Bathing dos and don'ts for babies with sensitive skin

A baby's skin is remarkably delicate, approximately 30% thinner than that of adults, making it more susceptible to moisture loss and irritation. In the summer and monsoon months, factors like heat, humidity and perspiration can further aggravate a baby's delicate skin, but for babies with sensitive skin conditions, these seasonal changes can result in increased rashes and flare-ups. Their skincare regimen needs special care and attention.advertisementLet's start by understanding sensitive conditions and why they need extra care.All babies have delicate and sensitive skin, but some are born with or are prone to specific skin conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis (AD), Eczema, Xerosis, and Diaper Dermatitis. We are increasingly seeing a rise in sensitive skin conditions among Indian babies, with the prevalence of AD affecting them at twice the rate of adults globally. Factors like urbanisation, pollution, and climate change, particularly rising temperatures and humidity, have contributed to the growing incidence of conditions like AD. A recent expert consensus from the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) reports that the prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis in Indian children has increased, ranging between 20% and 39%. Therefore, parents need to adopt science-backed skincare practices to effectively manage these conditions.advertisement
Every day, we meet parents who have many concerns about how to manage these sensitive skin conditions in their babies, especially during bath time. How often should one bathe the baby? Will bathing worsen flare-ups? What cleansers to use? Should one look out for specific ingredients?Here's a comprehensive guide on the dos and don'ts of bathing babies with sensitive skin, emphasizing their comfort, health, and skin integrity. This information is provided by Dr. Karthick Annamalai, MD in Pediatrics, DAA, PGPN, PDFNIC, FAGE, a Consultant Pediatrician, Neonatologist, and specialist in Pediatric Allergy and Asthma at Coimbatore Children's Healthcare in Coimbatore.1. DON'T OVERWASH – KEEP BATH TIME ROUTINE SHORTOverbathing can strip the child's skin of its natural oils, weakening the protective barrier and increasing the risk of dryness, itching, and eczema flare-ups. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) recommends that for babies' sensitive skin, the duration of the bath should not exceed 5–10 minutes.[2]They should be bathed in lukewarm water, while avoiding hot baths, as it could further irritate the skin barrier.Traditional soaps are alkaline and can upset the skin's mildly acidic pH, resulting in further weakening of the stratum corneum. It is recommended to use a soap-free, pH-balanced, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleanser. Such products usually have emollient-rich ingredients like glycerine, a humectant that attracts moisture into the skin, providing hydration while carefully stripping sweat, sebum, and environmental pollutants. Lack of harsh surfactants minimises the chances of dryness or irritation post-wash, which is crucial in peak heat months.advertisementDos: It is recommended to use a soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser, preferably oat-based, that's gentle enough for daily use. Avoid harsh soaps or foaming agents that can disrupt the skin's microbiome.2. POST BATH, ALWAYS APPLY MOISTURISERS TO LOCK IN MOISTUREDuring bathing, the cleanser can remove the skin's natural lipids. Applying a soothing moisturiser immediately after the bath, while the skin is still slightly damp, helps seal in moisture and reinforces the skin barrier. The IAP guidelines support the use of emollients containing ceramides, lipids, n-palmitoyl ethanolamine, and natural colloidal oatmeal.Don't: Skip moisturising even if the skin appears fine. Preventive hydration is key to moisturising and is also important to reduce flare-ups in babies with sensitive skin conditions or those at high risk for the same.3. DO CHOOSE INGREDIENTS RICH IN COLLOIDAL OATMEALSeasonal changes with extreme summer and monsoon-related humidity bring challenges like heat, sweat, and increased sensitivity. For babies with sensitive skin, soothing ingredients such as colloidal oats can provide relief, and these natural agents help soften babies' skin and soothe inflammation, reduce itchiness and irritation, and protect the skin against environmental stressors. Further, Oat Extract works with other ingredients to moisturise the baby's skin.advertisementDo: Look for products that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates, and phthalates.Don't: Use adult skincare products on babies. Their formulations are not tailored for infant skin and could do more harm than good.Bathing a baby with sensitive skin requires a balanced approach, gentle cleansing, thorough moisturising, and consistent protection. By keeping baths short, using appropriate cleansers and emollients, and ensuring post-bath hydration, parents can help their babies maintain healthy, comfortable skin even during the harsh weather months. Mindful choices in skincare routines can significantly reduce the impact of sensitive skin conditions, promoting a happier and healthier life.

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