Skin conditions on the rise among children

A News poll study has revealed that more than two-thirds of Australian children don’t have a skin care routine, yet more than half (52 per cent) of children aged from newborns to 17 years suffer from eczema, dermatitis or sensitive skin that’s easily irritated.

The study also showed that 61 per cent of children are still washing with soap and more than 30 per cent of children whose mothers classified them as having dry or sensitive skin still have bubble baths.

It’s unfortunate that so many children are still using soap for washing.

As a basic rule, it’s wise to avoid soap as it can strip away the skin’s natural layer of protection, leaving skin dry and potentially open to infection. If a child suffers from eczema, dermatitis or sensitive skin, one of the first measures is to stop using soap.

We need to encourage kids to adopt healthy skin care habits from an early age. Kids should be using soap-free washers, moisturisers and balms, especially if the suffer from dry and sensitive skin.

While most parents in the study (74 per cent) agreed on the importance of children adopting a skin care routine early on, only 32 per cent of mothers surveyed had established a skin care routine for their child.

Hope's Relief has developed a soap free cleansing bar specifically for babies and children with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema. The cleansing bar doesn't irritate or inflame sensitive skins making bath time more enjoyable. It also helps to restore the pH balance of the skin and is a perfect companion with the Hope's Relief cream. As a combination helping to soothe the skin and stop the itch.