Dry skin on the knees is an undoubted cosmetic defect, especially in the summer, when the knees are in plain sight. The specificity of the skin in the human body lies not only in the fact that it is the largest organ of the body, and not even in the fact that it is able to withstand the effects of weakly concentrated chemicals, but in the fact that it performs colossal information and communication functions. The skin tells the brain about all negative and positive influences, forcing it to react and take action.
When the skin on the knees becomes rough, this is a natural result of external influence. On the knees and elbows, it naturally feels slightly different to the touch, because the most functional joints constantly perform flexion and extension movements.
Peeling skin in a child: description of the problem and causes
Periodic renewal of the upper layer of the epidermis is normal and will help your child’s skin remain soft and elastic. But if a healthy state is disrupted or environmental conditions change, this process becomes abnormal. Large areas of peeling and inflammation appear.
Why the skin on a newborn’s body may peel:
- Change of environmental conditions. In the womb, the baby's skin is protected by a special lubricant that prevents it from losing moisture. After birth, the baby's epidermis adapts to the new climate. Therefore, at first it becomes dry and begins to peel due to exposure to water and temperature. If no areas of inflammation are observed, then there is no need to worry - over time, its normal state will be restored.
- Low air humidity. In well-heated rooms, this process may occur. It is associated with insufficient saturation of the air with water vapor in the room.
In the room where the child spends most of his time, the air humidity should be between 60-65%. If there are deviations from the norm, then it is better to purchase an air humidifier, or cover the heating devices with a damp cloth and regularly carry out wet cleaning.
- Frequent use of potassium permanganate solution . Potassium permanganate dries out the skin, so you should not use it every time you bathe.
- Frequent use of shampoos, soaps and creams . Not all lines of children's shampoos are suitable for a child. When allergic reactions occur, dry skin occurs and irritated areas appear. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the use of these products and use only boiled water for daily washing.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun . Direct sunlight negatively affects the baby's epidermis. Recommended time in the sun is 30 minutes.
- Lack of vitamins in the body . If there is a lack of minerals, the skin instantly reacts to the changes that have occurred and gives a signal in the form of peeling.
- Allergy to the baby's clothes, or more precisely to their material . Synthetic fabrics and artificial dyes can negatively affect his health. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase items made from 100% cotton and with a minimum percentage of synthetic substances.
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Prevention
It is easier to prevent any problem than to treat it. To avoid dry and rough skin on a child’s feet, doctors advise parents to pay attention to the following preventive recommendations:
- Take care of the child’s proper, balanced nutrition, provide his body with the necessary amount of vitamins A, B and E.
- Give your child as much fluid as possible, especially during hot periods, giving preference to clean water, milk, natural juices, and fruit drinks.
- Use natural children's cosmetics and avoid regular soap.
- Choose high-quality shoes made of genuine leather for your child that match his size.
- Avoid using socks, tights, and rompers made from synthetic materials.
Dry skin on a child’s feet is not the most serious problem, but this symptom causes the baby some discomfort and may also indicate the development of serious allergic diseases. Therefore, you should not ignore such a manifestation. Provide your baby with proper care, and if this does not help, first consult a pediatrician.
The moisture content of the skin of babies varies. Even a healthy baby may have a tendency to dry skin. This article will help parents understand what is normal and pathological.
Possible diseases: symptoms, treatment
The following diseases can cause excessive peeling:
- Scabies caused by scabies mites. It manifests itself as redness, areas of peeling on the arms: in the elbow area and the area of the hands, as well as in the abdomen. The child develops severe skin itching, worsening at night. It can be eliminated by using ointments that contain sulfur, treating personal clothing and bed linen.
- Infections of fungal origin . In case of damage, characteristic rashes are observed in the groin folds and armpits, on the feet and hands. Peeling, swelling and severe burning appear, and blisters appear on the skin. Nails take on a yellowish tint. As a treatment, it is appropriate to use antifungal ointments and maintain personal hygiene.
- Ringworm, popularly called “sun fungus” . Accompanied by the appearance of dark areas covered with small scales. To eliminate this disease, antifungal drugs are used, both for external and internal use. Flucinar ointment will help with the disease.
- Skin psoriasis . Characterized by the appearance of flaky areas in the form of spots. Distributed throughout the body. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease. Medications may be prescribed to reduce the area of redness. If the disease develops against the background of nervous stress, then sedative medications are prescribed. It is imperative to combat dry skin on your hands.
