Malta Joint Paediatric Clinic

Malta Joint Paediatric Clinic This is a paediatric group practice led by Dr Ramon Bondin and Dr John Xuereb.

Monday Santa Lucia Pharmacy, Santa Lucia/ Safi Pharmacy
Tuesday St Philips Pharmacy, Ghaxaq
Wednesday Santa Lucia Pharmacy, Santa Lucia/ Safi Pharmacy
Thursday St Philips Pharmacy, Ghaxaq
Friday Santa Lucia Pharmacy, Santa Lucia
Saturday St Philips Pharmacy, Ghaxaq
Sunday No clinics

Contact numbers:
Santa Lucia pharmacy: 21890111,
St Philips pharmacy: 21808723, 99310884
Safi Pharmacy: 21649552

01/02/2026

๐‹๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐š ๐‚๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐โ€™๐ฌ ๐‡๐ž๐š๐: ๐–๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐๐š๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐’๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐Š๐ง๐จ๐ฐ

Feeling a lump on your childโ€™s head can be worrying for any parent. The good news is that most lumps on a childโ€™s head are harmless, especially in young children. They are often related to normal anatomy, minor injuries, or the bodyโ€™s response to common infections. This article explains the most common causes, how they differ, and when medical advice should be sought.

๐‚๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง ๐œ๐š๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ž๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ก๐ž๐š๐

1. Enlarged lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are small glands that play an important role in fighting infection. They are commonly felt at the back of the head, behind the ears, and along the neck. During the winter months, children tend to catch more colds, throat infections, and ear infections. In response, lymph nodes can grow in size, becoming more noticeable.

These nodes are usually:
- Soft or rubbery
- Mobile (they move slightly under the skin)
- Sometimes tender
They often reduce in size slowly over weeks after the infection settles.

2. Dermoid cysts
Dermoid cysts are benign (non-cancerous) lumps that are present from birth, although they may only become noticeable later in childhood. They are often found on the scalp or near the eyebrows.

Typical features include:
- Firm but not hard
- Painless
- Slow-growing
- Do not change with illness

Dermoid cysts are not infections and do not go away on their own. They are usually assessed by a doctor and may be removed surgically if needed.

3. Minor bumps and bruises
Young children frequently knock their heads while playing. This can cause a temporary swelling or โ€œgoose eggโ€ due to bruising under the skin. These lumps usually appear suddenly after an injury and gradually reduce over days to weeks.

๐‡๐จ๐ฐ ๐œ๐š๐ง ๐ฉ๐š๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ž๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐๐ข๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ž?

While it is not always possible to be certain, some general clues can help:
- Changes with illness suggest lymph nodes
-Present for months without change may suggest a cyst
- Sudden appearance after a knock points towards a bruise

Location, texture, tenderness, and whether the lump moves under the skin are all useful observations.

๐–๐ก๐ž๐ง ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ž๐ค ๐ฆ๐ž๐๐ข๐œ๐š๐ฅ ๐š๐๐ฏ๐ข๐œ๐ž?

You should arrange a medical review if:

- The lump is hard, fixed, or rapidly growing
- It continues to enlarge over time
- It is associated with persistent fever, weight loss, or lethargy
- The skin over the lump becomes red, hot, or painful
- You are unsure or worried

๐˜ผ ๐™ง๐™š๐™–๐™จ๐™จ๐™ช๐™ง๐™ž๐™ฃ๐™œ ๐™ฃ๐™ค๐™ฉ๐™š

In winter especially, enlarged lymph nodes are very common and usually reflect a healthy immune response. Nevertheless, no concern is too small to discuss. If you are worried about a lump on your childโ€™s head, your healthcare provider can assess it and offer reassurance or further investigation if needed.

01/02/2026

๐•๐š๐ซ๐ข๐œ๐ž๐ฅ๐ฅ๐š (๐‚๐ก๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ž๐ง๐ฉ๐จ๐ฑ): ๐–๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐๐š๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐’๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐Š๐ง๐จ๐ฐ

Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a viral infection that most parents have heard of and many remember from their own childhood. Because it is often described as a โ€œmildโ€ illness, it can be easy to underestimate its impact. However, chickenpox can cause significant discomfort for children and has wider effects on families and the community. Understanding the illness helps explain why vaccination is strongly recommended.

