Dr. Ravits of Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology answers Macaroni Kid readers' questions about skin, hair and nail conditions for kids and adults. Here is the first of our Ask the Experts series.
Q. "No matter how often I put lotion on my child's face, her cheeks always look dry and cracked. Any suggestions?"
A. A lot of people have dry skin in the wintertime, and dermatologists recommend applying a fragrance-free cream in cold weather or a lighter cream in warmer weather. Keep a bottle of cream by the sink in the kitchen and bathroom so that she can easily add a dollop of cream to her hands after you wash them.
Other ways to prevent and ease dry skin include taking a short bath or shower (less than 10 minutes) and using lukewarm water (instead of hot water).
Use fragrance-free products and apply moisturizer after you gently towel off. Cetaphil, Cerave, and Eucerin Eczema Relief Crème are three examples of fragrance-free creams for children six months and older. For children who are younger than six months, one can apply Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (without additives).
If the air is dry in your house, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
If you've tried these things and the skin continues to be cracked and dry, it could be as result of other conditions, not just dry skin. A dermatologist would examine the patient's skin and also take a patient's medical history and family's medical history to determine if it due to another skin condition such as eczema.
About Dr. Margaret Ravits
Dr. Ravits is a caring, experienced, board-certified dermatologist who has been treating patients for more than 35 years. She and her wonderful team of board-certified dermatologists offer high quality, comprehensive treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions for the whole family (babies, children, teens, adults) in their River Edge and Hackensack offices. Along with her private practice, Dr. Ravits is a Senior Attending at Hackensack University Medical Center where she previously served 22 years as the Chief of the Division of Dermatology. She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital where she was voted Teacher of the Year four times by the dermatology residents.
Got questions for Dr. Ravits? Submit them anonymously HERE and we will post the answers in an upcoming Macaroni Kid newsletter.
Disclosure: Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology is a sponsor of Macaroni Kid Northeast Bergen.
