Do you have questions about taking care of children’s skin? Ask La Roche-Posay expert Dr Catherine - 3 x £100 vouchers to be won

[JustineBMumsnet]

La Roche-Posay are bringing Dr Catherine, Consultant Dermatologist, back to answer your questions about children’s skincare: whether you have a child with a skin condition you’d like advice on, or you’d just like to know how to deal with winter skin. Dr Catherine will be online on 18th March from midday to answer your questions.

Plus, Dr Catherine will be speaking at the Baby & Toddler Show in Manchester (15th March) and Glasgow (26th April) and La Roche-Posay have tickets to give away. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning tickets and meeting Dr Catherine at the shows, please leave your details here.

Here’s some more information on Dr Catherine Borysiewicz: “Dr Catherine Borysiewicz studied medicine at Cambridge University and clinical medicine at University College London. She carried out medical and surgical training at a number of prestigious central London teaching hospitals. Today, Catherine is an experienced Consultant Dermatologist working within the NHS and consults privately in central London at Imperial and The Cadogan Clinic, where she manages inflammatory skin diseases including eczema, acne and psoriasis and sun damage and skin cancers."

Here’s what La Roche-Posay has to say: “Our mission is to provide a better life for sensitive skin, for you and for your family. We’re delighted to give MNers the opportunity to ask all their burning questions about their children’s skin conditions to Dr Catherine, Consultant Dermatologist. As the mother of a little boy who suffers from eczema, Dr Catherine will be able to provide you with expert advice as well as practical tips on how to keep your little one’s skin under control, for the whole family to enjoy a happier life.”

Whatever your questions on children’s skincare, share them below to be entered into a prize draw where 3 Mumsnet users will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

@Russell19

Does it benefit dry/eczema skin to put baby oil in their bath water?

Hello Russell19, a recent study showed no particular benefit from using a bath oil in children with eczema, and recommended concentrating on using soap free cleansers. Some children will benefit from using bath oils or emollients, particularly in hard water areas, but you will need to judge this. Its best to use a product that mixes with water to create a white suspension, rather than baby oil, which will leave a significant slippery residue on your bath which could lead to slips and falls.

@lovemyflipflops

My DS2 has reoccurring cradle cap, I've tried several creams, which work for the short term, but it always seems to come back. Do I need to keep applying creams long term - any advice ?

Hello lovemyflipflops, Cradle cap or seborrheic eczema is very common on the scalp and hairline. If thick scale builds up try soaking this with olive oil or moisturiser then shampoo out well with a mild shampoo. Some shampoos have ingredients to help reduce yeast build up.

@SunsetOnTheHorizon

Hi, my girls love a bubble bath. I'm always weary about them as the bubble mixture really dries them up.

What could I use instead that leaves their skin moist as well clean?

Hello SunsetOnTheHorizon, Every kid love bubbles! There are some fragrance free products that will create bubbles and even have glitter balls in them! Another alternative is to allow children to have the bubble bath in a bowl in the bath so you reduce contact with their skin.

@SoftBlocks

Hi, I have had keratosis pilaris on my cheeks and upper arm and now dc has it too. What is the most gentle but effective treatment for children aged around 10?

Hello SoftBlocks, Keratosis pilaris is a variant of normal skin that occurs very commonly. It consists of rough bumps that are caused by small keratin plugs around hair follicle openings on the skin. Usually on the upper arms and thighs, but it can also happen on the cheeks. It tends to be worse in the winter and better in the summer. If it causes no symptoms, no specific treatment is required. You can use moisturisers alone. If the bumps are itchy or symptomatic you can try moisturisers containing urea or alpha and beta hydroxyacids to remove the dead keratin build up- giving smoother skin.

@del2929

what can you suggest for skin discoloration due to eczema?

Hello del2929, This is called post inflammatory pigmetation, and it occurs as a normal reaction in the skin to areas of inflammation form eczema. Marks can remain for some time after the eczema has settled, but all you need to do it apply a regular moisturiser and this will gradually settle.

@SconNotScone

Have you any recommendations for dry lips? I have a lip-licking 6 year old, I’m trying to discourage the licking, but would like to know what is best to use to make them feel more comfortable and moisturised. Thank you.