๐–๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ž๐ฌ ๐œ๐ก๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ž๐ง๐ฉ๐จ๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐ฅ๐ข๐ค๐ž?

Chickenpox usually starts with fever, tiredness, headache, and loss of appetite. Within a day or two, a characteristic rash appears. This rash begins as small red spots, which quickly turn into itchy fluid-filled blisters. Over several days, new spots continue to appear while older ones crust over, meaning children often have spots at different stages at the same time.

The itching can be intense and distressing, especially at night. Scratching can lead to skin infections and scarring, particularly in younger children who struggle to resist the urge to scratch.

๐‡๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐ž๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐š๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ž๐œ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐œ๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐?

Most children recover fully, but chickenpox is not always straightforward. Some children develop complications such as infected skin lesions, pneumonia, dehydration, or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). These complications are uncommon but unpredictable and can occur even in previously healthy children.

Chickenpox also means time away from school, missed activities, poor sleep, and several uncomfortable days for the child and the family caring for them.

๐ˆ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐š๐œ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ซ ๐œ๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ž๐ง ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐œ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ

Chickenpox is highly contagious. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with the rash. A child is infectious 1โ€“2 days before the rash appears, often before anyone realises what is going on.

This means one infected child can quickly spread the virus to classmates, siblings, and vulnerable people, including:

- Babies who are too young to be vaccinated

- Pregnant women

- Children with weakened immune systems

Outbreaks can lead to multiple children being unwell at the same time, causing disruption for families, schools, and childcare settings.

๐–๐ก๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐š๐œ๐œ๐ข๐ง๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฆ๐š๐ญ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ

The varicella vaccine is safe and effective. It significantly reduces the risk of catching chickenpox and, if infection does occur, symptoms are usually much, much milder. Vaccination helps protect not only your child, but also the wider community by reducing the spread of the virus.

By choosing vaccination, parents help prevent avoidable illness, complications, and outbreaks. It is a simple step that offers long-lasting protection and peace of mind.

๐™ƒ๐™ค๐™ฌ ๐™ฉ๐™ค ๐™๐™š๐™ก๐™ก ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š ๐˜ฟ๐™ž๐™›๐™›๐™š๐™ง๐™š๐™ฃ๐™˜๐™š ๐˜ฝ๐™š๐™ฉ๐™ฌ๐™š๐™š๐™ฃ ๐™– ๐˜ฝ๐™ก๐™–๐™ฃ๐™˜๐™๐™ž๐™ฃ๐™œ ๐™๐™–๐™จ๐™ ๐™–๐™ฃ๐™™ ๐™– ๐™‹๐™š๐™ฉ๐™š๐™˜๐™๐™ž๐™–๐™ก ๐™๐™–๐™จ๐™Rashes are very common in children and are often...
01/02/2026

๐™ƒ๐™ค๐™ฌ ๐™ฉ๐™ค ๐™๐™š๐™ก๐™ก ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š ๐˜ฟ๐™ž๐™›๐™›๐™š๐™ง๐™š๐™ฃ๐™˜๐™š ๐˜ฝ๐™š๐™ฉ๐™ฌ๐™š๐™š๐™ฃ ๐™– ๐˜ฝ๐™ก๐™–๐™ฃ๐™˜๐™๐™ž๐™ฃ๐™œ ๐™๐™–๐™จ๐™ ๐™–๐™ฃ๐™™ ๐™– ๐™‹๐™š๐™ฉ๐™š๐™˜๐™๐™ž๐™–๐™ก ๐™๐™–๐™จ๐™

Rashes are very common in children and are often harmless. However, some rashes can be a sign of more serious illness. Two terms that doctors often use are blanching and petechial rashes. While the words may sound intimidating, the difference between them can be explained in a simple, practical way. This article aims to help parents with no medical background understand how to tell them apart and when to seek medical help.

๐–๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ž๐ฌ โ€œ๐›๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐œ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ โ€ ๐ฆ๐ž๐š๐ง?

A blanching rash is one that fades or turns white when you press on it, and then returns to its original colour once the pressure is released. This happens because the redness is caused by increased blood flow in the skinโ€™s tiny blood vessels, which temporarily empties when pressed.

