Caring for a Baby’s Skin

Approximately one in five children in the Western world will develop atopic eczema or dermatitis. The terms eczema and dermatitis essentially mean the same thing so it is often a personal preference as to which term one would use.

There are various theories as to the cause of atopic eczema with a hereditary predisposition being one of the more common ones. Most children grow out of eczema but they will always have a tendency towards it especially if their professions later on in life expose them to triggers – this is especially common for chefs, hairdressers, motor mechanics, skin therapists etc.

It is a type of chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by red, itchy, and dry skin patches. Eczema can be distressing for both the child as well as the parents, but it is not contagious.

Treatment tips that can help with Caring for a Baby’s Skin

• It is very important that literally from birth, the correct cleansers and moisturisers are used on your baby to help prevent the onset of atopic eczema
• If there is a family history of asthma, hayfever, eczema or a genetically dry skin (ichthyosis) it is essential to use products that are specially formulated for the dry, sensitive atopic prone skin
• Despite the best care, flare-ups can occur – active atopic eczema may be under control for long periods of time but can suddenly flare for various reasons
• Possible triggers would include using incorrect products, heat and sweating, cold dry winters, swimming in heavily chlorinated pools, and secondary bacterial infection.

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Skincare ingredients that can help with Caring for a Baby’s Skin

• Avocado Perseose
• Sunflower Seed Oil
• Glycerin
• Niacinamide
• Shea Butter
• Jojoba Oil
• Vitamin E

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Skincare products that can help with Caring for a Baby’s Skin

Use gentle cleansers that effectively cleanse delicate skin leaving it feeling soft and comfortable. Dr Webster recommends:

• Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel
• Aveeno Baby Dermexa Wash
• La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet AP+ 400ml

Use a gentle shampoo that gently washes fine and delicate hair leaving it easy to comb. Dr Webster recommends:

• Aveeno Baby Daily Hair and Body Wash
• Mustela Gentle Shampoo

Use moisturisers which are immediately soothing, anti-itch, and space flare-ups of severe dryness, where the skin barrier is restored for long-lasting comfort. Dr Webster recommends:

• Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Cream
• La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M
• Aveeno Baby Dermexa Cream

Use a photostable sunscreen that offers high tolerance and sun protection. Find a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for babies’ skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• Bioderma Photoderm Pediatrics Spray SPF 50+
• Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+
• Heliocare 360° Pediatrics Atopic Lotion Spray SPF 50