Index
They are small, yellow or white cysts that appear in groups, usually on the face.
This condition can also be known as milia. They are often found in newborns, but they can affect people of any age.
Symptoms
Milia are small, hard bumps that form on the skin.
Milia are small, lump-like cysts found under the skin. They are usually 1 to 2 millimeters (mm) in size.
They form when skin flakes or keratin, a protein, get trapped under the skin.
Milia appear most often on the face, commonly around the eyelids and cheeks, although they can appear anywhere.
Types and causes
Milia neonatal
Milia affects up to 50 percent of all newborns. They usually go away on their own within a few weeks.
Neonatal milia are often found on the nose, but they can appear on the scalp, face, upper body, and inside the mouth.
These bumps can be mistaken for neonatal acne . Neonatal acne white bumps vary in size and are often surrounded by redness, while the military is generally uniform in size, with no redness.
Milia can be present from birth, while neonatal acne usually doesn’t appear until two weeks after birth.
Milia Primaria
Primary milia often occur around the eyelids, cheeks, and forehead.
Primary milia occur in children and adults. While they can go away without treatment in a few weeks, they can also last for several months.
Primary milia often appear on the following parts of the body:
- Eyelids
- Cheeks.
- Front.
- Genitals.
They can also appear along the nasal crease in young children.
Milia on plate
The multiple milia clusters in a wide, flat patch are raised above the surrounding skin in this condition. This patch or plaque often has a clear, defined border.
Plaque milia can affect children and adults, especially middle-aged women. It is usually found on the eyelids, behind the ears, and on the cheek or jaw.
This condition is rare and is occasionally associated with other skin problems, including:
- Elastic pseudoxanthoma.
- Lupus eritematoso discoide.
- Lichen planus.
Multiple eruptive milia
This rare type of milia involves numerous bumps that appear in the same area over several weeks or months. This is often the only symptom, although the site may also feel itchy.
Multiple eruptive milia tend to appear on the face, upper arms, and upper trunk.
Traumatic milia
Also known as secondary milia, this condition follows an injury to the skin, which can involve:
- A burn.
- Blisters from a skin condition or allergic reaction.
- Skin resurfacing procedures, such as dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.
- Excessive exposure to sunlight.
Milia associated with medication
Certain topical medications, including some steroid creams, can cause milia to appear.
Risk factor’s
The milia carry very few risks.
When militias are associated with another condition or injury, that condition needs to be treated separately.
Milia must be diagnosed correctly. They can be confused with other skin conditions, such as comedones, miliaria, and different kinds of cysts.
When milias are a concern, discuss treatment with a doctor.
Medical treatments
Medical treatments are not usually necessary, and they carry certain risks.
If milia are causing concern, specific clinical treatments have been used to try and eliminate them. These include:
Surgery
A doctor uses a sterile needle or blade to remove the milia. Do not try this at home as you may be at risk of infection.
Curettage
A doctor numbs the area, removes the milia, and then seals the skin with a hot wire.
Cryotherapy
The milia are frozen, often with liquid nitrogen. This can cause blisters or swelling, which should disappear in a few days.
Minocycline
This oral antibiotic may help treat certain types of milia, such as plaque milia.
These treatments carry a risk of scarring, except for minocycline, which has other risks. Since milia themselves do not cause scarring, think carefully before undergoing these treatments.
Home remedies
In most cases, the milia will disappear in a few months.
Several home remedies can help you get rid of milia. While no specific therapy has been proven to clear milia quickly, these treatments are primarily low risk.
For instance:
Clean the affected area daily. Use a mild soap to prevent skin irritation. Soaps for sensitive skin are available for purchase online.
It was steaming open the pores. This can be done by sitting in the bathroom and taking a hot shower.
Exfoliate the area regularly. However, avoid over-exfoliation, as daily exfoliation can irritate the skin. Various exfoliating products are available online.
Use sunscreen. Highly protective sunscreens can be beneficial. Factor 50 sunscreen is available for purchase at drug stores and online.
They are using topical retinoids. Topical retinoids are creams or gels derived from vitamin A. While they are designed to treat acne and other skin problems, there is little evidence that they effectively treat milia.
Some research suggests that rose, cinnamon, and honey extracts have antibacterial properties that can address some skin problems. However, there has been no research on its efficacy on milia.
Prevention
It is not always possible to prevent milia, for example, when they occur in newborns.
However, when milia are associated with other skin conditions or lesions, prompt treatment can prevent them from appearing.
Tips for preventing milia include:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Avoid using thick creams or oil-based products.
- Exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week.
Milia can sometimes arise after a chemical peel. It is possible to prevent its appearance by applying a topical retinoid before the procedure. However, retinoids can cause dark spots or excessive irritation when used in combination with chemical peels.
Panorama
Milia tend not to cause long-term problems. The prognosis is excellent, and most cases will resolve without treatment within several weeks.
The bumps may disappear faster in newborns than in children and adults.
