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Milia in Newborn and Babies - Types, Causes & Treatment
You may often have to grapple with skin problems in your baby because of their delicate and tender skin. One such skin condition that bothers infants is milia. They appear as little white bumps on baby skin and are commonly known as milk spots.
Video: Milia in Newborn babies - Causes, Types & Treatment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXFUUS-_M-w
What is Milia?
Milia or milium cysts are tiny white spots which appear on newborns’ noses, cheeks or chins. These spots can also be found around the eyes and forehead, and at times on the baby's genitals.Newborn milia are basically cysts, filled with keratin, an element produced by the skin. These cysts are harmless and are seen in groups and are hence called milia. They appear in around 40 to 50 percent of new-born babies.
Some babies may get a few while others have many of them. Normally milia appear within a day or two after birth, but in premature babies it may not show up for days or weeks.
Types of Milia
These bumps appear as small and dome-shaped eruptions of around 1-2 mm on baby’s skin, and are either white or yellow. They may turn red and cause irritation if exposed to rough sheets or clothing.
There are different types of milia. These cysts are categorised depending on the age when it appears. However, children mostly suffer from two types of milia mentioned below:
Neonatal Milia
This condition of neonatal milia or primary milia is found in newborns and gets corrected within a few weeks.
Juvenile Milia
Juvenile milia can be seen at birth or later, and this form of milia is most commonly linked with a range of genetic, and at times certainmedical conditions. Conditions linked with juvenile milia include basal cell nevus syndrome and gardener syndrome.
What Causes Milia in Newborns
Milia forms because the oil glands in newborns are still developing. The skin which does not come off naturally remains stuck. The blocked sebaceous glands present in the skin are basically responsible for producing an oil called sebum which keeps the skin fresh and supple.
The oil and dead skin cells together clog the pores of your baby’s skin which causes a series of white spots on the surface of the skin. However, it disappears after the surface of the bump wears away and the dead skin comes off.
Symptoms of Milia in Babies
Milia do not usually show symptoms but some adults may experience itchiness. Thesemilk spots on baby’s face are most commonly found on the baby's chin, nose and cheeks as mentioned above. Sometimes, bumps can be seen on the gums or the roof of the baby’s mouth. These are also known as Epstein pearls. Babies prone to acne could also develop symptoms that lead to milia.
Test and Diagnosis
Milia can be easily recognised on baby's skin based on the look of the cysts. There is no specific test required to determine milia in babies.
Can Milia Cause Acne in My Grown Up Baby?
There is no connection between milia and acne in a grown up baby. Genetics could be one of the reasons for acne in teens or adults.
Milia Treatment for Babies
Ideally there is no treatment for baby milia removal because the bumps usually fade away within two to four weeks without any treatment. However, if the spots are found in adults, it would require a minor surgical procedure to eliminate.
You can try the following procedure if they cause irritation. Wash the baby's face on a daily basis with a mild baby cleanser and warm water, and then simply wipe your baby's skin dry.
Never pinch or rub on the cysts because it may lead to irritation or infection. Also, don’t use any oils or lotions on your baby's face.
How to Get Rid of Milia With Home Remedies
There is no way to get rid of these spots unless they fade away on their own. But you can try some home remedies that are easy on baby’s skin.
You can dip a soft cloth in hot water and then squeeze out the excess water. After that, check the cloth to ensure it is not too hot before placing it on the baby’s skin. Keep the cloth till it turns cold and repeat the process thrice a day every day for a week. The milk spots will dry and slough off themselves. Sometimes, it might take more than a week. Make sure the water is not so hot that it burns your baby's delicate facial skin.
You can also try slowly rubbing home-made scrub on your baby’s faceTo make this scrub, soak almonds in water for almost three to four hours and grind it after adding a little milk to make a smooth paste. Try scrubbing this gently on the spots and you might see a difference.
Remember to get it checked with your doctor before proceeding with any home remedies or other treatment options.
Milia Prevention
You can’t prevent milia in a new-born.you can only ensure that it does not irritate the baby’s skin any further by treating it.