Blanching rashes are commonly seen with:

Viral infections

Heat rashes

Allergic reactions

Eczema flares

These rashes are usually less worrying, especially if the child is otherwise well.

๐–๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ฎ ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ต?

A petechial rash is made up of tiny red, purple, or brown dots that do not fade when pressed. These spots are caused by small amounts of bleeding under the skin rather than blood flowing through vessels. Because of this, pressing on the skin does not make them disappear.

Petechial rashes can sometimes be associated with serious conditions, including blood disorders or severe infections. While not every petechial rash is dangerous, it is important that these rashes are assessed urgently by a healthcare professional.

How to check: the tumbler (glass) test

A simple way parents can check a rash at home is by using the tumbler test.

What you need:

A clear glass tumbler or drinking glass

How to do it:

Press the side of the clear glass firmly against the rash.

Look through the glass while keeping pressure on the skin.

What you see:

If the rash fades or disappears, it is likely blanching.

If the spots remain clearly visible, it may be petechial.

See the diagram


Variations of the test

If a glass is not available, you can press gently with a clean finger. However, a glass works better because it allows you to see clearly whether the rash fades.

๐™’๐™๐™š๐™ฃ ๐™ฉ๐™ค ๐™จ๐™š๐™š๐™  ๐™ข๐™š๐™™๐™ž๐™˜๐™–๐™ก ๐™๐™š๐™ก๐™ฅ

Seek urgent medical advice if:

The rash does not blanch

The rash is spreading quickly

Your child has fever, lethargy, vomiting, or looks unwell

You are unsure or worried

When it comes to rashes, trust your instincts. If something does not seem right, it is always safer to have your child checked by a medical professional.

Dear Reader,Influenza A, often simply called โ€œthe flu,โ€ is a common viral illness that usually appears in waves, especia...
13/01/2026

Dear Reader,

Influenza A, often simply called โ€œthe flu,โ€ is a common viral illness that usually appears in waves, especially during the colder months. Many people get it at least once in their lives, and while most recover well, it can sometimes cause serious illnessโ€”especially in young children, the elderly, and people with long-term medical problems.

Influenza A spreads easily from person to person through coughs, sneezes, talking, or touching surfaces that have the virus on them. After being exposed, symptoms usually start within one to three days.

The most common symptoms are a sudden fever, chills, headache, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, cough, and muscle or joint aches. Many people also feel extremely tired and weak, sometimes for several days. Some may have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, especially children. Unlike a common cold, flu symptoms usually come on quickly and can make you feel quite unwell.

Most people can manage Influenza A at home. Rest is very importantโ€”your body needs energy to fight the virus. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, soup, or warm drinks to avoid dehydration. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever and ease pain, but aspirin should not be given to children. Try to eat light, healthy meals and stay warm and comfortable.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, so they are not useful for treating influenza itself. In some cases, doctors may prescribe special antiviral medicines, but these are usually only helpful if started early and are mainly used for people at higher risk of complications.

Most people begin to feel better within a week, though tiredness can last longer. It is important to stay at home while you are unwell to avoid spreading the infection to others.

You should seek medical advice if symptoms are very severe, not improving after a few days, or getting worse. Get help urgently if there is difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent high fever, confusion, repeated vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine or extreme drowsiness.

Babies, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or weak immune systems should contact a doctor early if they develop flu symptoms, even if they seem mild at first.

The best way to reduce your risk of Influenza A is through good hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and getting the yearly flu vaccine, which is especially important for high-risk groups.

With rest, care, and attention to warning signs, most people recover fully from Influenza A.

Warm regards,

Paediatric Clinic Team

19/11/2025

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Few moments are as frightening for a parent as watching their child experience a febrile seizure. These episodes often come without warning, turning a simple fever into a sudden and overwhelming event. We are writing to reassure you that febrile seizures, though alarming, are usually harmless and far less dangerous than they appear.

A febrile seizure is a convulsion triggered by fever, most commonly affecting children between 6 months and 5 years of age. They happen because a childโ€™s developing brain is more sensitive to rapid changes in temperature. It is important to remember that febrile seizures are not a sign of epilepsy, brain damage, or long-term illness. In fact, most children who experience them grow up completely healthy and never develop any neurological problems.

