Father's World | Dr. Paula | Dry Skin and Eczema

Previous Columns by Dr. Paula

Lullaby and
Good Night

10 Tips for the Fall & Flu Season

The Doctor's Journal

Choosing The Right Pediatrician

Here Come Da Bugs!!

Dry Skin and Eczema

by Paula M. Elbirt, M.D. (Dr. Paula)

Children are particularly susceptible to the impact of hot dry air during the cold winter season. Although parents are often prepared for the many respiratory infections, colds, and sore throats that are expected with the approach of Winter, many parents are surprised when their children's otherwise lovely tender and soft skin begins to itch, flake and develop areas of dry red patches and rash. The culprit once again is the temperature and humidity changes that go along with the winter season but this problem can be controlled and treated with simple measures.

In it's more severe presentation, dry skin may be referred to as eczema although this term should be reserved for the times when particular areas are effected - backs of the knees, elbows, and behind the ears and under the jaw in the neck creases, with red scaling patches that are often scratched raw by the suffering child. Sometimes the condition requires the use of topical steroids and even oral antihistamines. A little forewarning and management of these dry skin conditions before they fully develop is not only cosmetically advisable but may also be medically indicated to prevent skin infection as a result of repeated scratching.

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Recent controlled studies using children aged 4-12 years demonstrated that the routine use of specific products created to reduce skin dryness, such as AveenoŽ Bath Treatment, Moisturizing lotion and Cleanser -- made with 100% colloidal oatmeal -- measurably improved the overall condition of dry skin and reduced the itching as determined by a significant reduction in areas of excoriation (near bleeding patches that result from intense scratching). The application of daily moisturizer and the avoidance of typical cleansing type soaps is often enough to control most cases of childhood dry skin. For children and adults with more severe skin dryness, several other important recommendations can be useful in getting through the effects of hot dry indoor air after exposure to cold windy conditions that together make skin management a challenge.

Avoid excessive bathing. Make baths brief, adding bath oil or AveenoŽ Bath Treatment directly to the warm, not hot, bath water.
Blot dry with a soft towel, avoiding rubbing the skin. Leave a slight layer of moisture on the body after toweling and apply a moisturizing lotion over the slightly damp skin.
Avoid itchy fabrics and harsh detergents. Some synthetics can be as irritating as wool and should be eliminated particularly from bedding and sleep clothing.
Dress protectively when braving the cold and cover hands and face for added skin protection. Reapply moisturizer before and after a trip outdoors and avoid sun damage by using moisturizer with sun screen even in the wintertime when snow reflected sunlight can be particularly harsh on cold skin.
Keep the moisture level up in the home as well with a cool mist humidifier and decrease the dry heat level by creating better air circulation. Drink plenty of fluids to help replenish the losses that occur from the extreme weather conditions of the season.

Dr. Paula is a well-known and loved pediatrician in Manhattan. She is dedicated to helping you in your demanding job as a parent. She has her own Web site at DrPaula.com

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