When to Consult the Doctor for Milia in Your Child
Milia are not contagious and don’t irritate your baby. But if you notice the spots spreading, or the skin around it is inflamed or painful, then consult your doctor. If you are concerned with the complexion of the baby or the milk spots not disappearing within three months, you can get it checked sooner.
Benign eruption milia are usually not a cause of concern. However, if you are worried, do consult a doctor for a remedy.
Also Read: Pimples on Baby Face Read more
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History behind Women's Day
March 8th is observed as the International Women's Day every year and re-establishes the importance of women empowerment. Over the years, this day has lost its socio-political significance and have become a day when women are generally appreciated for their contribution to world community. By understanding the history of International Women's Day, one can truly appreciate its significance.
More than 100 years ago, International Women’s Day was recognized as the day when womanhood will be celebrated and cherished. The legacy of Women’s day has its fair share of sacrifices and struggles ingrained into it. But today, it is seen as the day when the contribution of women to society, economy and politics is recognized and appreciated. By reminiscing the history and foundation of Women’s day, one can come to fully understand the meaning of this day and celebrate it with full fervour.
The Beginning
In the year 1908, women workers in the garment industry had gone on a strike in New York. Their demands were for shorter working hours, better pay and improved working conditions. The strike was broken up to no avail. Consequently, in 1909, the Socialist Party of America celebrated 28th February as Women’s day to commemorate and honour the strike of 1908.
In 1910, in Copenhagen, the Socialist International established an International Women’s day. Subsequently in 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland rallies were organized which more than a million men and women attended while demanding following rights for women - right to vote, right to hold public office, right to work, vocational training and end of discrimination on job. In 1917, women in Russia went on strike for “Bread & Peace” resulting in the provisional government granting right to vote for women.
Since then, over the years, March 8th has been observed as international Women’s day across many nations and constituencies. This day is observed as an official holiday in the Soviet Union, and in China, women are given a half day off from work to celebrate women’s day.
The role of UN
The United Nations has been the most active and internationally recognized organization world over that has been linking Women’s day with socially relevant themes. The UN has, over the years, brought many recognized and influential speakers as well as activists onboard to represent the cause of women empowerment. Every year, a singular theme is chosen to celebrate Women’s day, Women’s week and Women empowerment month too. In the 1990s, the UN associated world peace with Women’s day as a concurrent theme, keeping in line with the initial phases of women activism in 1910s.
Over the years, the UN themes for Women’s day have taken into consideration many burning issues such as violence against women, AIDS awareness, Women rights to education and work, alleviation of rural women, female trafficking, poverty, hunger, and conditions of women in under-developed countries.
In Popular Culture
Although Women’s Day was established as a symbol of women activism and every year it was celebrated to further encourage woman participation in socio-political and economic issues. In today’s world, Women’s day has evolved into an occasion to show respect and appreciation for women. While in countries like Egypt and Afghanistan, where woman-rights are still a cause of concern, women’s day continues to be of political relevance.
In more developed and developing countries, Women’s day is now celebrated in a similar fashion to Mother’s day. Every country has had outstanding women who have changed the course of their history and Women’s day is seen as an occasion to celebrate those luminaries.
Many communities and social activist groups also honour this day by wearing a purple ribbon. Internationally, this day has been repeatedly linked with other relevant causes like domestic abuse, women safety at work, women empowerment and fight against breast cancer.
The history behind women’s day is replete with multiple sacrifices and struggles which women have made in various professional and social situations. Even to this day, they continue to face discrimination on the grounds of gender and are trying hard to break-free of these stifling social issues. If there is one thing that can be learnt from the history of women’s day, it is this that we have come a long way and women enjoy many liberties today which they didn’t a century ago. Still we have a long way to go and much needs to be done to cherish and respect the spirit of womanhood. Read more
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Apgar Score for Newborn’s Health Assessment
The Apgar test is performed immediately after the delivery of the child to see if the newborn is ready to face the world - or needs some help with it. With the help of this test, the doctors get to know if there are any complications, and if there are, then they can administer immediate relief to the newborn baby.
What is the Apgar Test?
