Original title: Infant Skincare in India: Clinical Practices, Perceptions, and Evolving Perspectives from a Healthcare Professional Survey
Huma Rizwan, Bharat Parmar, Shruti Mukherjee, Shahani Begum +2 · September 2026
Baby skin is delicate and easily harmed by rashes, barrier breakdown, and infections. Because of this vulnerability, infants need safe and evidence-backed skin routines. To see how doctors handle these issues, researchers surveyed hundreds of clinicians in India about their habits, recommendations, and concerns regarding sensitive skin and eczema. The researchers learned which skin problems doctors encounter most and how they choose to treat them. They found that sensitive skin is the top complaint clinicians see, followed closely by eczema and diaper rashIrritation on a baby's bottom from wet diapers.. To treat mild-to-moderate sensitive skin, clinicians mainly turn to emollientsMoisturizers that soothe and hydrate the skin.—which are soothing moisturizers that protect the skin barrier—along with natural products. Most clinicians prefer products without harsh chemicals and regularly suggest natural or ayurvedicA traditional Indian system of medicine using natural ingredients. options. Clinicians also widely agree that daily skincare protects the skin barrier and helps stop eczema from returning or worsening, though they still want better clinical proof to guide care.
You are babysitting a newborn and see a red patch on their leg. You want to help but have no idea what cream is safe or effective. Here, Indian doctors describe which products they recommend—mostly gentle moisturizers and natural remedies—but also say they need more research to be sure.
Infants have delicate skin that is prone to rashes and infections, yet there are few large-scale studies on what works in Indian clinical practice. This survey reveals that Indian doctors overwhelmingly recommend natural and ayurvedic products, especially moisturizers, for mild skin issues. However, the doctors themselves highlight a need for stronger clinical evidence to guide these recommendations.
The study relies on self-reported survey responses, which may not reflect actual clinical practice. The sample of 358 HCPs, though multicentric, may not represent all regions or specialties in India. The abstract does not provide details on the survey's psychometric validation or response rate. The findings highlight preferences and perceived needs, but do not establish clinical efficacy of the recommended products.
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Infant Skincare in India: Clinical Practices, Perceptions, and Evolving Perspectives from a Healthcare Professional Survey — Huma Rizwan, Bharat Parmar, Shruti Mukherjee et al. — medRxiv — doi:10.64898/2026.09.08.26362227
Abstract licence: CC0
Explanation generated by Synthesis from the abstract — it is not the original paper. This is a preprint, so it hasn't necessarily been peer reviewed.