NO!! We are not talking about infidelity and how to tame an unfaithful spouse.
What we are talking about is how to stop your child from scratching themselves. Of course, scratching is a normal reaction whenever there’s an itch. However, scratching excessively could damage the skin and might be attributed to certain skin disorders.
Does your child have sensitive skin?
The first thing you ought to find out is if your child has sensitive skin. No doubt, it is not easy to determine if he or she is merely experiencing normal itches or suffering from the effects of having sensitive skin.
Common causes of sensitive skin include: –
- Dry skin
- Rashes
- Allergic
- Mosquito bites
If left untreated, these skin conditions might lead to risk of infections.
How to stop them from scratching
Telling them to stop, is easier said than done. Fortunately, there are other methods that you can adopt.
Here are some tips to help your child avoid scratching.
Use Cold Pack
Pressing a cold pack, ice pack or cold water bottle can help to ease the itchiness. While the use of a cold pack provides a quick fix, it is not a permanent solution.
Create Distraction
Creating a distraction such as giving them something to play with – preferably things that require them to use their hands – can help to divert their attention from the itch. This method may be useful on younger children but not on older kids as the latter might be too smart to fall for your tricks!
Trim Their Nails
Trimming or filing your child’s fingernails ensures that only their fingertips come into contact with the skin, thus, reducing damages to the skin whenever they have the urge to scratch.
Give a warm bath
One of the best times of the day for your child is when they get to enjoy a good bath. The key is to use lukewarm water – not too hot, not too cold – for 10 to 15 minutes. After their bath, don’t forget to pat them dry gently and do not rub.
Wear the right clothes
Clothes that are made of wool or synthetic fabric materials, such as nylon and polyester, can cause your child to feel hot, sweaty and itchy. Furthermore, do note that some textile dyes for clothing can trigger skin irritation as these may bleed onto the skin and cause an allergic reaction.
Get them to wear clothing made of 100% cotton instead as it is soft and gentle on the skin, cool and breathable, and great at absorbing sweat. Light coloured clothes are also preferred as these generally contain less dye.
Use gentle cleansers
Some soaps and shampoos contain chemical irritants that may trigger skin irritation. Look for cleansers that are free from colourants, parabens, sulfate, fragrance and preservatives.
Before using a new cleanser, try applying a small amount to a patch of your child’s skin & see if it causes any irritation.
Apply itch-relief cream
Itch relief creams work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is a chemical in the body that causes itching. A good itch relief cream should be able to not only restore the skin’s barrier but also provide a moisturising effect to keep skin hydrated.
No More Dry, Itchy Sensitive Skin With Suu Balm Kids
Formulated by the National Skin Centre, Singapore and developed with the gentle skin of newborns, toddlers and children in mind, Suu Balm Kids range helps relieve itchy skin and keeps dry, sensitive skin moisturised.
SUU Balm Kids Ranges
Suu Balm Kids Deal Soothing & Moisturising Head-to-Toe Wash
This creamy head-to-toe wash is ideal for cleansing little one’s sensitive skin, as it is gentle yet highly moisturising. With five (5) moisturising ingredients, including shea butter, this cleanser hydrates the skin while removing any unwanted dirt. It is soap, sulfate, fragrance, paraben and preservative free, and suitable for children of all ages.
Suu Balm Kids Dual Rapid Itch Relieving & Restoring Ceramide Moisturiser
Not only does this moisturiser provide rapid itch relief with a hint of menthol, but it also restores the skin’s barrier while unlocking in moisture with skin-identical ceramides and filaggrin. The menthol helps break the itch-scratch cycle when applied frequently. With absolutely NO parabens, preservatives or fragrances, this product is suitable for all skin types among children of all ages. It is also light and non-sticky, which encourages frequent application to achieve maximum hydration.
Suu Balm Cooling Itch Relief Facial Moisturiser
This cooling itch relief facial moisturiser is not only suitable for adults but also perfect for newborns and up. It provides great hydration with premium moisturising ingredients and (five) 5 types of skin-identical ceramides. Itchiness around the cheeks, facial redness and rashes are common among children with sensitive skin. However, with its combination of menthyl lactate, ceramides, northern truffle and safflower extracts, this moisturiser can relive sensitive facial skin or the most sensitive areas of the face without stinging the eyes.
Like what you see? Shop here and follow @SuuBalm_MY on Instagram
Also available at Watsons, Caring, Guardian and major pharmacies near you.
