Dry weather makes children's skin and respiratory tract especially sensitive. According to the Mayo Clinic, young children have thin skin fences, which can easily dehydrate, cracked, and irritate when the humidity in the air drops. Meanwhile, the CDC warns that the cold dry season is a favorable environment for respiratory viruses to spread faster in children.
1. Keep your skin moist every day
HealthyChildren.org recommends that parents should use unscented moisturizers and topical ointments after bathing while their skin is still moist to better lock in water. Avoid soaps that create strong foam as they can dry out the skin.
2. Increased indoor humidity
Using a moisturizer is a method recommended by the Mayo Clinic to help limit dry nose, dry throat and reduce the risk of respiratory inflammation. However, parents need to clean the unit periodically to avoid mold.
3. Supplementing enough water for children
Dry weather makes children dehydrated even if they do not sweat. The CDC recommends that children should drink water as they need, and can alternate with milk and water depending on their age.
4. Keep warm enough when going out
The fabric must be warm but breathable enough. Wearing a mask when going to crowded places also helps reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
5. Increase resistance with nutrition
HealthyChildren.org emphasizes that children's diets should have green vegetables, fruits rich in vitamin C and zinc-rich foods to support natural immunity.
Proper care in the dry season helps children avoid skin and respiratory diseases, while maintaining stable health during erratic weather.
