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home / 世界杯决赛2022

how to protect your child's skin during the cold, dry winter

kids think they're tougher than they are, but they need protection against winter's brittle air and harsh wind.

by hayley juhl

nov 24 2022
read time 2 minute read
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geeta yadav grew up in north bay, ont., and remembers not wearing mittens or a scarf even on frigid days. i get it; my knees were frozen numb through all my teenage winters in short skirts and short jackets.
kids think they’re tougher than they are, says yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of facet dermatology in toronto. the trick in the winter — and all year — is hydration, she says, because it’s not just the cold we’re protecting against, but the brittle air and harsh wind.
“it’s the drying effect, and the wind accelerates that,” she says. “there’s not a lot of humidity in our winter air. when air is colder, it can’t retain moisture. we have the heat on indoors, so the skin dries out and that’s what’s causing all these spinoff effects in terms of flares of eczema, itchy skin, flaking skin, sensitive skin.”
yadav believes children should get used to a moisturizing regimen early. it can begin as part of a nighttime routine for infants, then older children can be taught how to do it on their own. they already know they must wear sunscreen every day in the summer, so they’re halfway there come winter.
“i always tell my patients the no. 1 thing, the foundation of treatment, is preserving the skin barrier with moisturization. i might use medications on top of that, but they are in addition to a really good hydration routine,” yadav says. for areas of the skin that are exposed to the elements no matter what, like parts of the face, she says people can use a barrier cream like vaseline. a plastic cover over the stroller will help protect babies and toddlers.

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yadav suggests asking teachers to use the classroom sink for hand-washing rather than harsh alcohol-based sanitizers and to provide a bottle of moisturizer. “they’re washing their hands, they’re forced to use hand sanitizer at school, they’re taking their mittens off and digging in the cold.”
if there’s an underlying condition, “eventually you’re going to tip over into a place of inflammation. you can get one per cent hydrocortisone over the counter; it’s pretty safe.”
there are higher rates of eczema in children, especially infants. children of colour are more likely to be misdiagnosed or have a delayed diagnosis, yadav says. they tend to be more affected socially, psychologically and physically.
yet people with skin issues learn to live with it in ways that are shocking, she says. “someone will be sitting there saying ‘today’s a good day,’ and they’re scratching at their head. they’ve come to live with something that the rest of us often don’t have to. it’s heartbreaking to see someone suffering in front of you, but their version of normal is so different.

“they’re not sleeping, they’re depressed, they’re not engaged in school, their homework scores are going to be lower. there’s a real impact of that disease on those children who have poorly controlled eczema. it’s really important to get them assessed. there are new discoveries that are coming out every day.”

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when parents say “we’ve tried everything!”, yadav assures them that’s not possible.
“i’m sure we have a trick up our sleeves. but people have to have an open mind to the idea that sometimes you will need a specialist.”
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hayley juhl, montreal gazette
hayley juhl, montreal gazette

i’m a queer mom who has been walking the various halls of the montreal gazette since 1989. i write feminist and parent-positive columns and, as a copy editor, am vigilant about inclusive language and sourcing. i believe true change starts with children and continues with lifelong learning.

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