The Apgar test is one of the first tests that is administered to a newborn baby immediately after the baby's birth. Developed in 1952 by an anesthesiologist who goes by the name Virginia Apgar, the test also stands for what it assesses - Appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and resistance.
Why is the Apgar Test Necessary?
The Apgar test happens to be one of the most important tests that a doctor conducts on a newborn, and there is good reason for this - to make sure or assess the condition of the baby, in terms of her skin color or appearance, heart rate, reflex, muscles and motor skills, and the breathing rate or respiration. The Apgar test helps the doctor evaluate the newborn's condition, and the doctor gets an idea as to whether the baby requires medical treatment now or in the future. All in all, the Apgar test is necessary to check if the newborn baby is hearty.
What Does it Evaluate?
As mentioned before, the Apgar test helps evaluate mainly the normalcy of the newborn, as far as the skin colour, heart rate, reflex, muscles, motor skills, and the breathing rate is concerned. These five areas will give the doctor a brief understanding of the overall health of the child and will help indicate any complications that the child might face in the future as well.
What is the Apgar Score?
The Apgar score gives you a fair idea as far as the newborn baby's physical condition is concerned. Each area, that is appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration, are scored separately, with zero being the lowest score, and two being the highest, after which the total score is taken into consideration to assess the newborn's condition, and whether the child is healthy or in need of medical aid.
If the newborn has a score that ranges between seven to ten, he is said to be healthy and in good shape. This would mean that the child is not in any sort of emergency, and does not require anything more than the regular post-delivery checkup. A score below seven usually means that the child needs to be taken care of. A critically low score below three means that the case becomes a medical emergency and immediate medical care should be administered.
When is the Apgar Scoring Test Performed?
Apgar scoring is performed twice. The first instance is one minute after birth, and the second is 5 minutes after birth.
How is Scoring Done?
APGAR Score Chart
Indicator
0 Points
1 Point
2 Points
A
Activity
(muscle tone)
Absent
Flexed limbs
Active
P
Pulse
Absent
<100bpm
> 100bpm
G
Grimace
(reflex irritability)
Floppy
Low response to stimulation
Quick response to stimulation
A
Appearance
(colour of the skin)
Blue/ pale
Blue extremities but pink body
Pink
R
Respiration
Absent
Irregular and slow
Crying vigorously
The Apgar test is done twice after the delivery of the newborn - the first, immediately after the birth of a child, and the second, five minutes after the first test.
Appearance - If the baby is pink all over, a score of two is given. Blue extremities but a pink torso mean the child gets a score of one. A child that is pale and blue all over gets no points.
Pulse - A healthy child should have a pulse rate that is equal to or slightly greater than 100. This will fetch a score of two on the Apgar score chart. The child gets a score of one if the pulse rate is below 100. If the child has no pulse rate, he gets no points, and immediate medical treatment is given.
Grimace - This refers to the reflex or reaction of the newborn when external stimulation is given. The doctor either pinches or hits the newborn child lightly, to see if she reacts or cries.
If the child starts to cry, a score of two is given. A weak cry or grimace will fetch a score of one, and no reaction whatsoever will result in the child getting a zero.
Activity - In this area, the child's activity is assessed. If the child shows signs of movement like flaying of her arms or kicking, she gets a score of two. Light movement gets a score of one, and no movement gets no scoring.
Respiration - The newborn's respiration is assessed, and a score of two is administered if the child cries as soon as he has been delivered, signifying that he is breathing, and the respiration is normal. A feeble cry or gasping will fetch a score of one, while no respiration will get a score of zero.
The scores are then totalled, after which the assessment is made with the help of the Apgar score chart, where a score of zero to three is critically low, four to six is low, and seven to ten is considered normal.
What Does a High or Low Score Mean?
A high score means that the child is healthy, and needs nothing more than the usual medical assistance that is administered right after the delivery of the child.
A low score would mean that the child is in need of medical assistance, and this can be deemed as a case of a medical emergency that needs immediate action. In most of these cases, the child is taken care of immediately and the necessary medical aid is given. The child is kept under medical observation until the condition of the child is stable, and the baby is out of danger.
What Does a Persistently Low Score Mean?
