Remedies For Baby White Spots
The small white spots that often appear on children’s and infants’ faces are known as milia. They are also commonly known as milk spots. These are basically cysts, filled with keratin and are usually benign. They usually occur near the mouth area, just under the surface skin or the epidermis. Common in new born babies, the milk spots can actually affect anyone of any age.
These spots can also be found on other areas of the face like the nose, around the eyes and the forehead, and also on the genitals. Milk spots are not really easily identifiable and are often mistaken for other things. For example on the face, people make the mistake of thinking that the milk spots are actually white heads that have grown stubborn. On the genitalia, these are often mistaken for symptoms of an STD or warts.
The milk spots often disappear in two to four weeks without any treatment when they occur in babies. However, if these occur in adults, they can require a minor surgical procedure for removal.
Even though no definite cause for milk spots has been identified, it is thought that the chemicals in harsh soaps or face washes and creams could cause the milk spots to occur. Stress on the skin due to hot showers or excessive heat from the sun could also cause milk spots. Poor hygiene could also be a cause of the appearance of these spots. When they are on the face, they look very unattractive and if they appear on the eyelids, they can often be irritating.
Keratin, the substance inside the cyst like spots, is a protein that functions to provide strength and elasticity to the skin. To get rid of the spots on your baby’s face, here are some home remedies that you can try.
- Fill hot water in a bowl. Test the water first to determine how hot it is. You don’t want to scald or burn your baby by pouring very hot water on the delicate facial skin. Soak a soft wash cloth in the hot water, remove excess water and then place it on the affected area. Keep it there till the cloth goes cold. Keep repeating this till the milk spots start to soften. Repeat this thrice a day everyday for a week. The milk spots will dry right out and shed themselves. Sometimes, it might take more than a week. Keep on doing this till it all goes away.
- Exfoliating your baby’s face with a facial scrub can also help. Cosmetic scrubs are not suitable and so you can soak a handful of almond in water for at least 3 to 4 hours. Grind the soaked almonds along with a little milk and then use the paste as a gentle face scrub.