Hello SconNotScone, Dry skin and eczema around the lips often leads to persistent lip licking , which further dies out the skin and aggravates the eczema. Make sure skin is washed and dried well after meals, and apply a colourless barrier cream to the lips and surrounding skin such as cicaplast baume. This will reduce contact with saliva on the skin, support the skin barrier and reduce discomfort. I always send my kids to school with lipikar ap+stick which they can use as a lip balm- its chunky and easy for them to apply and doesn't tend to cause a big stick mess in their bookbags!

@MamaPixie

Do you have any recommendations for dry and irritated skin around the eyes of my 15 year old son? He suffers from hayfever but has had dry, red and slightly flaky skin around his eyes over winter so am not sure if it's linked? It tends to be angrier first thing in the morning and calms down a bit as the day goes on. Thank you

Hello MamaPixie, Eyelid eczema and dry skin can be managed with soothing moisturiers. For the sensitive eye area it may be worth looking for products that do not contain preservatives in addition to no fragrances. La roche posay have a touleraine range which is very helpful in supersensitive skin- try the ultra night cream.

@Montydoo

Both DS1 and 2 have eczema, DS2 has it really bad on the knees elbows and occasionally the face we use all unscented products, and a barrier cream, hydrocortisone steroids on bad flare ups, baths, the itching never seems to go completely (I think sometimes the itching is habit too). Any advise which works would be most welcome. I am not sure what affects hydrocortisone steroids would make long term - do you know - advice ? thanks

Hello Montydoo, well it sounds like you're doing everything right. What you are describing is lichenification or thickened skin that often occurs in areas that a rubbed or scratched. You could try a thicker moisturiser overnight to these areas, and trying to avoid habit scratching by covering the areas with clothing or bandages.

@Anj123

My daughter has had eczema for several years and used to see a skin specialist. It’s under control now although she still gets the occasional flare up and she has a repeat prescription for various creams, lotions and paste bandages. Now she’s a teenager I’m wondering if she should be using other stuff on her face? Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

Hello Anj123, generally as children reach puberty oil production will increase, giving well deserve relief from dry skin and eczema. It is important to continue to avoid fragranced products and soaps as their skin barrier will still be vulnerable. You may wish to try lighter moisturisers. It is important at this age children also become more independent in applying their creams so let them choose suitable products as this will help with compliance.

@Duchessofealing

How do you get rid of eczema on the arches of feet? The second we put socks on they soak up the cream and she slides all over if we wrap in clingfilm first. She won’t not put socks over as it makes her bedding sticky! Any suggestions gratefully received.

Hello Duchessofealing, How do you get rid of eczema on the arches of feet? The second we put socks on they soak up the cream and she slides all over if we wrap in clingfilm first. She won’t not put socks over as it makes her bedding sticky! Any suggestions gratefully received.

@Duchessofealing

How do you get rid of eczema on the arches of feet? The second we put socks on they soak up the cream and she slides all over if we wrap in clingfilm first. She won’t not put socks over as it makes her bedding sticky! Any suggestions gratefully received.

Opps, sorry about that Duchessofealing! Eczema occuring on hands and feet can be a real struggle and often needs stronger anti inflmmatory treatment creams to settle it. Try thicker moisturisers or barrier creams, or creams containing urea to help reduce the thickeness of the eczema build up. Cotton socks can be helpful and allowing moisturisers to soften the skin, and allow treatment creams to penetrate more effectivley, but clingfilm although helpful can be really slippery and messy for kids to deal with.

@Bringringbring12

Do you suggest highest possible sun factor for children? Or better to go mid range for vitamin d?

Hello Bringringbring12, All kids need to be protected from the sun- ideally kept in shade. With school age kids it is important to apply sunscreen as well as protective hats etc. Always go for a very high factor SPF50 that’s suitable for children. For children with sensitive skin you may want to consider a mineral based reflective sunscreen to limit exposure to chemical sunscreen ingredients.

@muddypuddled

My daughter has had Molloscum contagiousum for the last year and it still seems to be spreading. She is 4 and has eczema. The gp dad there is nothing we can do. Is there anything I can to help clear it?

