I think we use too much soap in this country. We bathe our children too often. Even mild soap removes the natural oils from the skin, and once the oil's gone, the skin can't hold moisture and becomes dry. These are some of the problems we see from trying to keep our kids squeaky clean: • First, lots of dry skin. Many children go around itching all winter long. • Second, soapy bath water can cause chemical vulvitis or urinary tract infection in girls. • Third, if shampoos are used daily, some children develop a dry, itchy scalp. Here's what I'd recommend: • Most young children don't produce any body odor, therefore, they can bathe or shower twice a week, and don't use any soap. I'll repeat that children with dry skin should avoid all soaps prior to puberty. For teenagers, buy a mild soap, but suggest they use it only on the armpits, genital area, and feet. • Finally, if the skin is already abused and itchy, apply a lubricating cream immediately after bathing
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