Summertime Skin Care for the Littles!

Written By Calina Selmanson

The beautiful, warm weather is finally here! We are so grateful for sunshine to lift our spirits and help grow our beautiful flowers and gardens but with Summer weather comes extra precautions to keep the little people in our lives safe and healthy. In general skin is more likely to be dry, irritated and chaffed with Summer heat. Babies and small children have delicate skin which can be more prone to dryness, irritation and rashes. Keeping a layer of emollient cream, lotion or oil on skin can help protect delicate tissues and provide a moisture barrier to prevent rashes and chaffing. This cream can be applied to the child’s entire body and absorbs into skin more deeply, just after bathing. Choose things like unscented coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, shea butter, avocado oil or unscented lotions free of chemicals and additives.

Having a natural medicine chest at home and on the go can feel so empowering and children generally heal quickly from minor injuries and irritations and respond well to natural first aid. However, you should always consult your family doctor or pediatrician if you are concerned or when at-home treatment is not improving the issue in a relatively short amount of time.

Here are some tips, tricks and recipes to help you and your family keep the bugs away, heal the ouchies, prevent and treat sun burns, resolve cradle cap and much more! Let’s dig in!

Sun exposure

Extreme temperatures seem to be ever increasing globally, so preventing sunburns is crucial to keeping skin healthy and protecting our children from future skin issues. Just five sunburns during childhood puts adults at risk for skin cancers. Read the tips below to stay safe!

Prevention is key! Keep your child’s skin covered whenever possible, when out in the elements. Light colored clothing that does not hold in heat, long sleeves, rash guards and full sleeve bathing suits are great options. And don’t forget the sun hats and sunglasses(for those who will keep them on). Most babies and toddlers can be coaxed to wear hats and eventually sunglasses with practice. It is especially persuasive when parents and siblings are also wearing them.

When you must leave skin uncovered, like with swimming, apply a chemical-free SPF 50 water proof sunscreen and reapply often, about every hour!

*Do not use sunblock or sunscreen on those under 6 months of age.

Finally stay in the shade when possible and be mindful of the hours when the sun’s rays are most powerful. UVB rays cause the most damage to skin, and these rays are particularly potent at specific times. Try to avoid the sun between midday and 2 pm as this is generally the most dangerous time to be out in the sun. A sunbrella can be a very useful item to invest in and will block harmful rays while allowing you and your kids to enjoy a lovely outside together. Find an array of these helpful products here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sport-Brella/page/37F9740F-E381-4392-A627-423C9CA43066?ref_=ast_bln

Treating a sun burn: Sometimes burned skin is inevitable, even when being vigilant to apply and reapply sunscreen and stay in the shade. When a child gets a sunburn it can be really uncomfortable. Besides reassurance and soft hugs, we can break out the first aid kit and slather on some topical healing! Keep aloe vera jelly or an aloe plant close at hand. Pro-parent tip: Place aloe gel in fridge to apply to skin for extra relief and anti- inflammatory action! Reapply often.

Remember to use a good quality body lotion or “After sun lotion” to keep skin healthy after any sun exposure.

Bug bites

Bug and spider bites can be so irritating and itchy! To stop biting bugs (especially mosquitos in their tracks) you can use a product containing citronella essential oil to deter these pests. You may purchase a chemical -deet free product at most grocery or health food stores and also find online. See my “Skeet Away” spray recipe below to make your own bug repellent!

If you miss the bug repellent or forget to reapply and find yourself or your kids eaten alive by pests, try these skin soothing remedies to quell the itch and ouch.

  • Calendula ointment or gel: This delicate flower is a very gentle and healing ally for sensitive skin. It has so many applications that I consider it all purpose and have it in my first aid kits, car kit and bathroom cabinet. You will see it listed for many different types of skin irritations and burns. It is very soothing for bug bites

  • Green clay, Kaolin or a prepared facial mask. If using dry clay mix to a thick paste with water or witch hazel and apply to area. The clay draws out the venom and help dry up the bite. It may also help with itching.

  • Witch Hazel: Soothing and cooling, antiseptic. May prevent infection and has astringent action to help “dry up” venom and inflammation. Great in concert with clay.

Skeet Away Spray:

*Use organic ingredients whenever possible as babies and children absorb toxins with more impact to their systems than a full-grown adult. Be sure to use a small amount and do a patch test to check for skin irritation before applying to the whole body. You may also just use this spray over clothing, tents, chairs-etc. to detour bugs.

Add contents to a clean 8 oz. glass or metal spray bottle-(avoid plastic)

Ingredients
4oz Witch Hazel or apple cider vinegar

Bee stings

We love the bees but sometimes we may cross paths in a way that makes the bees defensive…

like while picking their flowers or stepping on their grass! Aside from prevention- Bee-ing careful where you step and pick! Here are my favorite remedies for quick relief:

  • Apple cider vinegar. Some people believe vinegar helps neutralize bee venom.

