Baby skin - Laundry detergent,BabyOilsadviceinfant skin

[Guest guest]

Dear Priyanka,

Your baby does not tolerate oils for massage and develops rashes and he is

better with moisture cream. This suggests that he may be having some sort of

skin problem, maybe a mild form of atopic dermatitis.

In such cases, a better judgement should prevail. You should ask for a skin

specialist's opinion.

Over the last few threads related with this issue, I am gathering the impression

that everybody thinks that a oil massage for a baby is a must. I will somehow

differ from this opinion.

Abhyanga ie whole body oil application, according to Ayurveda has its own set of

rules, dos and don'ts.

Oil application in babies achieves two purposes - strength and touch.

Oil massage or even just application gives strength to bones, joints, muscles

and improves the blood and lymph circulation. It also helps in the movement of

intestines and removing the accumulated gases in the baby's tummy.

The second purpose ie touch is more important for all living being. Everybody

likes a reassuring touch, more so the babies. This aspect of massage makes them

calm, less jittery and induces good sleep pattern.

But, oil massage does not suit every skin, more so in pitta constitution. Also

hot environs can cause rashes after oil massage. Even in Vataja skin diseases

even if the skin is dry, oils sometimes cause rashes if the skin dryness is

because of some problem, as I have told above.

Now-a-days oil massage has become more of a ritual and the proper basic thinking

behind it is lost. Ayurveda has always hailed the view that any substance which

causes Vikar (disturbance) should not be forcibly used, however good it may be.

So, don't feel so much stressed about the issue. You can continue massage for

above said benefits. For smoothness during massage, to avoid friction to the

baby's skin, you may use the moisturiser that you are already using. You may

also opt for cow's milk with some of it's cream whipped and mixed in it. A

herbal and rash curing dual purpose application can be Aloe Vera gel (fresh

extract from leaf). Make your own choices. Baby is going to benefit with

whatever you choose among the given alternatives. If nothing seems to help,

don't forget a medical opinion.

 

Dr.D.B.Muzumdar

M.D.Ayurvedic Medicine, INDIA.

< dahpc >

 

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priyankadeven

I have not tried sesame oil. I will test sesame oil on a small areas

and see what are the results with that. So far most oils have brought

out the rash all over.. I have also heard about almond oil but not

tried that.

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