Ever noticed small bumps, white or yellow, around your nose, cheeks, or eyelids? Milia, small cysts under skin, cause these. Dead skin flakes or keratin stuck under skin grow into 1-2 millimeter bumps. Newborns are more prone, but anyone can get them.
If concerned, read this guide on milia. Understand causes, types, prevention, and treatment.
What Causes Milia?
Milia caused by trapped dead skin cells forming cysts under skin. Normal exfoliation sheds dead cells, but if they don’t shed, new skin grows over, trapping dead cells below. Nose, cheeks, limbs, and chest are common spots.
Other causes may include:
- Sun exposure or injury causing skin damage
- Steroid cream use
- Hereditary disease
- Autoimmune response
- Poor skincare routine
- Makeup blocking pores
- Lack of sleep
- Existing skin ailments like eczema or rosacea
Types of Milias
Neonatal Milia
Half of newborns may have milia, usually vanishing within weeks. Common on nose, scalp, cheeks, or mouth.
Neonatal milia and acne differ. Milia is consistent, lacks redness, unlike acne.
Primary Milia
Forehead, eyelids, genitals, and cheeks are typical. Can vanish in weeks or last months.
Milia en Plaque
Multiple milia clustered in a flat, elevated area. Common in middle-aged women on eyelids, face, or jaw.
Rare and linked to skin conditions like:
- Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
- Lichen Planus
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
- Multiple Eruptive Milia
Gradual appearance over weeks or months, often on arms, torso, or face.
Traumatic Milia
Follows skin injury, also called secondary milia.
- Skin resurfacing methods
- Sun exposure
- Blistering from allergic reaction
Preventing Milia
No surefire prevention, but care for skin can help.
Use Moisturizers and Sunscreens
Shield skin from sun, keep it moisturized. Sun exposure can toughen skin, making dead cells harder to shed.
Avoid Heavy Ointments and Creams
Irritate skin, block pores, hinder exfoliation.
Keep Your Face Clean
Prevent pores from clogging by cleaning dirt and oil. Helps natural exfoliation.
Educate Your Child
Teach kids skin care importance early. Sun protection, cleanliness habits are vital.
Getting Rid of Milia
Usually harmless, but if concerned, seek treatment.
Treating Milia at Home
Many home remedies available, but professional help recommended.
Examples include cinnamon, honey, rose extracts, but effectiveness uncertain.
Good practices:
- Clean spot daily with mild soap.
- Steam to open pores.
- Periodic exfoliation.
- Topical retinoids may help.
- Use SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Avoid scratching or plucking to prevent infection or scarring.
Professional Treatments
Clinical treatments available:
- Curettage: Dermatologist removes milia.
- De-roofing: Specialist removes milia with needle or blade.
- Cryotherapy: Uses liquid nitrogen.
- Minocycline: Oral antibiotic.
Procedures may cause temporary scarring. Long-term scarring rare.
Milia isn’t harmful, but if concerned, consult Pine Belt Dermatology experts.
Dermatologist in Northridge.