#asktheexpert
my daughter's skin is very very dry and itchy. she keeps scratching her legs so she has got red rashes. her feet are also cracked due to the winter.
what should I apply on her legs and specially feet to moisturize her skin?
Are there any dietary changes I can make for her?
please help

Question

#asktheexpert 
my daughter's skin is very very dry and itchy. she keeps scratching her legs so she has got red rashes. her feet are also cracked due to the winter.
what should I apply on her legs and specially feet to moisturize her skin?
Are there any dietary changes I can make for her?
please help

Accepted Answer

Dry, itchy skin with red rashes and cracked feet, especially during the colder months, can be quite uncomfortable for your daughter. This is commonly seen as a result of dry skin or a condition like eczema, which worsens in the winter. Here's what you can do to help relieve her symptoms:

1. Moisturize Regularly:

Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after her bath when the skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Products like Cetaphil, Eucerin, or Aquaphor are good choices for very dry skin.

Apply coconut oil or shea butter, as they have natural moisturizing properties.

For cracked feet, you can apply a heavier balm, like Vaseline or a thick foot cream, before bed and cover her feet with socks to help the moisture soak in overnight.

2. Avoid Hot Water:

Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, worsening dryness. Use lukewarm water for her baths or showers.

Keep the bath time short, and avoid harsh soaps. Opt for gentle, hydrating body wash or soap-free cleansers like Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy.

3. Use a Humidifier:

Cold, dry air can make her skin worse. Use a humidifier in her room to add moisture to the air, especially during the winter.

4. Avoid Scratching:

Scratching can make the condition worse and lead to infection. Keep her nails trimmed short, and you can try using a mild anti-itch cream (consult your doctor before using over-the-counter creams).

To soothe itching, you can apply a cool compress to the affected areas.

5. Gentle Clothing:

Dress her in soft cotton clothing and avoid wool or synthetic fabrics that can irritate the skin.

Avoid tight-fitting socks or shoes that might rub against her cracked feet.

6. Consult a Pediatrician or Dermatologist:

If her condition persists or worsens, or if you notice that the rashes become severe or infected, it's best to consult with a pediatrician or dermatologist. They may recommend prescription creams, such as a mild steroid cream for inflammation or a specialized treatment for eczema.

By following these steps, you can help manage her dry skin and provide relief from itching and cracking.

#asktheexpert my daughter's skin is very very dry and itchy. she keeps scratching her legs so she has got red rashes. her feet are also cracked due to the winter. what should I apply on her legs and specially feet to moisturize her skin? Are there any dietary changes I can make for her? please help