### Tips to Protect Your Child’s Skin from Common Household Irritants Children have sensitive skin that can easily be irritated by various household products. Here are some tips to help protect your child's skin: 1. **Laundry Products**: Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Perfumes and additives in these products can cause skin problems like eczema. Consider using a studded laundry ball or adding a little vinegar to the final rinse as a mild alternative. 2. **Fragranced Products**: Avoid scented soaps, lotions, and shampoos. These often contain chemicals that can cause skin allergies. Opt for products labeled “fragrance-free” or “hypoallergenic.” Be cautious of “unscented” products as they may still contain masking fragrances. 3. **Harsh Soaps**: Choose low-sudsing or suds-free soaps for your child. Detergents in bar soaps and antimicrobial hand soaps can irritate the skin. 4. **Exotic Fruits**: Some fruits like mangoes and citrus can cause skin reactions. Wash all fruits before eating and keep the rinds away from sensitive skin. 5. **Organic Alternatives**: Be cautious with products labeled “natural” or “organic” as they may contain botanicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid products with “natural fragrance” as they may include irritating substances. 6. **Aerosol Irritants**: Minimize the use of air fresheners, incense, candles, and other aerosolized products. These can trigger skin reactions in children. 7. **Pets**: Pets can cause skin allergies. If eliminating the pet is not an option, be mindful of the shampoos used on them and try to keep them away from sensitive areas. If your child develops a skin reaction, try to identify and remove the irritant. For mild reactions, apply a cool, topical anti-itch lotion or over-the-counter 0.5% hydrocortisone cream. Consult a pediatrician if the rash is severe or persistent. By following these tips, you can help prevent skin problems in your children and keep their skin healthy.