- Ichthyosis or "fish disease" . On the upper layer of the epidermis, “fishy” scales of a dark gray color are formed. Locations affected: elbows, skin of hands, feet. This disease is hereditary in nature, which manifests itself before two years of life. The treatment is specific, prescribed by a doctor and lasts throughout the patient’s life.
- Atopic dermatitis . The peculiarity is massive skin rashes, often all over the body, which are accompanied by itching. The skin cracks and peels off greatly, resulting in focal inflammation of the epidermis. Due to the fact that a common cause of atopic dermatitis is diathesis, the first point in the recovery process is isolation from the source of the allergy and is accompanied by the use of antihistamines.
- Contact dermatitis . Characterized by excessive dryness of the skin in the area of the elbows and hands. The cause may be an allergic reaction to detergents and cosmetics, or to dry air. To eliminate this problem, it is worth warning the child against exposure to dry and frosty air, wearing a scarf and gloves during the cold period and less contact with shampoos and other cosmetics.
- Allergies to medications, food . Manifests itself as severe dryness and flaking of the skin. In this case, it is enough to protect the baby from the sources of the allergic reaction.
- Eczema . It manifests itself in large areas of redness of the skin throughout the body with the formation of dense scales and small blisters. Accompanied by itching, general malaise in the form of decreased appetite and irritation. To get rid of this disease, soothing baths, lotions, and creams are used.
It is important to know: to eliminate the symptoms of eczema, you must isolate the child from sources of allergies.
- Lupus erythematosus . It can be detected by bright rashes in the neck area, in the bridge of the nose and peeling. A course of hormone-based medications is prescribed.
- Pink lichen of Zhiber . Light brown to pink spots with clearly defined boundaries and protruding scales in the area of the torso, back and legs are signs of an infectious-allergic disease. Recovery will require a course of antiallergic medications.
- "Ringworm" or microsporia . It has characteristic areas of baldness on the skin of the face and neck, oval-shaped inflamed areas, the border of which is covered with small blisters and exfoliated dark-colored particles. Antifungal agents are prescribed in the form of creams, lotions and ointments.
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Peeling of the scalp in newborns and adults
A common cause of this problem is seborrheic dermatitis. Significant areas of flaking occur in the hair growth area due to excessive secretion production by the sebaceous glands. If the skin on the scalp of a baby before the age of 1 year peels, this is a natural process that goes away over time without any intervention.
Attention: Under no circumstances should you touch the scales that have formed, much less try to get rid of them. This can negatively affect the health of your baby's skin. Sometimes they are lubricated with a small amount of oil for better release. When washing your baby, it is advisable to use special baby shampoos.
If seborrheic dermatitis is observed in an adult child (over 5 years old), then this process may be associated with the following reasons:
- hormonal disorders;
- problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- lack of vitamins;
- malfunction of the thyroid gland;
- poor nutrition;
- sudden climate change.
In such cases, the symptoms are not only the above signs, but also hair loss, dandruff, and profuse sweating. Serious treatment is required, during which several rules must be followed:
- Healthy food;
- take vitamins of various groups;
- drink enough water.
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As for the list of medications, it is strictly prescribed by a dermatologist after passing the necessary tests and examinations.
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Prevention of dryness
To prevent dryness as a cosmetic defect, it is necessary to regularly smear the skin with moisturizing creams or oils. Any pharmacy offers a wide range of safe products for children with hypoallergenic ingredients. It is better to do the procedures after bathing on steamed skin.
There are many reasons why young children have dry skin on their feet, and many of them are harmless. At the initial stage, try making changes to your care routine and nutrition. But if you have inflammation or cracks, don’t delay going to the doctor, this is dangerous for the health of your child’s skin. And if the damage is a symptom of a disease, then the baby requires immediate qualified help.
Why do children have peeling facial skin?
- The main reason when the skin on a newborn’s face peels is adaptation to new environmental conditions. The main thing is to ensure that swelling and inflammation do not appear. If this does not happen, then do not worry - it will pass after 3 weeks.
- Excessive production of hormones is also manifested by peeling of the skin on the child’s cheeks. In this case, you should just wait 3-4 months, after which the hormone levels will return to normal.
- Insufficient air humidity.
- Insufficient amount of water consumed. The baby should receive a sufficient amount of drink, which can be supplemented with soups and fruit drinks.
- Frequent use of shampoos and soaps. For daily washing, it is advisable to use plain water, as well as a line of detergents designed specifically for children.
- All kinds of diseases of allergic origin.
- Lack of vitamins in the diet. The menu should include vegetables, fruits, as well as fish and meat products (depending on the age of the child).