Hello muddypuddled, Molluscum are a very common childhood skin infection that generally settles well. For kids with eczema it can be a real struggle, as scratching and the altered skin barrier function and the need to use topical steroids for flares, can cause the molluscum to spread. Usually it should settle with time. You can use crystacide cream to help the lesions settle more quickly. Other treatment options such as cryotherapy can leave permanent white patches on the skin and are best avoided unless really necessary.

@Schmoozer

Hi My 12 yr old DD had dry sensitive skin and is starting to get oily T zone with blackheads and spots What would you recommend that is effective but not drying ?? Thanks 😊

Hello Schmoozer, During teenage years oil production will increase. For teenage oily skin look for a cleanser containing a beta hydroxy acid which will cleanse pores and reduce blackheads and breakouts. La roche posay affaclar foaming cleanser is well tolerated by sensitive skin, and effaclar duo+ as a treatment cream

@buckeejit

Hi

What would you recommend for occasional dry skin patches around my 6 year old's eyebrows?

Also, would you advise any regular moisturising for children, either year round or in winter when central heating on more etc?

Thank you!

Hello buckeejit, Dry patches around the eyebrows can be caused by eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. Keep the area well moisturised to support the skin barrier. Occassionally treatment creams may be required and these include combination steroid creams with an anti yeast component.

@TheCatServant

my son is about to go through puberty and cannot cope with complex skin care regimes. What would your recommendation be to keep his skin in good condition?

Hello TheCatServant, As a general rule keep things as simple as possible. A face wash containing a betahydroxy acid such as efaclar foaming cleanser or CeraVe 2% SA can be kept in the shower. This is a good first step to cleanse the skin and pores to reduce plugging of pores which can lead to acne formation.

@ScorpionQueen

With the amount of handwashing at the moment, dds hands are getting very dry (as are mine). Do you recommend any soaps/handwashes/creams that do the job while not drying out the skin?

Hello ScorpionQueen, The whole world is washing their hands at the moment and many people are struggling with dry skin and hand eczema. Washing with soap offers the best protection from coronavirus and it is really important to do this. I have a rule of 1 pump of handwash for my kids- otherwise they will quite happily empty an entire bottle for one handwash! I also have a large fragrance free moisturiser in a pump next to the soap for them to apply once they dry their hands. A pump prevents contamination of the moisturiser. Good luck !

@Happycat74

My 14yo daughter is due to start roaccutane which I know can cause very dry skin. Which moisturiser would you recommend? Also do you do sunscreen? Thanks

Hello Happycat74, Roaccutane is a tablet vitamin A treatment to help with severe cystic acne. It can cause skin dryness as a common side effect, particularly on the lips. It is important to use non drying cleansers and a soothing moisturiser such as la roche posay effaclar H which was specifically designed for patients on roaccutane treatment. Lips can be helped by regularly applying la roche posay cicaplast levres. In terms of sunscreen it is very important to apply a high factor SPF 50 screen as roaccutane will photosensitise the skin- la roche posay anthelios super light lotion or dry facial mist gives an SPF protection without clogging pores.

Do you have any suggestions for a gentle, soothing cream to soothe itchy skin? My son sometimes wakes in the night complaining of intense itching on his back. We use cotton bedsheets & use a fan in his room as both of these things seem to help. The skin looks a little dry on back, but no redness or broken skin so it doesn't seem like eczema & never bothers him in the day. Thank you :)

My questions were not answered.

happymummy12345 - neither were mine. I asked about prickly heat rashes.

my children are mixed race and one has exzema what cream do u reccomend for them both to use thats not too greasy as my youngest is 3 and gets it in her hair which makes it look awful?????

My 7yo son has started to get small white heads on his face, close to his ears. What would cause this and is there something I can do to help reduce them? Thank you!

@ThanksForAllTheFish I asked about my sons dry skin and what cream or lotion I could use for it (doctors have been no help as they say it's not that bad). Also about his recurring cradle cap that keeps coming back (again doctors no help when I've asked during routine appointments).
It's not the first time my husband questions haven't been answered on one of these. Don't think I'll bother in future.

my baby has ezcema skin so i don't want to bathe them too often, can i use wet wipes or just water and cloth to clean them instead?