Your Baby’s Skin and Preventive Skin Care

A baby’s skin is different from that of an adult due to its anatomical and physiological immaturity. Because of this an infant’s ability to function well for its protection, excretion, and temperature regulation is significantly restricted.

Your baby’s skin is more vulnerable to breakage since it is relatively thin with a dermis that is developmentally immature. Apart from that, the sebaceous and sweat glands have irregular and restricted functions affects your baby’s capacity to defend itself from environmental disturbances. Heat rashes is a common result of the subdued temperature regulation of the sweat glands while the irregularity in the sebaceous glands has an effect on your baby’s skin pH predisposing them to bacterial and fungal invasion causing infections.

Also, the infant’s skin has elevated levels of saturated fat and production of melanin is at a comparatively low level. This means that your baby is more susceptible to sun burns caused by exposure to direct sunlight or to panniculitis when exposed to cold.

Another feature of infants that proves to be unfavorable is the higher ratio of surface to body weight. This condition is normal among newborns. However, it could exacerbate an allergic reaction problem. When topically applied substances such as baby powder and lotion are absorbed in elevated amounts, a hypersensitivity reaction may take place.

Routine Skin Care

Being familiar with your baby’s skin would help you in taking care of his/her skin appropriately. Your knowledge of their skin’s status will benefit them enormously.

In order to prevent a disruption on your baby’s skin integrity, you must minimize friction that might be damaging. Letting them wear soft and loose-fitting garments will reduce friction from clothes, diapers, and other skin surfaces. Moreover, application of clinically approved baby oil between opposing skin surfaces such as the armpits as well as skin folds will also help.

To prevent heat rashes from developing, you have to maintain an adequate level of hydration. Avoid frequent cleansing of your baby’s skin and apply moisturizers when needed. Do not expose your baby to the damaging rays of the sun, be sure to limit exposure between 10am and 3pm. You may use a sunscreen as a protective measure.

Bathe or give your regularly to avoid colonization of microorganisms that causes infection. Change the diaper when soaked since this too could cause a number of problems.

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