Written in partnership with Dr. Clarence De BELILOVSKY, Dermatologist and member of the Mustela circle of experts.
To make emollient care a truly gentle experience for your baby, discover a few simple tips. Simple techniques for gentle contact with your baby's delicate skin.
First, a little preparation:
- Remember to wash your hands before each application.
Remember to trim your nails regularly to avoid accidentally scratching your child. Take this opportunity to trim their nails as well. If they can't resist scratching during flare-ups, this will be less harsh on their skin.
- Remember to remove your jewelry. We don't often think about it, but a pretty ring or bracelet can also scratch accidentally!
- For added comfort, consider warming the cream in your hands before applying it.
You're all set! You can apply an emollient cream or balm once or twice a day: in the evening after bathing or before bedtime; in the morning after bathing or before dressing…
Whether in periods of calm or flare-ups, do not hesitate to repeat the application as needed: these treatments will effectively protect, repair and soothe your child's skin (see The benefits of emollients).
In case of flare-ups, only avoid oozing areas.
In this case, the ointments prescribed by your doctor will be more suitable. To help them absorb, you can use long, upward massage strokes, always moving towards the heart. For example, start at the ankles and work your way up to the top of the thighs.
The same applies to the arms: you start at the wrists and finish at the shoulders.
And no one will be left out: for each area, we recommend applying the same sufficient layer without it being too thick, for both the front and back of the body. Atopic eczema will have a harder time hiding in the creases of the knees!
Even your baby's tiny feet deserve to be well hydrated.
The face, on the other hand, can have its own circuit: starting in the middle of the forehead, moving towards the temples, passing under the eyes, and finally reaching the small of the nose. Then, from the sides of the nose, one protects the cheeks, finishing with the chin.
If you also take advantage of these moments for cuddles and kisses, they can become very pleasant rituals in your baby's life.
Do this without moderation!
