Why is winter air bad for baby's skin?
Parents often ask the question why so many troubles arise in winter, because at other times of the year there are no skin problems. The fact is that in winter, unfavorable factors act together, combined.
There are the following factors that affect the condition of the skin in winter:
- delicate skin of the crumbs. The skin of a child has its own characteristics, it is thinner and more sensitive, more prone to irritation. Winter frosts are not an easy test for delicate baby skin. If the clothes protect the child's body, then the skin of the face is not protected at all, and all the effects of the cold fall on the face and hands of the crumbs;
- improper care.Too thorough and frequent cleansing of the skin leads to washing away of the protective lipid layer, the skin cannot withstand low temperatures. Applying creams just before going outside only increases the risk of frostbite. Moisturizers contain water, which quickly turns into ice when exposed to low temperatures;
- temperature contrast. The difference in temperatures outside and indoors also affects the skin. Under the influence of low temperatures, narrowing of the skin vessels occurs, this reaction is aimed at preserving heat. When entering a warm room, the vessels expand sharply, the famous winter blush appears on the cheeks. This temperature contrast affects the condition of the skin, can lead to irritation and dryness;
- dry air. Moreover, the air becomes drier both outdoors and indoors. Water vapor in the air freezes out due to low temperatures. Heaters and convectors are working hard at home to reduce the level of humidity. All this in a complex reduces the protective function and skin moisture;
- wind and snow. These factors irritate delicate skin and increase itching and local inflammation.
Major skin problems in winter
- Drying of the skin. Unfavorable factors acting on the skin lead to dryness and a decrease in elastic properties. Dry skin is prone to irritation and cracking, especially in thin lips.
- Frostbite. In the event of a sharp drop in body temperature, blood flow to the internal organs increases, this protects vital systems from cooling. The blood flow to the surface tissues is reduced, the skin quickly freezes, possibly even frostbite of unprotected areas.
- Cold allergy. Sometimes the body perceives cold as an irritant and produces a substance that is inherent in allergic reactions - histamine. In this case, under the influence of low temperatures, hives, edema and itching appear on the skin, all signs of allergies.
To prevent unpleasant situations, to maintain health, you need to know the rules of prevention and the basics of winter skin care.
How to prevent skin diseases in winter?
Taking care of immunity
Hardening will increase not only the defenses of the whole organism, but also help the skin to adapt faster to changing temperatures. Daily water procedures are a guarantee of the child's health. But you should not go to extremes and pour ice water over the crumbs. For the formation of immunity, it is enough to change hot water to cooler one.
Rational nutrition plays a huge role in the formation of immunity. The child must definitely receive protein foods that provide enough energy. Often in winter, a baby's diet lacks plant foods rich in vitamins. Dried fruit compotes, rosehip decoction will help solve this problem. Children drink sweet teas with pleasure and replenish the supply of vitamins.
Weather in the house
We spend most of the time indoors during the cold season. The heating system significantly dries up the air, the baby's skin and mucous membranes also lose moisture. Dry skin cannot fulfill its protective function, irritation, peeling and itching occur.
For normal skin functioning, the humidity in the apartment should not fall below 50%. Although often during the heating season it does not exceed 25%, in such conditions the skin will certainly lose moisture and dry out.
There are many ways to humidify the air. An excellent option, but requiring material costs, is an air humidifier. Water consumption and spraying frequency are set depending on your desire, and a variety of models will allow you to choose the device that suits you.
If you don't have a humidifier, ordinary items can help deal with dry air. Leave an open container of water or wet towels in the room. Spray water with a spray bottle or get fish, the aquarium will act as a humidifier.
Sufficient water volume
Externally applied products are not enough to moisturize the skin. You cannot do without the correct drinking regime. Make sure that the baby's diet contains juices, compotes, and a sufficient amount of drinking water. Breastfed babies should be offered breast more often, artificial people should be supplemented with clean water.
Personal hygiene of the baby
Do not forget about water procedures in winter. Bathing is an integral part of a child's personal hygiene. Sometimes mothers notice that after bathing, the baby's skin becomes drier. Indeed, hard chlorinated water has an irritating effect and reduces the moisture level of the skin.
To avoid problems, you need to swim correctly. The child does not need a daily bath in winter, regular washing is enough. When taking a bath, pamper your baby 2-3 times a week, subject to a comfortable water temperature. The duration of the procedure should not exceed 10 minutes.
Do not overheat the bathing water, hot water washes away the protective film from the skin, making it susceptible to irritants. There is no need to steam the crumbs, the ideal water temperature is 37 degrees. The higher the temperature, the more the skin of the crumbs suffers and dehydrates.
Pay attention to the baby bathing agent, this is especially important in winter.
For children, special liquid products, gels and foams are suitable. They do not contain soap, gently and gently cleanse the skin without destroying the protective lipid layer. Ordinary soap acts aggressively, it has an alkaline environment and dehydrates baby's skin.
Caring mothers often add herbal teas or manganese solution to the bathing water, especially for babies up to a year. But such experiments do not always bring a positive result. The manganese solution dries out delicate skin significantly, and some herbs cause allergic reactions. If your baby's skin is healthy, do not add them to the bathing water.
