[Cleansing of the skin in childhood].

The author describes the problems of skin cleansing in pediatric age on the basis of the recent knowledge of cosmetology and skin physiopathology. Principal detergents now available are summarized and their characteristics and indications are given. Skin cleansing in children is also seen in correlation with age and peculiarities of the skin itself. Modalities of bath, main types of bath (antiseptics, colloidal, emollient) and the substances used to date are discussed critically. The features which should characterize an ideal pediatric detergent are finally proposed.