One common misconception is that all babies are born with soft and smooth skin. Unfortunately, the rashes commonly appear within days or months of birth. These rashes are common albeit hideous, one of which you'll find is the milk rash. Thankfully, it doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort to your baby.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about milk rash, and if the rash on your baby’s face means they have a milk allergy.
What is Milk Rash
The most common rash that babies get is the milk rash. Milk rashes are identified as a reddish rash that might appear on the newborn baby’s chin, cheeks, nose or neck.
For older babies, it could be characterised as white pimple-like growths, called milia, that may appear on the face or shoulders.
Baby Milk Rash Causes
Typically, milk rashes are an allergic reaction to milk formulas or a hormonal reaction to your breast milk. At other times, these rashes can also appear if milk had dried up on your baby’s face and was not wiped clean.
Milk drool rash may also appear if your child’s skin is always wet with saliva or comes in contact with harsh fabrics or chemicals like perfumes or colognes.
While it is possible to have milk rash in breastfed babies, breastfeeding itself is not the cause. It may be because the mother ate something that the baby is allergic to. Meanwhile, a baby with a rash on the face could mean they have CMPA, or cow’s milk protein allergy.
How To Cure Milk Rash: 5 Simple Remedies
It’s normal for parents to want to know how to treat baby milk rash. Even without applying any remedy, this annoying baby rash disappears on its own. But because it is unsightly, parents want to get rid of it immediately by applying creams.
One of the primary milk rash remedies is a steroid cream. This is usually prescribed by a doctor especially when the rashes are very red, thick, and persistent. However, most parents are wary about using this cream as it can cause skin thinning and increase sensitivity.
There is also a variety of other ways to relieve your child from such rashes. If you want to get rid of the rashes on your baby's delicate skin, you can try these six simple remedies. Other ways how to cure milk rash that are deemed effective by numerous parents are the following:
1. Jasmine Flowers
Jasmine flowers are common in Southeast Asia. They are white, sweet-smelling flowers that are often used in natural remedies. This is because they have healing compounds. While jasmine flowers are typically used as a sedative, anti-depressant and aphrodisiac, it is considered as one of the most potent milk rash remedies.
How do you use these flowers for milk rash? Chill the flowers before use and rub it gently on your baby’s milk drool rash. The oils that are released in the flowers not only clear up the rashes but also moisturises the skin.
Do note that before use of these flowers, we advise consulting your doctor, just to be on the safe side.
2. Mild Cleansers
Oftentimes the gentlest rash remedies are the most effective. Try washing your baby’s face with a mild cleanser as these are proven to clear up milk rash on baby's face in just a few days.
Here are our recommended baby wash that are guaranteed gentle on your little one's skin.
3. Breast Milk
Believe it or not, breast milk is considered one of the milk rashes remedies. Aside from it being safe to use, it has natural healing properties as well. Just wet a cotton ball with breast milk and gently rub it on the milk rash on your baby's face daily until it disappears.
Meanwhile, breastfeeding mothers need to observe which food they have eaten when they see milk rash in breastfed babies. Take note of whether the rash disappears once you’ve eliminated that food from your diet.
5. Wet Cloth
Baby neck rash from milk can both be prevented and healed with the use of a clean, wet cloth. To clear up the rash, make sure to wipe your baby with a cloth after feedings. Double-check that you get between the folds of the neck to get rid of milk in the crevices.
6. Regular Towel/Clothing Change
After feedings, some babies make a mess with their drool and milk. Make it a habit to frequently change bibs, clothing, or drool towel to prevent exacerbation of baby neck rash from milk.
Also, try to avoid using colognes on your baby, especially at such a young age. This may further irritate their skin. In the same vein, avoid using fabric conditioners as these contain harsh ingredients that may worsen the rash.
Here are our recommended baby detergents that are gentle and safe to use for your baby's clothes.
Is Your Baby’s Rash On Face A Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy?
While milk rash is normal and typically disappears on its own, sometimes the rash may be a symptom of a more serious condition. If there are other symptoms aside from the rash, your baby may have a cow’s milk protein allergy or CMPA.
CMPA is the most common food allergy in babies. It occurs when your baby’s immune system reacts abnormally to the cow’s milk protein. The ones most at risk of having CMPA are babies less than one-year-old.
Babies are more at risk of developing CMPA when they have parents or siblings with allergic diseases. These include seasonal allergies, eczema, and asthma.
Here are other symptoms aside from milk rash to watch out for that may indicate CMPA:
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- vomiting
- Stuffy nose
- Difficulty in breathing
- Mucous or blood in stools
- Fussing or crying (colic)
When babies are diagnosed with CMPA, the treatment usually includes the removal of cow’s milk protein from their diet. Doctors may prescribe milk with hydrolyzed formulas.
If you are a breastfeeding mum, you should eliminate dairy and soy products from your diet. This is because it is possible for the proteins to pass on to your baby through your breast milk. You may also want to consult a dietician, to help you determine the hidden sources of dairy and soy in your diet.
When To Call The Doctor
Contact your doctor if aside from the rashes, you observe the following symptoms in your baby:
- Refuses to eat
- Seems more tired and lethargic
- Fever
- Severe diarrhea and vomiting
CMPA may cause severe reactions that include anaphylaxis. This is a possible life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms include swelling, difficulty breathing, and reduced blood pressure.
When anaphylaxis occurs, it is essential to receive epinephrine. If you do not have an epi-pen at home, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.
Updates from Romy Pena Cruz
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.