Summer is probably most kids’ favorite season because they don’t have classes in school and the weather is perfect for playing, hanging out with their friends and going to the beach. However, since the recent events, we are all encouraged to stay indoors. But even if we’re away from the sun and in the comfort of our homes, we can definitely feel the heat that summer has brought upon us and because of the hot weather conditions, our children are more prone to dryness and sensitive skin.
Due to excessive sweating caused by this muggy weather, skin problems may arise and can easily affect our children if we do not protect them correctly. In the first ever PROTECTKNOWLOGY Hour hosted by Oilatum Philippines last April 30, Dr. Wilsie Walinsundin M.D., F.P.D.S., F.S.P.D., Pediatrics and Dermatology, expert in pediatric skincare, described the most common skin conditions children face during summertime as well as how we can help prevent these.
Common Skin Conditions Among Children during Summer
1. Prickly Heat/Sweat Rash (more commonly known as “bungang araw”) – a common skin disease among children caused by blocked sweat glands. Due to babies and children’s immature sweat glands, there’s a higher chance of sweat getting trapped under the skin causing to form small lumps or blisters. Another reason for development of sweat rash among children is when we dress them in non-porous or synthetic clothing
2. Atopic Dermatitis (also known as Eczema) – family history of skin asthma, allergy or eczema, plus the sweating and hot summer conditions can cause eczema to flare up. Furthermore, some of us might even end up using harsh soaps that are not compatible with eczema prone skin which can only help trigger it.
3. Intertrigo – the redness we can see in our children’s body flexures/body folds (underarm, armpits, neck, groin, behind the knees, etc.) usually caused by skin’s exposure to excessive moisture and sweating can cause maceration which can lead to infection if not treated immediately.
Across the 3 common skin problems children face during summer, the two common denominators are hot and humid environment and excessive sweating. However, one might be thinking how can I prevent these when I live in a country that is practically summer for half of the year? Dra. Wilsie also mentioned lecture practical interventions we can do to help prevent these common skin problems that can affect our children:
- Proper and frequent bathing with cool water – since the weather is hot, we can bathe out children in regular, tap water temperature.
- Use of mild-non irritating, mildly scented with inherent moisturizing soap – there is no limit in bathing as long as we bathe our children with soap that will not wash away their skin’s natural moisture.
- Proper moisturization every after bathing/washing – this is needed to keep our children’s skin healthy, more so if the child has dry and sensitive skin
- Proper aeration and ventilation – this does not mean that we need to keep our children inside an airconditioned room all day. It just means that the room needs proper ventilation from a window, an opened door, a fan or use a humidifier.
- Use of good fitting and breathable clothes and diapers – no matter how stylish the piece of clothing your child has, if they already outgrew it, we need to stop making them wear it as it causes friction against the skin, excessive sweating and moisture when it’s too tight which can then lead to maceration. If the children are at home, it’s advised that they wear more loose- fitting and comfortable clothes.
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Consult a certified dermatologist – when everything has been done and skin problems on your children still persist, it’s still best to consult your pedia/dermatologist.
Oilatum bar soap is known and loved worldwide for being the go-to soap for dry and sensitive skin. It is pedia-recommended, and gentle for everyday use.
It has Moisture PROTECTnology that can help your child’s skin stay soft and protected by moisturizing it sufficiently and locking the moisture in.
Now your kids can enjoy their activities at home this season without the worry of getting dry skin. Plus, they improve their protection from prickly rash, eczema and intertrigo.