How to Deal with Recurrent Baby Milk Crust
Introduction to Milk Crust:
Milk crust, also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis or infantile eczema, is a type of wet sore that occurs in infants. It is most common on the head and face, but can also appear on other parts of the body. According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica", it is caused by wind-heat in the child's body, poor spleen and lung function, or dampness blocking the skin and obstructing blood and qi flow, resulting in thickened skin and the formation of crusts. The crusts can be round or oblique, gradually increasing in size. They decrease slightly in cold weather and become itchy and stuffy in warm weather. Scratching can cause yellow discharge. On the face, the skin becomes dry and brittle, resembling crusts, hence the name milk crust.
Initially, the lesions resemble millet seeds, either scattered or clustered. The rash is red, and scratching produces white flakes, resembling crusts. If there are no blisters or fluid discharge, it is called a dry healing sore, which is associated with excessive wind and heat. If the skin becomes bumpy and intensely itchy, and if scratching causes the formation of blisters and oozing, resulting in wet and widespread lesions, it is called a damp healing sore, which is associated with excessive dampness and heat. Milk crust usually occurs in infants 2-3 months after birth, and generally fades naturally after 1-2 years. The symptoms of this disease can be seen in infants diagnosed with eczema by Western medicine.
Infantile eczema, also known as "milk crust", is a common type of allergic skin disease in infants. It is mainly characterized by red papules and plaques on the scalp, cheeks, submandibular area, neck, limbs, back, chest, or buttocks. It is accompanied by itching, which can make the baby cry and become restless. If effective care measures are not taken, scratching and friction can cause infection and worsen the condition, leading to recurrent episodes. To help the baby overcome this problem, the following measures are recommended.
1. Seek medical attention if the sores rupture
If the sores have not ruptured, you can apply tannic acid ointment, diaper cream, or some oily substances under the guidance of a doctor. However, if the sores have ruptured and are oozing, to prevent infection and worsening of the condition, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a dermatology clinic.
2. Avoid allergenic foods
The occurrence of baby eczema is closely related to their own allergic constitution, so it is important to avoid contact with allergenic substances as much as possible. For infants who have not started eating solid food, the most common allergen is cow's milk protein. If the baby is formula-fed and has this type of allergy, it is necessary to temporarily stop using the current formula and try using partially hydrolyzed protein formula or extensively hydrolyzed protein formula instead. If the baby is breastfed, the mother should avoid suspicious foods that may cause allergies in the baby.
Generally, babies start to add complementary foods at four months, but for babies with allergic constitution, it is recommended to delay the introduction of solid foods until six months. For foods that are prone to allergies (such as cow's milk, eggs, etc.), it is advisable to wait until 12 months before introducing them. Each new food should be added one by one, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing the variety. After adding a new food, if no abnormalities are observed for 1-2 weeks, another new food can be tried. If an allergy is detected, it should be avoided.
3. Minimize skin irritation
The baby's skin has a thin stratum corneum and is sensitive to various irritants. If the baby has eczema, it is best to avoid using carpets and avoid selecting plush toys in the home. In addition, the baby's underwear should be made of cotton, loose-fitting, and breathable materials. After feeding, it is important to wipe the baby's skin clean with a clean handkerchief to prevent residual food from irritating the delicate skin. If the eczema is itchy, you can use calamine lotion or other anti-itch medications externally to prevent the baby from scratching. The water temperature during bathing should be suitable to avoid irritating the skin and worsening the condition.
4. Pay attention to moisturizing
Dry skin is one of the main causes of eczema, so it is important to keep the baby's skin moisturized. It is recommended to apply moisturizing lotion to the baby's entire body after bathing. If the air humidity is low, a humidifier can be used at home, but it is important to regularly clean the humidifier to prevent bacteria from being sprayed into the air.
