Are you worried about those small white bumps that appear on your baby's nose or cheeks? Don't worry, it's not contagious! These are known as 'milk bumps' and they typically disappear without any treatment. In this article, we'll discuss everything from what milk bumps look like to how to spot them easily.
The Basics: What Are Milk Bumps?
Milk bumps - also referred to as Milia - are tiny cysts filled with keratin. They often appear during infancy, and can occur in adults too. When the keratin is trapped beneath the surface of the skin resulting in little hard white spots that may be mistaken for acne (acne is so passé).
However, unlike acne which can cause inflammation and appears mainly on oily areas of one’s face such as forehead or chin; milia have a smooth texture and looks like solid material underneath your skin rather than an infected pore.
Why do babies get milk bumps?
So much goes into taking care of a baby! It will surprise you to know that milk bump formation starts during pregnancy when dead cells lodge themselves under skin surfaces causing blockage or follicles where hair develops; Additionally many times post birth maternal hormones continue feeding unshed fetal cells in newborns’. This creates a perfect environment for these pesky little problems!
But guess what?-It all clears up (usually) by itself within weeks-to-months so just sit back enjoy watching your cute lil’ bubba grow up with occasional smatterings of cottage cheese patches dotted over their face (Jokes aside!)
Identifying Milk Bumps
Identifying milk bumps is easy once you know what to look for. Here are some signs:
- Tiny white/yellowish-white lumpy dots
- Firm but soft pea-sized protrusion
- Painless
- clustered together on the face (around nose, cheeks and chin)
- tiny swollen bright red bumps often observed alongside milia due to blocked ducts; which eventually gets resolved naturally with growth or by consulting a dermatologist
Factors that may contribute to milk bump formation
While some may not have any reason for its occurrence, other factors might include:
- Clogged pores
- Use of heavy make-up/smoothing lotions on baby's face while applying cream
- Oil-based skin products.
- Sun damage/cell damage to baby’s fragile skin.
What should I avoid doing if my baby has these ‘Milk-Bumps'?
Parents need not worry about treating it in most cases as It’ll disappear eventually over time. However you would want keep the following things away from your precious little one...
- Do NOT try scrubbing/chafing it off clothes/towels...it'll only irritate the sensitive area!
- Avoid using perfumes/ creams containing harsh chemicals and fragrances until they heal completely.
- Speaking of cleaning, do not use artificial scrubs starting exfoliation process yourself rather leave the healing under physician’s observation
Ways To Get Rid Of Milia
For those who just cannot wait patiently for natural improvements here are some possible treatment options!
1) No Needle Follicle Puncture – If whiteheads persist even after months Zapping milia via puncture allows removal without disturbing healthy cells around with expertise.
2) Chemical peels – Apart from adults these procedures are not really required; Depending on age parents can consult paediatrician/dermatologist before considering these treatments because it involves chemical acids composition at specific percentages! But is effective when undergoing successfully
3) Moisturising - Simple moisturizing techniques could improve milia gradually...starting lotion application always speak with doctor first rates suitable brands when handling particularly tender newborn babies!!!
4) Keep your Baby Clean: regular mild washing and changing tainted nappies will keep your baby's skin healthy...and ultimately aiding to enhance the immune system.
Treatment For Milia In Adults
People with matured/aging/acne-prone skins are prone to developing milia too; here’s what works best for them!
1) Squeeze it Out- Not advisable unless you're qualified dermatologist or trained professional, squeezing out the cysts can leave marks on the face so get that spatula ready be sure!!
2) Avoid over sun-exposure - Repeat exposure of ultraviolet rays contributes significantly to formation of Milia: serious candidates often prefer reading side-effects before scheduling radiograms/"pink-footed”. (y'know if they have a spare time).
3) Microdermabrasion – remove stubborn whiteheads by deep exfoliation ‘micro-crystals’ used making overall facial appearance smoother.
4) Retinoids Creams – containing Vitamin A applied topically could potentially improve upon condition overtime. However one must be patient as treatment shows significant improvements after several months.
FAQs
How can I prevent milk bumps from developing again?
Some tips include:
- Protecting exposed areas susceptible to harsh weather
- Add sunscreen cream when going outdoor more
- maintaining general hygiene while trying not rubbing around.
BONUS TIP : You shouldn’t worry too much about such slight details, however important taking care of our little angels is, ALWAYS remember you’re doing AMAZING!
Do Milk Bumps hurt?
In most cases, they do not cause pain but sometimes a burning sensation may occur especially when inflamed or irritated.
Can milk bumps appear in any other places than just face?
Yes; infants might develop rough patches/ pimples during occasional acrochordon stages [more commonly known as "skin tags"] mainly occurring at neck folds/groin area or underarms
With this knowledge, there’s no need to worry when those little bumps appear on your baby's face. They should disappear naturally over time without causing any harm, so sit back and enjoy watching your tiny human grow into a warrior (don't mind the kitchen cottage cheese look). Remember mums/dads - Trust Your Instinct off letting these things take care of themselves, you’ve got bigger battles waiting for y'all!