Patient's question:
My baby is seven and a half months old. In the south, her chin has developed cracked skin, which is very rough. Her face hasn't cracked much, but I wonder if it's because she drools when eating and the wind causes it. However, I haven't noticed this issue in any of the neighboring children. I've tried applying a baby cream, but it hasn't worked. Currently, I'm using petroleum jelly, which might not be very effective either. I'm very frustrated and don't know how to treat this properly. Please advise the experts.Doctor's answer:
Hello: Thank you for your trust in us!According to your description, it is recommended that you follow the following approach:
1. Occlusive Moisturization (Preventing Skin Moisture Evaporation): Apply a lipid moisturizer like petroleum jelly to the skin to seal it, preventing moisture from evaporating. Commercial brands like Pears' Vaseline Skincare Cream work on this principle, but their drawback is that they are too greasy and prone to making the skin dirty.
2. Hygroscopic Moisturization (Absorbing External Moisture): These methods use glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, etc. They have hygroscopic properties, drawing moisture from the atmosphere into the skin. For example, glycerin is hygroscopic and moisturizing, but pure glycerin can instead draw moisture from the skin. It must be diluted to a 1:3 ratio. In general, prescriptions add 10%–15% glycerin, which is both oil-soluble and hygroscopic.
3. Hydration Moisturization (Combining Hydration): These are hydrophilic substances that dissolve in water and form a mesh-like structure, converting free water into bound water within the network. Examples include collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
4. Reparative Moisturization (Repairing Keratinocytes): This improves the skin's protective function to achieve moisturization. Examples include vitamins A, C, E, and B5, as well as fruit acids. These substances enhance the function of keratinocytes, increase their metabolism, and thereby improve the skin's moisturizing ability.
The simplest and most effective method is to drink plenty of water, wash your face frequently, and often splash water on your face.