammatory process, be it a cold or a more serious condition, accompanied by a rise in temperature, contributes to the loss of moisture from the body. Dyspeptic symptoms, insufficient drinking, frequent diarrhea or poisoning of the child are accompanied by fluid loss, and, as a result, dehydration develops. One of the manifestations of this condition will be very dry skin in a child, which can be corrected by moisturizing the face and body with baby light cream or milk. nine0003
The skin of a child only after the age of 6 years becomes like that of an adult. And up to this age it is characterized by high permeability and therefore loses natural moisture much easier and faster. It is more vulnerable to injury, and through damage it can become infected, especially in infancy. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor and care for her every day.
If the baby has foci of irritation or dryness as a reaction to food, contact with a substance, after exposure to the sun, we recommend that you consult a doctor. Causes and treatments are always different, and the wrong drugs and creams can lead to serious skin lesions. nine0003
External factors causing dry skin in a child
Dry skin in a child of one year old can be not only due to medical problems. Improper or excessive care, too frequent bathing, improper diet, climate affect the condition of the dermis. Using very hot water or very hard water when washing will dry out the skin. We recommend that you pay attention to special mild detergents, control the temperature of the water when bathing (not higher than 37 ° C), choose soft towels and use a moisturizing or nourishing cream after the bath. nine0003
Another external cause is dry air and overheating. The processes of thermoregulation in babies are poorly developed and continue to form after birth, so the baby cannot quickly and adequately respond to overheated air, or excessive wrapping. This is also due to the fact that the sweat glands after birth do not function enough, they have underdeveloped ducts. First of all, the formation of sweat glands ends on the forehead and head, then on the chest and back. The formation of the sweating function occurs over 7 years. nine0003
The use of a humidifier at home is recommended, especially in winter when the heating is on (recommended indoor humidity should be 40-70%) and the preference for light clothing that does not allow overheating (sometimes the easiest way to determine can be to feel the back and neck under clothing - they should not be hot or wet, as well as red cheeks in a baby with normal, not rough skin - these are overheating signals).
Another feature is the incomplete formation of melanin in children, a pigment that protects the skin from UVA rays. Therefore, until the age of 6 months, the baby should avoid direct sunlight, and at an older age, do not forget about sun protection. Up to a year, a child can be in the open sun for no more than five minutes a day, and only with a special children's sunscreen. UV light dries out the skin and increases the risk of cancer. nine0003
Frost and cold air is another challenge. Under the influence of bad weather in autumn and winter, redness, dryness, peeling and irritation of the skin may develop. What to do to avoid dryness? Use cold cream (or emollient) about 20-30 minutes before leaving the house to prevent chapping of the baby's face and hands.
If your child's skin is dry for a long time, you should first consult a pediatrician to rule out various diseases. If you have a skin rash, you may need to consult a dermatologist. To cope with dryness will help following the recommendations of the doctor, as well as selected daily proper care. nine0003
Rules for caring for dry baby skin
Baby skin care during the day consists of several stages: washing the face, washing hands, washing intimate areas after each bowel movement, and bathing.
It is permissible to bathe the baby every day, as it not only cleanses the skin, but also calms the child, hardens him, awakens his appetite, improves tactile and emotional skills, and improves psychological contact with parents. One of the mistakes of parents is the long-term bathing of a child in a bath with potassium permanganate. Such bathing dries out the skin and it is not advisable to use it. Contraindications for water procedures are high body temperature and the presence of purulent-inflammatory diseases or open wounds on the body. nine0003
Bathing water should be soft and, if necessary, filtered. The temperature of the water should also not be high, optimally if it is 34-37 ° C. In order not to disturb the protective hydrolipidic layer of the baby's skin, it is not recommended to use bathing products daily. Pay attention to special products for babies, which have delicate formulas, tested by pediatricians, dermatologists.
This gel can also be used to clean the head of babies and for daily intimate hygiene when changing diapers. Washing should be as gentle as possible, it is not recommended to use washcloths made of coarse materials. nine0003
After bathing, dry the body and apply a moisturizer. The towel should not be hard, you can not rub the baby's skin too much, it is better to gently blot excess moisture. You can use a terry bathrobe. During the first 3-5 minutes after bathing, while the skin is still damp, it is advisable to apply a moisturizer. Can be used Lipikar Lait . It has a rich formula based on cold cream, a classic combination of protective lipids, enriched with shea butter (10%) to restore the lipid barrier. Suitable for very dry skin of children and adults. And niacinamide provides long-lasting comfort to even the driest, most delicate and sensitive skin. nine0003
Create a favorable microclimate in the room where the child is. The air should not be dry, the temperature should not be higher than 18-22°C. Keep an eye on humidity, ideally if it fluctuates in the range of 40-70%. To maintain humidity, you can purchase a humidifier. During the heating season, it is necessary to shield the batteries, you can cover them with a wet towel to evaporate moisture.
Choose clothes made of cotton fabric, it breathes well and perfectly absorbs excess sweat. Take air baths during diaper changes. During walks, do not wrap your baby tightly to avoid sweating. nine0003
During the summer, stay out of the sun during the hottest hours between 11 am and 4 pm or when the UV index is above 4 (you only need to check this indicator in the Weather app on your smartphone or almost any website to determine the weather forecast). Be sure to wear a panama hat or a sun hat for your child; on the beach, it is better for a child to use a closed bathing suit or T-shirt.