Do you see white spots on your little one? These white spots are called milia and usually appear 1-2 days after the baby is born, especially on the cheeks and nose. Then, milia in babies is dangerous or not?
Milia can be experienced by anyone, from infants to the elderly. About 40–50% of newborns have this condition. Although you may be annoyed with it, this condition is normal and nothing to worry about. Milia is also often mistaken for baby acne. In fact, the causes of these two conditions are very different.
Causes and Characteristics of Milia in Babies
White spots or milia in babies appear when the skin protein keratin gets trapped under the surface of the baby's skin. These white spots are less than 1 mm in size, but some are up to 3 mm in size.
The characteristics that distinguish milia in infants from milia in children and adults are the absence of symptoms of pain or itching. This is because milia in infants is not related to skin damage that triggers milia in children and adults.
The appearance of milia in infants can also vary greatly from one baby to another. Some appear only a little, some more. In addition to the face area, milia can be found on the scalp and upper body.
The Right Way to Handle Milia
Milia in infants does not require special care or treatment. This is because milia will disappear on their own within 2-3 weeks after the dead skin cells are exfoliated.
Even so, to minimize the effects of milia on babies while maintaining healthy skin, there are several simple ways you can do, including:
- Clean your little one's face using warm water and special baby soap.
- Dry your little one's face gently, using a soft fibrous towel with a gentle patting motion.
- Avoid applying oil or lotion on your little one's face.
- Do not press or rub the milia to avoid irritation and infection.
Some mothers may be anxious to squeeze milia so that these spots disappear faster. However, this should not be done because it can cause wounds that actually give new problems to the baby's skin. If milia doesn't go away for several months, check your little one to the doctor to get the right treatment.