Definition

• The skin is dry and rough

Health Information

Symptoms

• Dry skin feels rough or bumpy
• Dry skin often is itchy
• Dry skin can be on one part of the body or all over.
• Dry, rough, bumpy skin on the back of upper arms is called keratosis pilaris. It’s made worse by soaps.
• Dry pale spots on the face are called pityriasis alba. These are more prevalent in the winter time. They are also made worse by soaps.

Causes of Dry Skin

• Mainly caused by too much bathing and soap (called soap dermatitis).
• Soap removes the skin’s natural protective oils. Once they are gone, the skin can’t hold moisture.
• Dry climates make it worse, as does winter weather (called winter itch).
• Genetics also plays a role in dry skin.
• Dry skin is less common in teenagers than younger children. This is because the oil glands are more active.
• Eczema. Children with eczema have very dry itchy skin.

Prevention of Dry Skin

• Don’t use soaps or bubble bath.
• Wash the hands with warm water. Use soap only if the hands are very dirty. Also, use soap for anything that won’t come off with water.
• Don’t use swimming pools or hot tubs. Reason: Pool chemicals are very drying.
• Run a humidifier in the winter if the air is dry.
• During cold weather, wear gloves outside. This helps prevent drying of the skin.
• Drink lots of fluids.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • Dry skin is a common condition, especially in the winter time.
   • Mainly caused by too much bathing and soap (soap dermatitis).
   • Soap removes the skin’s natural protective oils. Once they are gone, the skin can’t hold moisture.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Soap and Bathing:
   • Young children with dry skin should avoid all soaps. Soaps take the natural protective oils out of the skin. Bubble bath does the most damage.
   • For young children, the skin can be cleansed with warm water alone. Keep bathing to 10 minutes or less.
   • Most young children only need to bathe twice a week.
   • Teenagers can get by with using soap only for the armpits, genitals, and feet. Also, use a mild soap (such as Dove).
   • Do not use any soap on itchy areas or rashes.
3. Moisturizing Cream:
   • Buy a large bottle of moisturizing cream. Avoid those with fragrances.
   • Put the cream on any dry or itchy area 3 times per day.
   • After warm water baths or showers, trap the moisture in the skin. Do this by putting on the cream everywhere after bathing. Use the cream within 3 minutes of completing the bath.
   • During the winter, apply the cream every day to prevent dry skin.
4. Steroid Cream:
   • For very itchy spots, use 1% hydrocortisone cream. No prescription is needed.
   • Use up to 3 times per day as needed until the itching is better.
   • Eventually, the moisturizing cream will be all that you need for treating dry skin.
5. Humidifier:
   • If your winters are dry, protect your child’s skin from the constant drying effect.
   • Do this by running a room humidifier full time.
6. What to Expect:
   • Itching will usually go away after using this treatment for 2 days.
   • Within 1 week the skin should feel soft and stay that way with treatment.

Call Your Doctor If

• Dry skin lasts more than 2 weeks on treatment
• You think your child needs to be seen.
• Your child becomes worse

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

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