March is dedicated to looking after children's skin, something which all parents should be aware of. 

Download out top tip-sheet for an easy way to see what 10 things you need to know about children's skin!

The main themes we are concentrating on in March are below:

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Products

Being thinner, babies’ skin is more susceptible to allergens, like harsh soaps and detergents.   Avoid anything that bubbles or causes lather, like shower products, which can strip away the skin’s natural oils.  Avoid products that contain alcohol and added fragrances.

We advise that you limit the amount of products you use on your baby’s skin.  You don’t even need to use a moisturiser, unless your baby has dry skin, which is when an emollient is needed.  Using plain water and cotton wool alone to clean the nappy area is sufficient. 

If the skin reacts to a particular product, avoid using that product again and see a dermatologist to identify the allergen/s your baby/child reacted to.

Organic skincare

Non-organic products are just as ‘safe’ as organic skincare products.  Products bought from reputable retails outlets will have been rigorously tested and will not be sold if it were to be harmful.  So, just ensure that if you do buy organic products, follow the same principles as when you buy non-organic; make sure it is not too harsh or contains detergents, fragrances, alcohol, or lathers and bubbles.

Dry Skin

To help prevent your baby’s skin becoming dry, avoid products that will strip the skin of its natural oils, which includes soap, shower gels, detergents and anything that bubbles, or lathers.

If the skin is dry, use a simple emollient cream or moisturiser during the day and before bed time.  Avoid clothing that will irritate the skin, like wool, and choose soft fabrics, like cotton.

‘Hygiene Hypothesis’

Dermatologists often speak of the ‘hygiene hypothesis’, which is the idea is that exposure to ‘bugs’ matures the immune system, which makes it less prone to react to certain allergens, like pet hair, house dust mites and pollen.  If a child/baby is not exposed to these factors it could result in the skin being more susceptible to reactions to the allergens later in life.

Babies and the sun

The majority of UV damage on our skin occurs before the age of 20 and there is a strong link between childhood sun damage and skin cancer in later life.  It is therefore vital to protect children’s skin from the sun.  Babies should not be in the sun at all and toddlers and children should be kept in the shade, covered up with loose-fitting, cotton clothing, a hat and be wearing sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30. 

Babies’ skin is more susceptible to burning because it is thinner and particularly sensitive to sunlight.  You should never let your baby’s skin burn.  Keep them out of the sun and they will not need to wear sunscreen.  If your baby’s skin does burn, it needs to be seen by a doctor as a matter of urgency.  

Remember that the risk of your child developing skin cancer in later life will reduce considerably if you protect their skin from the sun whilst they are babies and children.  Do not rely solely on sunscreen- make sure your children are covered up with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat to protect their face and neck, and stay in the shade.

Nappy Rash

When wet nappies are left on a baby, bacteria break the urine down to ammonia, which causes the smell, and this is a severe irritant and can lead to dermatitis.  This is worse for babies who already have dry skin.  In order to help prevent nappy rash (sore, red skin), ensure that you don’t leave your baby’s nappy on if it’s wet.  Change the nappy as soon as it’s dirty and cleanse with cotton wool and water at every change.  You can use a simple nappy cream as a barrier.

Skin conditions:

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are very common and are often present from birth or in the first few years.  There are various types of birthmarks, including salmon patches, port wine stains and strawberry marks.

• Salmon patches (naevus simplex)

This is the most common type of vascular birthmark, present in half of all newborns.  They occur at birth and are flat, dull-red marks usually on the nape of the neck, the bridge of the nose or the eyelids.  Most of the time, the marks disappear during infancy and no treatment is needed.

• Port wine stains (naevus flammeus)

Port wine stains are red or pink marks on the skin normally present at birth.  The permanent, red, blushed area develops because the blood vessels in that area stay open due to the lack of development of the small nerves that control the ability of the blood vessels to constrict. 

Port wine stains occur in around 3 in 1000 babies and affects babies or both genders and all races equally.  They begin smooth and pink and become darker and thicker with age.  They grow larger as the body grows and become bumpy and prone to bleeding in adulthood.  They usually affect the face and upper trunk.

• Strawberry marks (infantile haemangiomas/ strawberry naevi)

Strawberry marks are called this because they can look like a strawberry- bright red, soft and swollen.  They can appear anywhere on the skin but are most problematic when on the face or nappy area.  They are thought to be caused by an imbalance in factors controlling the development of blood vessels and are more common on premature babies and Caucasian children. 

If the strawberry mark is within the skin it will be brighter in colour and if it is located deeper, it will appear darker or blue.  If it’s beneath the skin, it will appear skin colour.  They begin small in size and tend to grow very quickly, most reaching their final size in 9 months (usually no more than a 50 pence coin).  They then shrink slowly, usually by around 70% by the child’s 7th birthday.  Most don’t need treatment.

Eczema

Eczema is the most common childhood skin condition and the majority of cases clear up before adulthood.  Atopic eczema is the most common type, is hereditary and usually linked with hayfever and asthma.  Factors like harsh soaps and detergents can make it worse.

If your baby or child has eczema, it is vital to moisturise by applying an emollient (moisturiser) daily, to prevent the skin from drying out.  If it’s very dry, apply the moisturiser every few hours and ensure the product is simple and free from fragrances.  Avoid washing your baby’s skin with harsh detergents or anything that bubbles.

Other factors can affect atopic eczema, like house dust mite.  Try to keep your house dust-free by keeping surfaces, bedding and furnishings clean and their bedroom well- ventilated.

Milk Spots

These are small white spots on the face, which could be tiny retention cysts (milia) or enlarged sebaceous glands.  They are common and harmless and will disappear of their own accord.

Cradle Cap

Cradle Cap is seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp and is a common skin condition, which consists of greasy, scaly patches on the baby’s scalp.   It is a temporary skin condition, which children grow out of by the time they are toddlers and it is generally not itchy or sore. 

The best thing to do is to use a gentle shampoo and apply emollient cream on the scalp.  Do not scratch off the flakes, as this can inflame the skin.  If it becomes severe, consult a doctor.

Download our top-tip sheet for an easy way to see what 10 things you need to know about you children's skin!

If there is anything you would like us to cover this month, then, please let us know, by emailing indy@bad.org.uk