How to Protect Your Child’s Skin

The skin plays an important role in protecting the body and supporting healthy growth and development. Many skin problems can be prevented with simple steps for skin care and protection. 

How the skin works

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It has 3 main layers: 

1. Epidermis: The top layer of skin. This layer holds body fluids in and keeps other fluids out. It also has melanin, which gives skin its color.
2. Dermis: The middle layer of skin. This layer contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
3. Subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis): The bottom layer of skin. This layer is made of fat and connective tissue that provide padding.

The skin is part of the immune system. It is a physical barrier that prevents germs from entering the body and causing infections. 

Your skin protects the body in several important ways: 

• Keeps fluids inside the body to help prevent dehydration 
• Cools you down by making you sweat when you are hot
• Controls body temperature by adjusting blood flow
• Senses things like cold, hot, pressure, itching, and pain
• Makes vitamin D from sunlight to keep your bones and immune system strong
• Stores water and fat to help your body use energy

How skin changes as the body grows 

When babies are born, their skin is thinner, less developed, and more easily damaged. It cannot protect as well against germs and infection as adult skin can. 

During early childhood, your child’s skin:

• Is more sensitive to chemicals in soaps, lotions, and cleaning products
• Can burn more easily in the sun
• Can be more easily damaged by things that touch the skin, like rough clothes, scratching, and rubbing
• Does not control temperature as well
• Dries out easily
• Absorbs creams and medicines faster

 By age 6, a child’s skin is thicker and stronger. But it still needs care and protection.

How to care for your child’s skin 

Keep skin clean and moisturized

Regular baths and showers are an important part of skin care. But too much washing or using harsh soaps can dry out the skin. To keep your child’s skin healthy: 

• Have your child bathe or shower once a day.
• Use lukewarm water instead of hot water.
• Use a gentle soap that is pH-balanced and fragrance-free.
• Avoid scrubbing the skin too hard.
• Use a towel to pat the skin dry. Do not rub the skin with the towel.
• Apply moisturizer once the skin is dry. 
• Have your child wear clothes that cover more skin, such as long-sleeved shirts. This will help keep skin clean and protect it from losing moisture.

Protect skin from the sun 

The sun can damage skin and cause burns. To protect your child’s skin when they are outside:

• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating.
• Dress your child in long sleeves and a hat. 
• Try to keep them inside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is strongest.

Watch for skin changes

Check your child’s skin regularly for any changes or problems. These include:

• Flaky or rough skin
• Cracks or cuts
• Blisters or redness
• Changes in skin color
• Pain, numbness, burning, or tingling
• Signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, tenderness, redness, or pus  

Contact your health care provider if your child has any skin changes that get worse or do not improve. 

Know your child’s risk for skin problems

Certain medical conditions and treatments can cause skin problems. These include allergies, autoimmune diseases, chronic illnesses, and side effects from cancer medications and treatments. Talk to your care team about your child’s risk and what to watch for.

Chemotherapy and radiation

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause skin problems in some patients. Your child’s skin may be sensitive, dry, red, or irritated. The skin may peel or get darker in color. 

To help prevent skin problems:

• Keep your child’s skin clean. 
• Use a moisturizer as instructed by your care team. 
• Only use skin care products that your care team approves.
• Protect your child’s skin from the sun with sunscreen and clothing.
• Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin.
• Watch for rashes, peeling, cracks or breaks in the skin, or other skin changes.

Skin side effects often go away after treatment ends. But the skin may be sensitive for a long time. Some childhood cancer survivors may be at risk for long-term skin problems or skin cancer later in life. Talk to your care team about your child’s risk.

Steroid medications

Steroids are used for many reasons, such as to reduce inflammation and treat other symptoms and side effects. But steroids can cause the skin to get thinner and more fragile. This increases the risk of infection and can lead to delayed wound healing.

To protect the skin while your child is on steroids:

• Keep the skin clean and dry.
• Use moisturizer as directed by the care team.
• Avoid activities that can cause cuts or scrapes. 

Medical devices

Medical devices, such as IV lines, ports, or bandages, can irritate the skin or cause pressure injuries. To reduce the risk of skin problems:

• Check the skin around devices daily for redness, swelling, or irritation.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Follow instructions from the care team for cleaning and protecting the skin.

Pressure injuries

Pressure injuries (bedsores) can happen when a child stays in 1 position for too long. They often develop in areas where the skin is close to the bone, like the back, hips, or heels. Pressure injuries can also happen with medical devices that press on the skin.

Talk to your health care provider about ways to protect your child’s skin. Always follow your care team’s instructions for skin care and the products that are safe for your child.

Questions to ask your care team

• What types of soaps or moisturizers should I use for my child?
• How often should I put moisturizer on my child’s skin?
• What sunscreen is best for my child?
• What skin care products should we avoid during my child’s treatment?
• What signs of skin problems should I watch for?

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