If your kids are anything like mine, their skin gets red and rough as soon as the cold weather hits. My son spent last winter with eczema all over his legs and belly and I already see the signs appearing in the same spots again this winter. I've tried a few different concoctions to try and battle the winter dry skin (on him and myself) and have found a few to really work.
Most importantly, in my opinion, is to not bathe your affected baby or child every day - 2 or 3 times a week should be enough as long as they haven't covered themselves head to toe in applesauce! Again, as long as they aren't filthy, you may also want to consider skipping the soap - or only use a natural pure glycerine soap. You may find a lot of baths, soaks and lotions on the shelf in the drug store containing oatmeal and for good reason - but instead of spending money on these products, just buy a bag of oatmeal! Oatmeal's texture can help to gently remove dry skin cells without irritating the skin.
Giving your child an oatmeal bath:
1) Grind 1/3 cup of oatmeal into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor.
2) Add the oatmeal to a lukewarm (not hot - the excess heat will remove your skin's natural oils making it even drier) bath while the water is running, stirring with your hand several times.
3) Soak your child in the bath for at least 10 minutes, making sure that all of the affected areas are covered.
4) Rinse the oatmeal off with lukewarm water.
5) Dry by gently patting with a towel, instead of rubbing.
Other natural treatments that we've found effective:
- diluted tea tree oil mixed with lavender oil on small affected areas
- calendula cream
- cool mist humidifier while sleeping (gas or electric heating in your house can help to irritate dry skin)
