My nephew is suffering from severe dry skin and baby acne. The doctor has recommended a few things.
1) Stop using Aveeno baby soap and use Dove soap.
These things have been done and it seems that the skin is getting worse. Any suggestions from you mothers out there that have dealt with this recently? There are so many harsh chemicals in stuff now-a-days, (even stuff that promises it's fragrance/dye free).
What soaps, lotions, and detergent did you use with your baby?
By Christy from Charlotte, NC
Our pediatrician said the doctor she learned from told patients to use Crisco or Vaseline (petroleum jelly -- not Vaseline lotion). I used Aquaphor ointment on my daughter, or I think they had a creamy petroleum jelly product (don't know if they still make it). I've since found Bio Oil and jojoba oil. If you do some reading up on jojoba, it's really great! I order mine online (Vitacost), but I imagine it shouldn't be too hard to find locally. I don't know if these oils are recommended for use on babies.
I didn't wash her too often, because I didn't want to dry out her skin any more. I tried to moisturize her skin as quickly as possible after bathing, to seal in moisture. I used Dreft on all of our laundry while she was little, and when she got a little older, I switched to a dye-free/perfume-free detergent (which is what I used prior to having her, too).
I hope your baby's skin improves soon. We still battle rough, dry patches in the winter. But it's getting better! Best of luck!
DS#3 went throught the same thing. I was getting so frustrated with it, that I was about ready to take him to a pediatric dermatologist. Our dr ordered us a prescription Eucerin compound that helped some, then triamcinolone cream which really helped. What made the biggest difference, though, was when he was diagnosed with allergies to cats--the pediatric allergist was amazed that his numbers for cat dander were so high considering he was only 7 months old when initially tested--and eggs. Since we have exiled the cat outside and eliminated all egg sources from his diet and mine (I'm breastfeeding), his eczema has pretty much cleared up. He still has a few stubborn patches, but the triamcinolone takes care of those in a few days.
As far as washing him, as others have said, be careful not to overwash. Young babies don't get that dirty on a daily basis, and a daily bath generally isn't needed. We are currently using Dove Sensitive, the kind that is supposed to be free of everything. For general lotion, we are currently using Vanicream, again, free of everything.
I hope this helps! I know it can be very frustrating!
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How can I moisturize my newborn's dry skin on his face, neck, upper body, and arms?
