News Moms Need

In the early days and weeks you may notice tiny whiteheads on your baby’s face, particularly on the nose and cheeks. It’s called milia and approximately 40% of newborns get it. These spots are caused when dead skin cells and secretions get trapped in pores. Fortunately, it’s not painful or contagious  and it will disappear within a few days to months without any treatment. Although tempting, don’t pop these little pimples.  It won’t  make them go away faster and it could irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Definitely no scrubbing, creams or ointments either.

It was one of the first things I noticed about my daughter after she was born. I feel badly saying that, but  I remember thinking, “oh, my poor babies skin!” Actually, I may have even said that out loud. I’ll have to ask my husband. I just wasn’t expecting her to look that way. Her precious little face was covered. If you look closely at her picture you can see it.

Have a great weekend and see you next Friday!

Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory is recalling some skin sanitizers and skin protectants because disease-causing bacteria has been found in the products.

Some of the bacteria can cause infections of the skin and underlying tissues. These infections may need medical or surgical attention and could result in permanent damage.

Because the products are promoted to treat open wounds and damaged skin, the risk of infection may be high. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is telling consumers not to use Clarcon products and to throw away Clarcon products that they own. 

For a complete list of the recalled products, see the FDA news release.

Ouch! Nobody likes pain, soreness or itching. We want relief, and we want it fast.

Many of us have tried skin-numbing products. We may use them in advance to prevent discomfort. For instance, some women have spread them on the skin before laser hair removal. When used properly, these items work and are safe.

A lot of these products, also called topical anesthetics, are available at the local drug store. For some, you need a prescription. Many of them come in the form of creams, ointments or gels.

These products contain anesthetics such as lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and prilocaine. When applied to the skin, these anesthetics can be absorbed into the blood stream and cause health risks.  

Because two women died after using skin-numbing products before laser hair removal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning. Here are the FDA’s recommendations:   

* Don’t apply these products over large areas of skin.

* Use the lowest strength and the smallest amount possible.

* Don’t apply skin-numbing products to broken or irritated skin.

* Don’t wrap or cover the treated skin with plastic wrap, bandages or other materials.

* Don’t put a heating pad on the skin that you’ve treated.

Of course, if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use any medication (over-the-counter or prescription) without first talking to your health care provider. And if anyone is using a prescription product, read the instructions carefully.

To learn more from the FDA, click here. Note: This warning from the FDA does not apply to products that contain camphor, menthol or arnica.