Table of contents:
- Know the difference between milia and acne in babies
- 1. The cause of emergence
- 2. The shape of the spots
- 3. The problematic skin area
- How to treat milia or acne in babies?
Babies have sensitive skin which is very susceptible to various problems, such as milia or acne. Although both cause small spots on the skin, milia, and acne are different skin problems. What is the difference? Check out the explanation about milia and acne in babies below.
Know the difference between milia and acne in babies
You are certainly anxious to see babies whose skin is clean and soft, right? However, that does not mean that the baby's skin is free from various problems. Sensitive skin is even more prone to skin problems, such as milia and baby acne. Although generally harmless, milia and acne can ruin the appearance of a baby's skin. To identify these two skin problems in babies, here are the differences between milia and baby acne.
1. The cause of emergence
Milia and baby acne usually appear a few weeks after the baby is born. Even though they appear at the same time, these two skin problems occur due to different causes.
Baby acne occurs due to hormonal changes that occur during the time she is in the womb and after birth. Meanwhile, milia appears due to a buildup of dead skin cells trapped near the surface of the skin.
2. The shape of the spots
If you pay close attention, the small bumps that appear due to milia and acne look different. The skin spots caused by milia are generally small, white bumps that look like splashes of milk. Skin spots due to acne in babies tend to be a bright red color that looks like insect bites.
3. The problematic skin area
The acne spots usually appear around the cheeks, nose and forehead of the baby. Milia spots also appear around the baby's nose, chin, and cheeks, but they can also spread to the area of the baby's arms, legs, or other parts of the body. When these milia bumps appear in the baby's mouth, they are called Epstein pearls.
How to treat milia or acne in babies?
In fact, milia and baby acne can heal on their own. So, you don't have to worry. You can do the same treatment to speed up the recovery process, such as:
- Avoid baby skin moisturizers that contain oil
- Does not rub or apply pressure to problem areas of the skin
- Routinely clean the baby's face and body
The healing process generally takes two to four weeks. If the condition does not improve over this time and the number of skin spots increases, see a doctor immediately.
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