As mentioned before, the Apgar test is performed twice - the first test is done immediately after the delivery of the newborn, and the second test is done five minutes after the first test. This is done to ensure that the condition of the child is stable and to make sure that any sign of the child's condition taking a nose dive is taken care of immediately.
If the newborn gets a low score in the first test and goes on to get a low score in the second test as well, the newborn is said to have a persistently low score indicating that the child is in need of medical assistance.
What are the Causes of Low Score?
The Apgar score chart shows the five areas that help assess the physical condition of the child - appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. The first area deals with the appearance of the child, the second area deals with the pulse rate of the child, the third area deals with the reflex of the child, the fourth area deals with the activity of the child and the fifth area deals with the respiration.
Now, the newborn can get a low score if he has a problem in one, more, or all of the five areas. For example, a newborn child that has a low pulse rate, as well as poor respiration, will most likely fetch a total score of six which is considered a low score that calls for immediate medical assistance.
In some cases, the child gets a low score on the first test but scores better in the second test. This means that the child is out of danger.
There are many causes of a low score in an Apgar test. One of the most leading causes of a low Apgar score is oxygen deprivation or asphyxia. Given below are a few more causes -
Trauma during the pregnancy or delivery of the child.
Amniotic fluid embolism, where the amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream, which in turn can cause allergic reactions.
Problem with the umbilical cord.
When the placenta tears from the uterus due to injury or impact.
infections that the mother contracts during the pregnancy.
Vaginal bleeding due to injury and other factors.
Is This Score Useful To Predict Future Health Problems?
No. The Apgar score does not predict any future health problems, but is, rather an indication of comfort with which the baby transitions into the world from the womb.Research offers conflicting opinions of the link between a low Apgar score and susceptibility of issues such as cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, and childhood autism, with the faculty at the Turku University Hospital in Finland suggesting that a low Apgar score may hint at these disabilities. However, the link has not been proven conclusively.
While the Apgar test tells the doctor the physical condition of the baby, the results are not permanent. A baby that fetches a low score can get better, this score is used to predict possible health problems. With these scores, you can deal with any complications that the newborn may face.
Also Read: Newborn Screening Read more
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10 Practical Ways to Help Your Loved One Quit Smoking This Year
Here’s stating ‘Obvious Fact No. 1’ - Smoking kills. We’ve all sat through those ads in the theatre which play before the movie does- the ones showing graphic images of people affected by smoking or information on anti-smoking campaigns. But despite the deadly effects that smoking has on their bodies, there are people who find it really hard to kick the habit. However, there are plenty of people who’ve embraced that tough decision and have overcome their addiction - your loved one just needs your undying support to get through the process!
Why is Quitting Smoking So Difficult?
As someone who’s trying to help their friend or relative or partner quit smoking, there are a few things you should know so that you can extend support the right way. If you thought the reasons were only physical, well, read on!
Once a smoker’s body gets used to the presence of nicotine (the chemical that gets them addicted to smoking in the first place), the body goes through withdrawal symptoms when it doesn’t get nicotine. Simply put, smoking isn’t just a bad habit - it’s an addiction, which is why quitting becomes so difficult.
Recent research has shown that relapses occur due to emotional triggers as well. This means that a person trying to quit smoking picks up the habit again because they’re trying to retain or recover their identity - the identity and social groups they’d built as a smoker. If the person had been a smoker for a really long time, it would have become a part of their identity, giving up on which feels like a loss, which is why they tend to light that cigarette again.
10 Ways to Help Your Loved One Quit Smoking
It’s important for you to understand that in most cases, a smoker doesn’t quit cold turkey, i.e. it’s not as simple as making a decision today and never looking in the direction of a cigarette again. So, here are a few practical ways you can help your quitter!
1) Let Your Loved One Know That You’re There for Them
As discussed earlier, smokers go through physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms when they finally quit. During such trying times, lend them a sympathetic ear and really listen to what they’re going through. Unless you’re an ex-smoker who has gone through the same experience as them, don’t tell them things like ‘I know what you feel’, because it may sound like you’re trivialising their problems. Ask them how they’re feeling so that you can take necessary action to help them out, and try to see things from their perspective.