  • Baking soda. A paste made of baking soda and water can help neutralize bee venom to reduce pain, itching, and swelling.

  • Aloe vera: Helpful for soothing skin and relieving pain.

  • Calendula cream for the antiseptic properties and to help heal wound and relieve skin irritation.

  • Ice pack/Boo Boo Buddy-AKA “Boobie Buddy!” Helps bring down swelling and stop stinging pain.

  • Lavender essential oil for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply 2-3 drops to cotton ball and place over area.

  • Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and may ease pain. Apply 2-3 drops to cotton ball and place over area.

  • Onion: Apply a slice of raw onion to the area. Cool onion in fridge before use, if possible for added anti-inflammatory action and cooling relief. If sting is on foot, place onion slice in sock. Can leave on skin as long as comfortable-or until you or your child smells like marinade! You may leave in sock overnight to help encourage inflammation to resolve and to fully draw away toxins from bee venom.

  • Honey: Bee-lieve it or not, honey may help with wound healing, pain, and itching.

  • Apis: 30 c homeopathic pellets orally

Rashes due to contact dermatitis (Stinging nettles-etc.)

If you or your child get caught up in nettles on a hike you may find yourselves covered in a hive type rash. It will heal up all on its own and some people even purposely get themself stung to help relieve arthritis! This is called “flocking.” But I’m sure your toddler is not interested in this idea whatsoever! To relive a contact dermatitis rash caused by plants such as nettle you should encourage your child not to touch the area for at least 10 minutes if possible, to avoid further irritation. As soon as you get home have a warm-not hot bath and soak for 20-40 minutes. After soaking dry skin, gently apply either aloe vera gel, calendula gel or hydrocortisone cream. You may also administer a children’s antihistamine such as Benadryl if age appropriate. If in doubt call pediatrician.

Fun fact: Herbalists recommend using the liquid from inside a nettle stem topically to help relieve the rash from a nettle sting. It is said to be the antidote!

Bruises

-Kid sized ice packs: To relieve the initial pain. These get frequent use in my house. My daughter nicknamed the Boo Boo Buddy brand packs “Boobie Buddies” They always seem to comfort her and her little brother. Whenever either child has a boo boo they run right to the freezer to grab one!

When my daughter was just starting to talk we were in a store, she was in a stroller. We bumped into one of the end caps on an aisle- big crash! With all of her might in the busy store, she screamed “I need a boobie!” It was a proud and somewhat humiliating parenting moment!

-Arnica 30 c pellets-dissolve 3-4 pellets under child’s tongue or in water. Can use dropper from tincture or medicine bottle to administer.

-Arnica gel: Apply topically, not for oral use

Cuts, Scrapes & Other Ouchies

Kids on bikes, hikes, climbing, playing sports of all sorts can increase the bangs, bruises, owies and ouchies. When a child runs over to you with a new scrape, cut or road rash it is time to get out the first aid kit to clean, bandage and relieve the pain. First access the injury and if it is just a minor “raspberry”-type boo-boo then you may clean the area with soap and water and then spray with antiseptic-(see DIY recipe below or buy one at most any grocery store or online) You may then apply a antibiotic- type cream or healing salve or balm-(see recipe) and then top with a bandage. I like to have a stash of fun bandages for my kids to pick, which can be part of the healing process! Keep affected area clean and covered until healed.

Boo Boo Away Spray

(Antiseptic & pain relief for cuts, scrapes and other minor skin irritations.)

Put all ingredients in a 2 oz. glass bottle with a spray nozzle, cap and shake to combine. Store in kit or cupboard, away from sunlight. Shake well, before each use and keep away from eyes.

  • 3/4 oz witch hazel

  • 20-30 drops of essential oils-such as lavender, rosemary, tea tree, frankincense or helichysom (You may use one or equal parts of any of these essential oils, know to have antiseptic and healing properties for skin.)

  • 1 oz of filtered water

  • 1 Tbsp fractioned coconut oil or neem oil

    Boo Boo Buddy Balm (Soothing relief & healing all purpose)

  • 4 oz. glass jar

  • Coconut & calendula oils-2-3 tablespoons each

  • Evening primrose oil-1 teaspoon or contents of several capsules

  • Shea butter-3 tablespoons

  • Witch hazel-4 teaspoons

  • Beeswax-1 tablespoon or to desired consistency

  • Lavender flowers, St. John’s wort, Calendula flowers-1/2 teaspoon each

  • Lavender, benzoin, rosemary and tea tree essential oils-10 drops each

Directions: Add beeswax, then oils to non-aluminum pan or double boiler. Tip-use a pan you do not prepare food in. (soap does not taste as yummy when mixed with beeswax and witch hazel- ;0) Place on low heat, stirring regularly, just until beeswax is melted. Turn off heat and add witch hazel and essential oils. Pour mix into jar and allow to cool on counter. Label jar. It may be placed in fridge to harden or to store-for added cooling relief! Keeps at least 1 year if properly stored out of light.