After bathing, blot the skin of the crumbs with a clean individual towel, let dry naturally. Active drying and rubbing negatively affects skin health.
If your baby's skin is prone to dryness, apply a special moisturizer. Light creams, lotions or body milk work well for children. First, apply the product to your hands, add a drop of water and evenly distribute over the baby's skin. Never use greasy creams, do not apply the products in a thick layer, this interferes with the respiratory function of the skin.
In the event of diaper rash and irritation, it is recommended to apply special regenerating creams based on panthenol, chamomile, aloe vera to the damaged areas.
Walk time
To prevent hypothermia and protect the baby from skin problems, you need to regulate the walking time. If the thermometer has dropped significantly below zero, reduce the time spent outdoors to 20 - 30 minutes, but you can breathe fresh air several times a day or walk on the balcony.
How to determine at what temperature you should not go outside? Dr. Komarovsky claims that for every month of life you need to add minus 5 degrees, but the air temperature should not go below 15 degrees.
Clothing protection
In frosty weather, all accessories of a winter wardrobe will go into action, mittens, a scarf and a hat will come in handy. The legs of the crumbs should be warm and dry, the child should move his fingers freely.
But with insulation, too, you do not need to be overzealous. A sweating baby is more prone to colds, and excess moisture on the face contributes to frostbite of the skin.
Winter cosmetics
To protect children's skin in winter, special creams have been developed. Quality products will protect the skin from the cold wind, eliminate irritation and redness, and restore the natural protective barrier.
Winter protective equipment should be applied 30 minutes before going out for a walk. That is how much time it takes for the cream to create a protective film that protects the skin of the crumbs from frost.
When choosing cosmetics, pay attention to the composition, naturalness, absence of dyes, alcohols, alkalis. All products must be hypoallergenic and approved by pediatricians.
The main component of winter protective cosmetics is animal or vegetable fats. A fatty film envelops the skin, protects it from the aggressive effects of frost and wind. At the same time, a good protective agent retains moisture and does not clog pores, allowing the skin to breathe.
Mineral oils in children's cosmetics should be avoided. Paraffin, wax, petroleum jelly are obtained from oil, these artificial substances do not dissolve in water and alcohols. A product based on mineral oils creates a stable film and disrupts breathing and gas exchange in the skin. The permissible content of mineral oils in children's cosmetics is less than 10%.
Protective creams can also include:
- panthenol. The remedy has long been known for its regenerating properties, perfectly heals wounds, has a calming effect. It is widely used to treat wounds and burns;
- allantoin. A plant substance synthesized from medicinal comfrey, wheat germ. Allantoin creates a thin protective film on the skin, promotes wound healing and has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- herbal extracts. Correctly selected herbs in the right concentrations have a softening, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing effect;
- vitamins A, E, F. Regulate metabolic processes in the skin, participate in lipid metabolism, and protect the skin from adverse environmental factors.
Never apply a moisturizer before a winter walk, only use a barrier cream. Increased moisture in the skin will provoke hypothermia and increase the risk of frostbite. A moisturizer is good to use at home, preferably before bed.
Do not forget about the delicate skin of the lips of the crumbs, which is prone to cracking. Apply baby hygienic lipstick 15 minutes before leaving the house, this time will be enough for a protective film to form, reliably protecting the lips from drying out.
When should you sound the alarm? Frostbite in children
In most cases, the skin reacts to frost with redness and chapping, but sometimes frostbite occurs. It all depends on weather conditions, wind strength and air humidity, as well as on the individual characteristics of the baby's skin. The younger the child and the lower the temperature outside, the more likely it is to get frostbite. In dry, calm weather, the risk of frostbite is minimal.
Frostbite occurs on open areas of the body, cheeks, nose, ears. Palms and feet are also often affected, especially if the child has tight shoes and the mittens are wet.
The child may not notice the first signs of frostbite, but parents should pay attention and be alert if:
- the baby's cheeks turned red and then turned pale, white spots appeared;
- the affected areas become swollen;
- the child complains of numbness, tingling, burning sensation;
- there is a trembling in the body, weakness, drowsiness, body temperature decreases;
- at home, the baby feels pain, a spot is clearly visible on the skin;
- the speck is peeling, and a seal appears in the center.
Doctors divide frostbite into 4 degrees. The doctor can accurately determine the depth of the lesion and prescribe treatment. First degree frostbite goes away on its own in a few days, deeper injuries require serious treatment.
If you suspect frostbite in a child, immediately go into the warmth, wrap the baby in a blanket. At home, undress the baby, warm the baby at room temperature, gradually. Never put heating pads on the affected skin, do not immerse frostbitten hands in hot water.
If the baby is in pain, chills, give an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever. The appearance of blisters indicates the depth of the lesion and requires immediate medical attention.
Never rub a frostbite on the body, this will injure the skin and increase the risk of tissue infection.
Winter is a wonderful and favorite time of the year for many children. Winter walks can be very fun and bring a lot of joy and excitement. To walk safely with your baby, you need to properly care for your baby and his delicate skin. Knowing simple rules, you will protect your baby from many troubles, and winter fun will bring only positive emotions.
