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Treatment of
Dry Skin
Conditions
Exceptional healthcare, personally delivered
This leaflet is designed to help parents understand and
treat minor dry skin conditions.
Skin Care
n
Oil based ointments (eg Epaderm, Hydromol
Diprobase, emulsifying ointment and 50/50 paraffin
mix) are currently recommended for treating dry skin
instead of olive or grape seed oil. They can be bought
over the counter at your chemist. These are used as a
moisturiser, bath additive, and soap substitute for dry
skin conditions.
n
Use a spoon to get the ointment out of the pot to
reduce contamination.
n
The skin care routine needs to be done at least
twice daily, more if baby’s skin is very dry or causing
distress to the baby. Baby needs a bath once a day and
moisturising the other end of the day.
Skin care routine
2
n
To use the ointment as a bath additive, dissolve 1
teaspoon of the ointment in 1 cupful of hot water, and
then add to bath water.
n
As a soap substitute to cleanse skin, rub a spoonful
in your hands to soften it down, it can then be used to
wash baby. Be careful that baby will be slippery! After
the bath, pat baby dry.
n
As a moisturiser after/between bath time, rub a
spoonful of ointment on your hands. Apply onto baby
in single downward strokes. Do not rub in. There
should be a visible layer of ointment, dress baby after
application.
Treatment of dry skin conditions
Hints to reduce chances of baby’s skin becoming sore.
n
Only use water to clean the baby’s bottom, or an emollient cream and water if the ‘poo’ is sticky.
n
Do not use baby wipes, this will undo all the good you
have done during the moisturising routine.
n
Sometimes baby may have soreness on their face,
this could be because baby is sensitive to perfume/
aftershave, air fresheners, perfumed candles etc.
n
Use non biological washing powder for the whole
family.
There are many reasons why a baby may develop areas of
dry skin and there may not always be a cause. If you see a
pattern emerging when your childs’ skin flares up, make a
note and discuss it with your Health Visitor or GP.
References and further information
Atopic Eczema in Children up to 12 Years. NICE Guidance
57 Available at www.nice.org.uk
[Last Accessed October 2011]
NHS Constitution. Information on your rights and
responsibilities. Available at www.nhs.uk/aboutnhs/
constitution [Last Accessed March 2010]
Treatment of dry skin conditions
3
How to contact us:
www.nbt.nhs.uk/dermatology
H
If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading
this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice.
© North Bristol NHS Trust. First Published December 2011. Review due December 2013.
NBT002565