Diaper rash

Diaper rash is a common issue year round but it can get extra bad, much easier when the weather is warm and diapers and clothing clinging to diapers becomes hot and wont breathe well. Try to prevent a rash from developing by slathering baby’s bum with cream before putting on diapers. Once a rash appears hit it hard with some diaper cream or calendula ointment and keep baby’s skin very clean, change diapers often. If using cloth diapers and baby is rashy, it may be time to strip your lot of nappies with some vinegar, diluted bleach or possibly baby free & clear Oxi-Clean. Leaving diapers to dry, hanging in the sunshine can also help ward off any bacteria that could be contributing to a rash.

-Coconut oil: Useful as a barrier cream to seal in desired moisture and keep wetness from urine/etc from penetrating into skin.

-Calendula ointment: One of our favorite friends! So soothing and healing to the skin. Calendula is also a natural anti-fungal. Sometimes diaper rash is really persistent due to a yeast overgrowth.

*Make your own calendula oil easily by filling a jar with fresh or dried flowers and filling to the top with oil, olive works great. Leave in the sunshine for 6-8 hrs or longer. Strain cooled oil into another jar, label and place in cool, dark area for storage. You may use this calendula oil as it is on skin, hair, bath or for massage or with other ingredients to make body care products- (Boo Boo Buddy Balm).


Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a common issue during infancy. It is a crusty secretion that forms on babies scalps. It sounds yuckier than it is. To remove the crusty areas you may apply an oil and then gently rub/exfoliate. My favorite oil for this purpose is Evening primrose oil. Some parents have capsules leftover-if they used it during pregnancy, these can be broken open to release just the right amount of oil for a small sized patch of baby’s scalp. You may use a dry wash cloth or comb to gently exfoliate or lightly scrub the area and then brush or rinse clean. Repeat this process until cradle cap is gone. Removing cradle cap should not be uncomfortable for baby as it is just a build up of oil and tissue, that needs to be sloughed off.

You may use most oils on baby’s scalp but the best choices are evening primrose, calendula, apricot kernel oil and coconut. You may also use the all purpose balm-recipe above.

Now, back to smelling those new, sweet baby heads….

Swimmer’s skin & hair:

Chlorine can suck the moisture right out of ones hair and skin and can leave a greenish tinge on hair. To prevent this be sure to help your child rinse their hair and skin thoroughly after dips in pools and use a deep cleaning shampoo to fully remove chlorine. Follow with a deep conditioner or leave in conditioner, which also helps fight the tangles-ouch!

Poison oak & ivy

Depending on the area you live in you may find either poison oak or ivy out in the woods. Teach kids about steering clear from leaves of three and be ready with first aid if they accidentally find themselves in a patch of the pernicious plant.

These plants contain a sticky, oily resin called urushiol, which can be found in the plant’s leaves, stems and roots. The oil can remain active even on dead plants and after it has adhered to other objects, such as clothing, equipment, tools, etc. Exposure to poison ivy or oak whether directly or indirectly, can cause an allergic contact dermatitis rash. Rarely, for some individuals exposure to urishiol containing plants does not cause a reaction.

The rash is not contagious and can usually be treated at home. However, if the rash is severe, spreads over a large part of the body or affects the eyes or mucous membranes it is best to go to the hospital for care right away.

The severity of the rashes depends on the amount of urushiol oil the individual has come into contact with. It usually takes 12-48 hours after exposure for symptoms to occur, which peak within 4-7 days and usually persist for one to three weeks. Signs & symptoms include:

  • Red, patchy rashes in the area where the oil contacted the skin, that usually appear in a straight line.

  • Fluid-filled blisters

  • Itchy skin, usually extreme

First Aid treatment for poison oak & Ivy rash:

  • Meticulously wash skin with soap and warm water as soon as possible as this may prevent the oil from entering the child’s skin.

  • Clean under the child’s fingernails to remove plant oil and avoid spreading to other body parts.

  • Remove clothes and shoes ASAP as these may contain urushiol. Wash these items with warm water and soap.

  • Apply cool compress to the skin and dress in light clothing.

  • Encourage your child to rest as sweating can worsen itching.

  • To minimize itching and blistering, give your child a lukewarm oatmeal bath to help reduce itching and antihistamine.

  • You may apply calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream and/or calendula cream to help stop itching and soothe the skin.

  • Bathe animals that may have come into contact with the plants.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post and the information I have shared is helpful and empowering. These recommendations are not intended to. replace the care or advice of a medical provider, just saying. Wishing you all a fun, relaxing and safe Summer!

Be Well,

Calina

Future Reading & References:

Calina Selmanson
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