2) Serve As a Distraction
Ask your loved one for all the times during the day that they’re likely to smoke, and make sure they have different distractions to keep them away from cigarettes at those times. If it’s after a meal, offer to take a walk with them, or provide them with a tall glass of water and a few healthy snacks. Another measure that can help them is to have them focus on a task (nothing anxiety-inducing!), and keep their hands and mind busy. Read up on different things that can keep their mind away from smoking and be prepared with such measures.
3) Be Prepared With Nicotine Replacement Aids
Sometimes, simple measures like those mentioned above may not provide desired results. Stock up on nicotine patches or gum, lozenges, a bottle of nasal spray - whichever seems to work out best for your quitter. Of course these are going to be a little expensive, but surely it’s worth the benefits your loved one will receive from quitting smoking, right?
4) Be Patient Through Their Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting smoking is going to make your loved one anxious, irritable, be prone to headaches, and basically just not in the best of their physical or mental health. These can last for a couple of days to a few weeks, depending on the person. Be calm and patient, and show them kindness. Don’t take their reactions personally; understand that they’re going through a tough time. But do talk to them gently and acknowledge their actions as reactions to quitting; it will help them understand why they’re acting the way are, too!
5) Celebrate Their Successes
The success need not be as big as ‘smoke-free for a year’! During the difficult journey of quitting, even the simple act of refusing a cigarette should be considered a major achievement. Discuss with your loved one about rewards that would keep them going strong or come up with a few you know they’d love - a movie ticket, a dinner date, or even a simple card of encouragement. The idea is not just to motivate them to stick to their resolve, but also to show them that you’re just as invested in their journey as they are!
6) Forgive Their Relapses
Relapses shouldn’t be considered as failures; most smokers relapse at least 5 to 10 times before they’re able to completely give up smoking. However, nagging about it or voicing your disappointment is only going to make them feel guilty or angry. Instead, remind them of how far they’ve come and how you know they’ll be able to quit one day for sure. Also, try and understand what caused them to slip up. If the trigger is identified, you can come up with a plan to help them deviate from smoking the next time a similar situation crops up.
7) Avoid Smoking Zones
Considering that a lot of public places are now on the way to becoming no-smoking zones, this could an easy step to follow. Avoid restaurants or smoking rooms at the workplace (or in other public locations) that can act as a trigger. It would be impossible to bypass a stray smoker every now and then, but as long as it’s not for a prolonged period of time, your loved one should be fine! Also get rid of remaining cigarettes and ashtrays, and ensure that their possessions (clothes, articles at home, etc.) are cleaned so that they don’t smell of smoke anymore.
8) Know When to Seek Outside Help
Sometimes, despite everything you try, it may be impossible for your loved one to completely kick the habit. They may also suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms. At such a point, professional help should be sought, as healthcare providers will be better qualified to help your loved one.
9) Don’t be a Nag!
Preaching, lecturing, repeating negative statements - none of these are going to serve as positive motivation for your quitter to give up smoking. If anything, it could irritate them further and make them feel like their efforts are pointless. Hug them tight, comfort them when they’re down, and remind them what they’re capable of.
10) Ensure Them That You’re Very Much a Part of Their Journey
It’s easy to jump on board when your loved one asks for your help in quitting smoking. What’s difficult is having the patience to deal with their mood swings, their slip-ups, their recurring feelings of wanting to give up and pick up a cigarette again! The journey is not going to be short and sweet; it’s going to be a bumpy road with plenty of challenges ahead. Therefore, prepare yourself for what’s coming up, but never leave their side - if you’re in this together, your quitter is going definitely going to make progress!
If someone you love has made a resolution of quitting smoking this year, accept that it’s a big deal for them to have done that. Now that you’re armed with this information, take a deep breath - 2019 is the year to help your loved one get back on track with their health!
Also Read:
Amazing Benefits of a Smoke-Free Life
Bad Habits That Silently Ruining Your Fitness Plan
Things to Do Instead of Smoking Read more
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
17 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
5 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
16 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
16 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
10 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
4 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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