Milia in infants, is it fair or should be removed?

Have you ever seen small white spots on baby's skin? It is milia and it often occurs in newborns. Some parents want to get rid of these white spots, but they actually go away on their own. The following is an explanation about milia in babies that needs attention.

What are milia that often appear on the skin of babies?

Quoting from the Mayo Clinic, milia are small white spots that appear on the nose, chin, or cheeks of newborns. But do not rule out, milia can also be experienced by adults.

The color of the milia is not always white, sometimes it is slightly yellowish with a size of about one to two millimeters.

Milia cannot be prevented and there is no need for treatment as it will go away on its own within a few months.

How does milia occur? Quoted from Medlineplus, milia can arise when dead skin is trapped in a small pouch on the surface of the skin or mouth.

If you've seen small spots in the mouths of newborns, that also includes milia which will go away on their own.

Milia is often referred to as acne in babies, but that's not true because milia and acne are two different things.

Signs of milia in babies

Milia have several symptoms before their growth, such as:

• Spots that appear on the cheeks, nose, and chin
• Slightly raised white spots on the skin of a newborn
• White spots appear on the gums or around the mouth

These three conditions are very common in babies, so they are not dangerous and do not interfere with the baby's health condition.

Types of milia in babies that parents need to pay attention to

Milia occur when dead skin cells get trapped under the skin, creating yellowish-white spots on the surface of the skin.

There are several types of milia that babies often experience and this depends on the location. Here's the explanation, launched from Cleve Land Clinic:

Neonatal milia

This type of milia is found in almost all babies. Usually neonatal milia appear around the nose.

Although often called baby acne, milia are distinctly different because only milia are present when the baby is born. While acne is not present when the baby is born.

Primary milia

This type often appears on the eyelids, forehead, cheeks, and genitals. Primary milia is more often experienced by children to adults.

Although some primary milia are located on unusual parts of the body, these white spots are harmless and are not associated with damage to the baby's skin.

Like neonatal milia, primary milia can heal on its own but it takes a little longer, about several months.

Secondary milia

This type of milia often occurs after skin damage, such as burns, baby rash, blistering, or excessive sun exposure.

Sometimes secondary milia also results from using too heavy a skin cream or ointment.

Can milia be prevented in babies?

Milia often worries parents for fear of not going away. Can the emergence of milia be prevented?

Unfortunately no, especially on baby's skin, milia is a very natural condition. However, secondary types of milia that arise due to skin damage can be prevented by avoiding excessive sun exposure.

How to care for milia in babies

As previously explained, there is no need for special treatment to get rid of milia in your baby.

If this condition causes discomfort to your baby, here are some ways to treat and treat white spots on your little one's face.

1. Using a warm compress

First of all, you need to remember that you should never squeeze or scrape your baby's milia.

This method is a wrong step because it can actually increase the risk of infection of the baby's skin.

Alternatively, you can compress with a cloth that has been washed with warm water on your baby's skin.

How to compress to remove milia in babies, namely:

• Soak a soft cloth in warm water
• Squeeze the cloth so it doesn't get too wet
• Don't forget to check if the cloth is too hot or not
• Compress the area where the milia is with a warm compress
• Do it three times a day every day for a week.

If done regularly, it is likely that the white spots on your baby will dry up and peel off on their own.

Even so, it still takes time to get maximum results until the milia is completely gone.

2. Make use of almond scrub

In addition to compressing with warm water, you can also make a scrub with a mixture of almonds and milk to remove milia on your little one's skin.

How to make it is also quite easy. You only need almonds and a little milk as a mixture. After that, soak the almonds in water for 3-4 hours.

Grind the almonds that have been mixed with milk to form a fine paste. If it has formed a soft paste, try to gently rub the scrub on your baby's face.

Baby's skin is usually more sensitive than adults. That is why, before you do this, try to consult your pediatrician first.

3. Implement good habits

A routine that is healthy and good for your skin is actually the key to getting rid of milia in your little one.

As reported by Cleveland Clinic There are some habits that you can do so that the white spots on your baby's face quickly disappear, including:

• Wash baby's face every day with warm water and mild soap.
• When drying, do not rub the baby's skin, but pat gently with a towel or cloth.
• After cleaning, don't forget to apply fragrance-free moisturizer, especially when the weather is dry.
• Keep the room temperature comfortable for your baby and make it a habit to wipe their sweat to avoid infection.

Applying good habits and hygiene to babies is very important to maintain the health of your little one's skin.

Even so, there is no need to worry about the appearance of milia in babies, because that does not mean that later on, your little one will get acne.

4. Use a mild soap

When bathing, use a soap with a formula to soften and moisturize the baby's skin. This can help keep baby's skin moisturized, soft, and not irritated.

Milia do not need to be given baby powder or other care products. This can close the pores of the skin which can actually cause new milia.

5. Avoid dehydration in babies

Make sure the baby is well hydrated. If your little one is under six months of age, provide exclusive breastfeeding, while babies over six months can be given plain water. This is to keep the baby's body from being dehydrated.

Should my baby be taken to the doctor?

Milia is not dangerous, but are there any conditions that require the baby to be brought to the doctor?

Milia in babies will normally disappear within 1-2 weeks. However, if you have applied the remedy for the spots above and the condition is getting worse, please consult your doctor.

White spots in babies are one of the problems that get the attention of parents, especially those who are having children for the first time.

Try not to panic and find out how to deal with milia in your baby in advance. If it doesn't go away, then ask the doctor how to handle it properly.

During the examination, the doctor will see the condition of your baby's skin and mouth. No blood test is required for further treatment.

What should be considered?

For babies, milia usually lasts a few weeks early in life. In contrast to adults and older children, milia can last longer.

Meanwhile, secondary types of milia, both in infants, children, and adults, can be permanent.

The scars resulting from improper treatment and care of milia can erode the baby's skin. This is what makes it permanent.

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