Whether you're one or 100 dry skin can be a problem. As winter hangs on in the Kanawha valley, it could be doing a lot of harm to your baby's precious, tender skin. Relief though, is actually as close as your drug store.

Furnace's are kicking on. The wood stoves are getting fired up. And the winter wind is blowing. All these yearly rites of the season zap much needed moisture from your skin, and your baby's tender skin. And what it boils down to is dry skin.

Dr. Joe Matusic, MD/Pediatrician
Dry skin is also known as eczema, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis. It's all dry skin.

Dr. Matusic commonly describes dry skin as, "an itch that rashes. Not a rash that itches". Babies don't always have an itch associated with dry skin and it can appear anywhere. But there are common areas to watch.

Dr. Joe Matusic, MD
You tend to have it on the cheeks, you have little cracks on top and bottom of ears, and hands. Kids tend to have it more on elbows, and the inside of the elbow and back of knees. It can also be on the outside of their arms.

Simply put, dry skin happens when the skin is irritated. Not only by harsh environmental factors, but by hot bath water, and perfumed soaps and lotions which are often marketed for babies. Those are things that rob tender skin of its much needed protective oils.
Soaps like Dove, Tone, or Cetaphil, will work as a line of dry skin defense. Beyond that, toss the washcloth and just put the soap on your hand to wash your baby. And pat them dry, don't rub them with a rough towel. That will go along way, in helping protect your little one's skin. And don't forget to give their tender skin some extra help with a layer of moisturizer.

Dr. Joe Matusic, MD
Use a good adult moisturizer, one with no perfumes. I like Curel, Kerri, Moisturelle, Eucerin, CeraVae is a good one that a lot of dermatologists are recommending now. Aquaphor is another option. One a lot of the old time dermatologists will tell you, Vaseline. Just plain, pure Vaseline.

Just remember to apply that moisturizer with in about three minutes after bathing to ensure the moisture gets locked in. If you still don't see an improvement, call your doctor for more help.

How To Contact WCHS-TV8 | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | DMCA Policy | Frequently Asked Questions

Home | Eyewitness News Newsroom | Storm Team Weather | Eyewitness Sports | Schedules | Programs

---

Send email to news@wchstv.com for information or comments concerning WCHS-TV Eyewitness News.

Copyright ©2012, WCHS-TV8. Portions are
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.