Dear Teachers,
My child’s skin is naturally dry and becomes more dry in the winter. What can I do to avoid their becoming red and cracked, inviting the germs in – which is not my intention?
All Cracked Up
Dear All Cracked Up,
At this time of year, we all get dry. Heating systems take more out of us than we realize during the winter months so the place to start is hydration – through drink and food throughout the day and night. Providing water at each child’s request at school is essential along with moist food items from home such as fruits, veggies and soups. Water is evaporating from our bodies continually.
A child’s hands are the most used parts of their bodies in early childhood and keeping them comfortable will encourage the children to engage and learn. Lotion overnight is a great idea if your child is past putting their fingers in their mouth, although many children age 4 and beyond still do. We want to make sure that things touching their hands during play, inside and out, will be an interesting rather than a painful experience for their cracked hands. Providing the protection of a warm coat, hat, snowsuit, and scarf along with 2 pairs of waterproof, insulated MITTENS to warm and protect their hands during outdoor play is essential.
As early childhood practitioners, we wash our hands more frequently than most adults – anywhere from 20 – 50 times a day depending on how many noses we blow, diapers we change or tables we wash – as this is the best way to prevent the spread of germs in our classrooms. We care about our hands, too.
Below are items we support, some with the supplies you provide:
(* with the appropriate prescription/nonprescription form).
Preventative Activities Provided
- water bottle availability
- mild soap
- rinsing hands thoroughly
- drying hands thoroughly
- applying hand lotion* after washing
- waterproof mittens to hold in heat/moisture
- lip balm*/lotion* on lips/cheeks
- scarves for neck and cheeks
Potential Contributing Factors
- limited liquid
- antibacterial soaps
- hand sanitizers
- picking at dry/cracked skin/hangnails
- alcohol based lotion that stings
- thin, knitted gloves that get wet/cold
- mouth breathing
- lack of scarf
Most lotions work well when applied 2-3 times a day, making the routine similar to that of sunscreen application for school: your family applies in the morning, we apply as needed during the day with your family reapplying for the overnight hours. Some families swear by oatmeal baths or a particular brand of lotion that passes their child’s “no sting” test. Whatever works for your child and family is well worth the effort when they are able to play and rest comfortably.
