Managing Common Skin Problems in Babies and Young Children

Knowing Your Skin Make-up

Naturally from its makeup, the skin serves as a protective barrier. Physiological lipids are essential components of skin and play a crucial role in the skin’s barrier function. Found mostly in the outermost layer of the skin, lipids hold skin cells together and retain moisture in your skin.  The lack of lipids weaken the skin’s barrier function, resulting in dehydrated, flaky, sensitive or irritable skin. 

Dry skin is a form of 'impaired' lipid barrier, causing it to:
• Allow irritants to penetrate making the skin more prone to infection
• Be vulnerable to soaps, detergents, germs and various allergens
• Worsen with exposure to chemicals, changes in environmental conditions
• Result in itch, flaking, cracks and bleeds even if left untreated.  

Atopic eczema

Atopic eczema is largely attributed to genetic makeup. More than half of the children with atopic eczema will have a direct family member with a skin condition – either eczema, dry or sensitive skin. The condition is usually managed with a combination of steroids, moisturisers and anti-histamines to reduce the itch. Steroid cream is a first line treatment because it is effective in reducing itch and redness caused by eczema. It is considered safe if used under a doctor's supervision. However, unregulated long-term use of steroid may produce side effects like thinning of the skin. 

Hence, non-steroidal alternatives like moisturisers with PEA (Palmitamide MEA), which possess anti-inflammatory and anti-irritation properties are recommended. Such moisturisers have also been backed by clinical studies and are clinically proven to retain moisture while significantly reducing itch and irritation in atopic eczema patients.  

Moisturising as Part of a Daily Routine

Moisturising should not just be a response to dryness, but rather a routine to maintain general skin’s elasticity, boost hydration and retard ageing. Moisturising need not be limited to twice daily. Someone who is experiencing itch or flaky skin may be required to apply coats of moisturisers every few hours a day and invest in a heavier moisturising cream to last through the night. Moisturisers are not all the same. Some are formulated for better integration into the skin to deliver longer lasting hydration.

To minimise skin’s irritability, here are some cleansing and moisturising tips:
• Select products that are hypoallergenic and free of preservatives, sulfates and colourants
• 10-15min warm shower or bath with a gentle cleanser that is fragrance-free and non-lathering.
• Cleanse with warm rather than hot water as the latter dries out the skin
• Patting away the excess water
• Immediately following with moisturising lotion while the skin is damp. Moisturising is most effective on damp skin which is more absorbent than dry skin

- See more at: http://www.kidsworld.com.sg/article/managing-common-skin-problems-in-babies-and-young-children/

Can Facial Mists Dry Your Skin?

Facial mists for skin 

It depends on how often you use a facial spritz.

Facial mists help to hydrate the skin slightly as the water keeps it moist. However, due to a lack of binding agents, the excess water dissipates quickly so a facial mist will not offer a prolonged moisturising effect .

This rapid evaporation also helps to cool down overheated skin, making such sprays great perk-me-ups in humid weather. If you have sensitive skin, try facial mists made with water from thermal springs to soothe any inflammation or itch.

These mists are recommended for patients who have sensitive skin or eczema. The concentration and balance of naturally occuring minerals and trace elements make thermal water soothing and non-irritating to the skin. They also contain anti-bacterial properties. Such spritzes are also good if you are sunburnt or have just undergone treatments such as chemical peels and laser.

Some reputable brands that offer such spritzes include Avene ($20.30), La Roche-Posay ($20.90) and Uriage ($20.90), which are sold at personal care stores such as Watsons and Guardian.

However, despite its manifold benefits and ease of use, one should refrain from using facial mist more than 3 to 5 times a day. If you use it too frequently, for an extended period of time, you may paradoxically weaken your skin's protective barrier function, as water will weaken the bonds holding your skin's cells together. This results in greater water loss from your skin and dries it out in the long run.

Are You Treating Baby's Skin Right?

Prevent eczema from birth

The incidence of eczema is rising relentlessly, and we are looking into ways to stem the tide.

From the time baby leaves the blissful, damp milieu within the womb, her skin changes, to adapt to life outside.

From the cold, dry air of the delivery suite, to baby's first bath; every little event is a potential insult to fragile newborn skin. Every insult erodes a little of the tenuous barrier of the skin, gradualy tipping the scales in favour of eczema.

Now, experts believe that the holy grail of eczema prevention, lies in the way we care for baby's skin from the time of birth.

To investigate this hunch, the researchers from Oregon University of Science and Health enrolled 28 babies who were deemed to be at high risk of developing eczema subsequently. These babies would have had older siblings with eczema or other allergic diseases such as asthma or rhinitis.

From the time of birth, right up till 2 years of age, their mothers were instructed to regularly apply an emollient (moisturiser) twice daily. Babies were bathed with soap-free cleanser only.

When these infants were assessed at 2 years of age, an overwhelming majority remained well and had not developed any signs of eczema. 

The result of this study is promising. The regular use of emollient replenishes moisture attrition in the skin, maintains the skin barrier. It may also prevent eczema!

Coming next ...Which Moisturiser Is Best?