The typical febrile seizure lasts between one and five minutes. During this time, a child may lose consciousness, become stiff, or have rhythmic jerking movements of their arms and legs. Their eyes may roll back, and they may appear pale or even slightly blue around the lips. While this is undoubtedly distressing to witness, the seizure usually stops on its own without causing harm.

If your child has a febrile seizure, the most important thing you can do is stay calm. Place them on their side on a soft surface and remove any nearby objects to prevent injury. Do not put anything in their mouth, and do not try to restrain their movements. Most seizures end quickly; once it stops, your child may be confused or sleepy for a whileโ€”this is normal.

Call emergency medical help if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if your child has difficulty breathing, or if they do not regain consciousness promptly after the episode. You should also seek medical assessment if this is your childโ€™s first seizure or if you have any doubts about what happened.

Managing the fever itselfโ€”using paracetamol, ensuring hydration, and monitoring your childโ€”can help keep them comfortable, but it does not necessarily prevent seizures. Some children may have more than one febrile seizure, especially during illnesses with high or rapidly rising temperatures, but they typically outgrow this tendency by age five.

We understand how frightening these moments can be, and we want to reassure you that you are not alone. With the right knowledge and support, febrile seizures can be managed confidently and safely. If you ever feel unsure or concerned, please reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Warm regards,

Malta Joint Paediatric Clinic

23/10/2025

Rashes in Children: When to Worry

Dear Parents,

Skin rashes are common in childhood and can have many causes โ€” from mild irritation to more serious infections. Most rashes are harmless and clear up with simple care, but some may need prompt medical attention.

Common mild rashes include heat rash, eczema, nappy rash, and viral rashes like roseola or hand-foot-and-mouth disease. These are usually itchy or spotty, but children otherwise feel well.

However, seek urgent medical help if a rash is accompanied by fever, lethargy, breathing difficulty, or if it spreads rapidly. A particularly concerning sign is a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass โ€” this could indicate meningococcal infection, which needs immediate emergency care.

Other warning signs include painful blisters, purple or bruised-looking spots, swelling, or if your child appears very unwell.

For mild rashes, keep the skin cool and clean, avoid scratching, and use gentle moisturisers or antihistamines if advised. Avoid new soaps or creams until the cause is clear.

Because rashes can look similar, itโ€™s always best to have a doctor assess any unusual or worsening rash. Quick identification ensures the right treatment and peace of mind for parents.

Sincerely,
Joint Malta Paediatric Clinic

23/10/2025

Influenza (Flu) in Children

Dear Parents,

Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It tends to spread quickly among children, especially in schools and childcare settings, and can make your child feel quite unwell for several days.

Typical symptoms include high fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, tiredness, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. Unlike a common cold, the flu comes on suddenly and can make children feel weak and miserable.

Most cases of flu improve within a week with rest, fluids, and fever control using paracetamol or ibuprofen. Itโ€™s important to keep your child home from school until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours to prevent spreading the infection. Encourage plenty of fluids, healthy meals, and rest.

Complications are uncommon but can include ear infections, pneumonia, or worsening of asthma. Seek medical attention if your child has difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, chest pain, severe lethargy, or dehydration (dry lips, no tears, reduced urination).

The best prevention is the annual flu vaccine, which is safe and recommended for children, particularly those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. Good hygiene โ€” washing hands, covering coughs, and avoiding close contact with sick people โ€” also helps protect your family.

With prompt care and prevention, the flu can usually be managed safely at home, helping your child recover comfortably and return to normal activities.

Sincerely,
Joint Malta Paediatric Clinic

23/10/2025

Constipation in Children

Dear Parents,

Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in children. It simply means that stools are passed less often than usual or are hard, dry, and sometimes painful to pass. While it can cause discomfort, constipation is usually not serious and can be improved with simple lifestyle measures.

Common causes include not drinking enough fluids, a diet low in fibre, or ignoring the urge to go to the toilet. Stress, toilet training, or changes in routine โ€” such as starting school โ€” can also contribute.

You may notice that your child has infrequent bowel movements, complains of tummy pain, or avoids the toilet altogether. Sometimes, there may be small amounts of stool in the underwear (soiling), which happens when liquid stool leaks around harder stool inside the bowel.

At home, encourage your child to drink plenty of water and include more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains in their diet. Establish regular toilet times, especially after meals, and ensure your child sits comfortably with their feet supported. Positive reinforcement and patience go a long way in building healthy habits.

