Milia are small dome-shaped bumps that are usually white or yellow. They’re generally not itchy or painful. However, rough sheets or clothing may cause milia and appear irritated. Often times, the rash you see is normal in newborns and there is no reason to fret.
What causes milia in babies has not been discovered. It’s commonly mistaken for baby acne, which is triggered by hormones from the mother.
Milia occurs frequently in newborns, withabout 50% of newborns having milia on their skin within a month of being born.
Unlike what people think, milia does not cause inflammation or swelling, as baby acne does. Usually, babies who have milia are born with it, while baby acne doesn’t begin to show until two to four weeks after birth.
How to prevent and cure Milia
Preventing milia can be quite challenging. However, wash your baby’s face and always pat dry gently andavoid pinching, squeezing, or scrubbing the lumps.
There is no need to treat milia with ointment because they’ll go away with or without treatment, and this is usually within weeks to months after birth.
Milia don’t leave scars, so don’t be tempted to burst them. Be patient and watch them clear away.
Rash prevention
- Keep him/her away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can further irritate the rash because it causes dryness.
- Be very gentle on the area of your baby’s skin affected by the rash. Don’t rub or scratch the rash at all.
- Always use mild cleansers when bathing your baby, and apply baby-friendly calming creams and lotions to moisturize their skin.
Heat rashes will often clear up on its own if you keep your baby’s skin cool. To speed up the healing process, bathe your child in cool water and pat his skin dry with a soft towel. The itchiness and discomfort that results from prickly heat will be relieved once your baby’s skin cools down.
If you are concerned about these rashes, your baby’s complexion or if it doesn’t clear up within three months, then see a specialist.
Pay attention to the rash size and shape and pay a visit to a doctor if it continues to spread despite treatment.