When I was changing my baby’s diaper last night, I suddenly noticed red spots all over the area. Quite used to the situation, I instantly picked the diaper rash cream and slathered it all over. Well, this might be a very common scene in most homes. However, what was worrying me, was that these spots showed up on his neck and back too. That was when it rang a bell! The harsh summer is here and it’s time to give my baby’s skin some extra care and attention.
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Babies’ Summer Skin Woes
There is no doubting the fact that babies have the best skin. However, nature spares none and even babies face a whole lot of skin issues during summer. Babies have extremely thin and delicate skin. So, even the smallest rash or irritation can make them very irritable. This is precisely why their skin is more vulnerable to rashes, sunburns, prickly heat and other infections in summer. Here are a few things that can irritate your baby’s skin in summer.
1. Prickly Heat
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These small, pink-red spots are very common in newborns, especially during summers. They show up mostly on neck, diaper area and armpits and are caused due to excessive sweating. The best way to treat prickly heat is by sticking to loose, flowy cotton clothes. While powder might also provide some relief, make sure you don’t overdo it as some babies might be allergic to the grains.
2. Sunburn
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Your baby has sunburn if you notice skin which is pink, red, painful, with or without blisters. The signs of sunburn generally occur within 24 hours after exposure to the sun. When you notice a sunburn, treat it with a cold compress. However, if the sunburn causes blisters, fever, chills, headache, or a general feeling of illness, call your paediatrician.
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3. Diaper Rash
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Although this is one common thing you will find in babies, right from when they are born, the harsh summers only makes it worse. Diaper rash in summers is caused especially due to excessive sweating. If you spot redness, rashes or soreness in the diaper area, apply a diaper rash cream immediately and keep the area open and dry as much as possible. Ensure that the diaper isn’t too tight or left too long on your baby. Change it as often as you think necessary and use a diaper rash cream whenever required.
4. Dry Skin
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Winter is not the only time you must be worried about keeping your baby’s skin moist. The harsh summer sun can also cause your baby’s skin to get dry and chapped. Most of the times, we tend to bathe our baby more often in summer, to beat the heat. While this might be soothing for babies, it also removes essential oils from the skin, leaving it dry. So make sure you keep that moisturiser on at all times.
5. Fungal Infection
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If your baby is the kind who perspires a lot, then fungal or yeast infections might be a common visitor during summer. The best way to battle this is to use an anti-fungal powder. That aside, massaging with cooling oils like coconut oil or olive oil can help to ease the infection.
Symptoms To Watch Out For:
1. Redness or rashes
2. Blisters
3. Puss
4. Fever accompanied by a skin infection
5. Itching
Home Remedies That Help:
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While we all swear by baby lotions, there is nothing as quick a healer as your grandmom’s therapy. Here are few things in your kitchen which will be a boon to your baby’s skin this summer.
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Aloe vera gel
- Cucumber
- Neem leaves
- Milk
- Curd
Tips For Your Baby To Stay Cool, This Summer:
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- Stick to loose, cotton fabrics
- Keep the sleeping area cool
- Watch that soap. Soaps interfere with moisture levels. So, use a milder soap made from natural ingredients and preferably contains oils of olive, coconut, and palm.
- Lastly, if you are willing to use a sunscreen, go on but only after consulting your doctor.
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