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Research has proven that the way we treat our skin in childhood can have a profound impact on later health. Sunburns in childhood can increase risks of skin cancer later in life and incorrectly healed cuts, scrapes, burns in early childhood can lead to lifelong scarring. While some skin problems are a part of growing up, good skin care is essential for a happy childhood and a healthy, long life. Parents can help by:
- Practicing Sun Safety: Preventing sunburns is important, but so in educating children about the dangers of too much sun exposure. Adequate sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing are always important.
- Being Careful With Baby’s Skin: Using products especially designed for baby’s skin is important, since young children have very sensitive skin. If little irritations don’t seem to be going away, a visit to the doctor is called for.
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Teaching Skin Hygiene: Show your children how to properly wash hands. This means washing with warm water and soap for at least fifteen seconds, scrubbing under nails and between fingers. Children should be taught how to properly dry their hands and how to use paper towels to turn off taps and open doors in public restrooms. Children should also be taught to wear some form of foot covering – such as flip flops in public areas, including in changing rooms.
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Teaching About Infection. Even small children can be taught how to spot bruises, blisters, cuts, scrapes, and other minor injuries. Encourage your child to come to you when they sustain a minor injury and to report all injuries to you. Keep a first aid kit on hand to deal with these minor emergencies. Also, teach your child how to spot signs of infection and check yourself to ensure that small injuries do not become larger worries.
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Encouraging Your Children to Go Natural. Natural fiber clothes – such as cotton – can be less irritating than some man-made fibers. Also, some novelties, toys, and even children’s jewelry can contain paints and chemicals that are irritating to children’s skin. Contact your physician about any potential allergies and stick with products that are less likely to cause irritation.
At Robin’s Nest Child Care, we believe in taking care of children’s skin. That’s why our charges are taught to care for their health and why we take care to provide an environment that is safe and irritant-free. Contact us today to find out how we can make your child’s formative years better.
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