See your doctor if constipation persists for more than two weeks, is associated with vomiting, blood in the stool, severe pain, or weight loss. Medical treatment โ€” often in the form of gentle laxatives โ€” may be needed to help reset healthy bowel patterns.

With the right care and reassurance, most children recover fully. Preventing constipation early helps keep your childโ€™s digestive system healthy and comfortable.

Sincerely,
Joint Malta Paediatric Clinic

10/10/2025

๐“๐ก๐ž โ€œ๐๐š๐œ๐ค ๐ญ๐จ ๐’๐ฅ๐ž๐ž๐ฉโ€ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: ๐–๐ก๐ฒ ๐ˆ๐ญ ๐Œ๐š๐ญ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐˜๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐š๐›๐ฒโ€™๐ฌ ๐’๐š๐Ÿ๐ž๐ญ๐ฒ

When it comes to caring for a newborn, one of the simplest and most important things parents can do is place their baby on their back to sleep. This position, known as the โ€œBack to Sleepโ€ position, has been a major breakthrough in infant safety and has helped save thousands of lives worldwide.

What is the โ€œBack to Sleepโ€ position?

Quite simply, it means always placing your baby on their backโ€”never their side or stomachโ€”every time they sleep, whether it's for a nap or at night. This sleeping position is recommended from birth up to 12 months of age.

Why is sleeping on the back so important?

Research has shown that placing babies on their backs to sleep reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)โ€”the sudden and unexplained death of a baby under one year of age, often during sleep. When babies sleep on their stomachs, they are more likely to rebreathe their own exhaled air, which can lead to low oxygen levels. Sleeping on the back keeps the airway open and clear.

Since the โ€œBack to Sleepโ€ campaign started in the 1990s, SIDS rates have dropped by more than 50% in many countries. Itโ€™s a simple change that has made a huge difference.

But what about choking?

Many parents worry that babies might choke if they spit up while sleeping on their back. In fact, healthy babies have natural reflexes that prevent this. Studies have shown that babies are actually less likely to choke when on their backs than on their stomachs.

Tips for safe sleep:

- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

- Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.

- Keep the crib free of pillows, blankets, toys, or bumpers.

- Have your baby sleep in the same room (but not the same bed) for at least the first 6 months.

- Give your baby tummy time while awake to help with development and avoid flat spots on the head.

By following these simple steps, you can help your baby sleep safely and reduce the risk of SIDS.

Malta Joint Paediatric Clinic

09/10/2025

Understanding Positional Plagiocephaly in Infants

Positional plagiocephaly, often referred to as โ€œflat head syndrome,โ€ is a condition where an infant develops a flat spot on one side of the head. It is most commonly caused by prolonged pressure on one area of the skull, which is still soft and malleable during early infancy. Unlike craniosynostosis, which involves the premature fusion of skull sutures, positional plagiocephaly is purely positional and typically not associated with brain development issues.

Causes of Positional Plagiocephaly

The most frequent cause is a baby consistently lying in the same positionโ€”especially on their backโ€”for extended periods. While the "Back to Sleep" campaign significantly reduced sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by encouraging back sleeping, it also led to an increase in positional head flattening. Other contributing factors include torticollis (tight neck muscles causing head tilt), restricted movement in utero, premature birth (softer skulls), and limited tummy time while awake.

Prevention and Correction

The key to preventing positional plagiocephaly lies in regularly varying an infant's head position and promoting movement:

1) Tummy time: Supervised time on the stomach while the baby is awake helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, relieving pressure on the back of the head.

2) Positional changes: Alternating the direction the baby faces during sleep, feeding, and playtime can prevent constant pressure on one area.

3) Limiting time in reclined devices: Reducing time spent in car seats, swings, and bouncers when not necessary can help avoid constant head pressure.

4) Physiotherapy: If torticollis is present, physical therapy can help correct neck muscle imbalance and encourage a full range of head motion.

In moderate to severe cases, where repositioning doesnโ€™t resolve the flattening by around 5 to 6 months, a cranial orthotic helmet may be recommended. These custom-fitted helmets guide the skull into a more symmetrical shape over time.

Early intervention and parental awareness are key. With proper care, most cases of positional plagiocephaly improve significantly without invasive treatment.

