Many little ones get dry skin and rashes. Fortunately there are lots of treatments available. If you've ever wondered what the difference is between ointments, creams, and lotions, the answer is simple: Thickness -- meaning how much water they contain. Ointments and creams tend to be heavy or greasy, and very good at locking in moisture. Ointments such as petroleum jelly and creams have almost no water content. Lotions are on the other end of the scale, smoothing on easily and disappearing quickly. They have a high water content and very low oil content, so they evaporate easily.
To protect an infant's more delicate skin, "I usually recommend ointments and creams for babies, because lotions aren’t often thick enough," says Tanya R. Altmann, MD, pediatrician, and author of Mommy Calls: Dr. Tanya Answers Parents' Top 101 Questions About Babies and Toddlers. "Another reason ointments work best for babies, is that usually a baby doesn't mind being slathered in a greasy ointment, but toddlers often do."
That's why for toddlers (and adults), creams or lotions are often the best rash or dry skin solution. You'll lock in the most moisture when you apply any ointment, cream, or lotion within three minutes of bath or shower.
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