Infant dry skin: what parents should know

Dry, rough, flaky or slightly cracked areas can appear when the skin barrier loses water. Baths that are hot or long, fragranced soaps, dry indoor air and rubbing can make this worse. Some babies also develop an inflammatory rash such as Atopic Dermatitis or Asteatotic Eczema; persistent redness, itch or cracking deserves a clinician’s view. Psoriasis is another possible cause of scaly patches, although appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Use lukewarm water and keep bathing brief. Clean only areas that need it, then pat the skin dry rather than rubbing. Apply a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment while the skin is still slightly damp, repeating when it feels dry; Emollient Therapy can help support the barrier. Choose soft clothing, avoid wool against the skin, and keep nails short. Stop any product that stings or causes a new rash.

Arrange medical advice if the skin is painful, bleeding, oozing, crusted, rapidly spreading, or stopping your baby from sleeping or feeding. Seek urgent help if your infant looks very unwell, has facial swelling, trouble breathing, or a sudden widespread blistering rash. A clinician can check for infection or eczema and recommend an age-appropriate treatment.

Ask whether the pattern fits eczema, which moisturiser texture suits your baby, and whether any cleanser or prescribed medicine should be stopped or continued.