Malta Joint Paediatric Clinic

08/10/2025

Dear Parents,

You may have noticed that your child has small, rough bumps on their arms, thighs, cheeks, or bottom that feel a bit like sandpaper. This common skin condition is called keratosis pilarisโ€”often nicknamed โ€œchicken skin.โ€ It is completely harmless, though it can sometimes cause concern because of its appearance.

Keratosis pilaris happens when dead skin cells block the tiny hair follicles on the skinโ€™s surface. This blockage leads to small, hard bumps that are usually white or skin-colored. In some children, the skin around the bumps may look slightly red or feel dry and rough. The condition is not contagious, does not itch in most cases, and is not due to poor hygiene.

It is especially common in children and teenagers, and often runs in families. The bumps tend to be more noticeable during cold or dry weather, when the skin loses moisture, and they may improve during the summer months when humidity is higher.

Although keratosis pilaris has no cure, it can be managed easily to keep the skin smoother and more comfortable. The most important step is moisturising. Regularly applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser helps to soften the skin and prevent dryness. Products containing mild exfoliating ingredients like urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid can help loosen the dead skin cells that block the poresโ€”but these should be used only under guidance from your paediatrician, especially for young children.

Itโ€™s also best to avoid harsh soaps and long, hot baths, as these can dry the skin further. Instead, use mild, non-soap cleansers and lukewarm water, followed by moisturiser right after bathing. Gently patting, not rubbing, the skin dry also helps to reduce irritation.

Keratosis pilaris usually improves gradually with age and often fades completely by the late teenage years or early adulthood. In the meantime, consistent skincare can make a big difference in how the skin looks and feels. Itโ€™s important to reassure your child that the condition is common, harmless, and nothing to be embarrassed about.

If the skin becomes very red, itchy, or inflamed, or if over-the-counter creams are not helping, your doctor may suggest prescription creams or further advice from a dermatologist.

With simple care and patience, most childrenโ€™s skin becomes much smoother over time.

Yours sincerely,

Malta Joint Paediatric Clinic

07/10/2025

Dear Parents,

It can be worrying to see small pimples or spots on your babyโ€™s face, especially when their skin is otherwise so soft and delicate. The good news is that in most cases, these spots are harmless and temporary, and they usually disappear on their own without any treatment.

One of the most common causes is newborn acne (baby acne). This usually appears within the first few weeks of life and looks like small red or white pimples, often on the cheeks, forehead, or chin. The exact cause isnโ€™t fully understood, but itโ€™s thought to be related to hormones passed from the mother to the baby before birth. These hormones can stimulate the babyโ€™s oil glands, leading to small pimples. Baby acne often clears up by itself within a few weeks or months.

Another possible cause is milia, which are tiny white spots that appear on the nose, cheeks, or around the eyes. These are simply trapped skin flakes under the surface and are completely normal in newborns. They donโ€™t cause any discomfort and fade naturally without treatment.

Sometimes, small red pimples can also appear due to heat rash, especially if the baby is dressed too warmly or the weather is hot. This happens when sweat glands get blocked. Keeping the baby cool and avoiding thick clothing usually helps the rash disappear quickly.

Less commonly, rashes and pimples may appear as part of skin irritation or a mild allergic reaction, for example to creams, detergents, or saliva from frequent drooling. In these cases, the skin may look a bit red or dry. Using mild, fragrance-free baby products and keeping the face clean with plain water can help.

Parents should seek medical advice if the rash spreads rapidly, develops yellow crusts, looks swollen, or if the baby seems unwell or has a fever. These could be signs of an infection that needs attention.

In most cases, however, facial pimples in infants are completely normal and short-lived. The best approach is gentle care, patience, and avoiding the urge to squeeze or apply harsh creams. Your babyโ€™s skin will soon settle and return to its smooth, soft state.

Yours sincerely,

Malta Joint Paediatric Clinic

Address

Santa Lucija Pharmacy
Santa Lucija
SLC1200

Opening Hours

Monday 13:00 - 19:00
Tuesday 16:00 - 19:00
Wednesday 16:00 - 19:00
Thursday 13:00 - 19:00
Friday 16:00 - 19:00
Saturday 08:20 - 17:00

Telephone

+35679056091

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