What is Milia? The Best removal treatments

While they aren’t hazardous, milia – hard tiny white bumps no larger than a pinhead – Are still quite annoying to deal with. These small milk spots can turn up throughout your body (especially on eyelids and cheeks, and even your abdomen or genitalia), and can be difficult to banish for good. If you’re carefully analyzing your skin type and curious to know if you’re contending with milia, continued reading. We have actually got all the answers to your milia concerns below, including what causes them, how long milia last, the best milia removal treatments, and how to deal with milia.

What is Milia and How to Get Rid of it?

What is Milia on the eyes

What is Milia?

Milia are small, white, superficial cysts that are filled with keratin – a thick and durable protein that’s found in skin tissues, hair, and nail cells. It’s simple to confuse milia with whiteheads because of their look, but whiteheads are soft comedones filled with a mix of bacteria, debris, and sebum. Milia are harder, sit on the skin‘s surface area, and typically (though not constantly) happen in multiples. It can be classified into primary Milia, secondary milia, and eruptive milia.

Milia are completely safe, usually don’t trigger any inflammation or pain, and often they will disappear on their own after some time,” states Sandra Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who you may understand better as Dr. Pimple Popper ®. She does, nevertheless, concede that milia are irritating for those who have them. “They may seem like they are unsightly, and likewise it can be disconcerting when you run your fingers over your skin and feel these firm, very small bumps,” she includes.

While individuals of any age and ethnic culture can get milia, some are more prone to handling this skin condition than others because of their genes. If you’re handling milia, you’ll likely see this skin issue surfacing throughout your family tree. Other genetic causes of milia consist of disorders like lupus, Gardner syndrome, and nevoid basal cell mole syndrome. As pointed out, this small cyst can occur anywhere on the body, however, milia on the face – including milia on eyelids – is especially common.

Also watch the video here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/qIPvjittepc

 

How to Get Rid of Milia

If you’ve handled milia for a while, you may feel like handling the skin concern is a lost cause. Don’t give up simply yet. Milia removal is possible – just so long as you don’t pick! “Though it may seem tempting, these little milium cysts are under a layer of skin that is thicker than that of a whitehead,” Dr. Pimple Popper warns. “You can actually run the risk of infection and scarring if you try to remove them yourself.”

When left untreated, milia will frequently disappear within a few months, however, exfoliating components can assist expedite this procedure. A topical retinoid, such as Obagi Medical 360 Retinol, or an AHA or BHA, such as Herbivore ® Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum, will speed up the skin turnover process. Physical exfoliators, like SkinCeuticals ® Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, can assist too.

Milia Remedy

EDITOR’S Recommendation: Retinol shouldn’t be used by females who are pregnant, considering getting pregnant, or nursing. Please talk to your physician prior to use.

If milia really trouble you (or you’re feeling too impatient to wait a few months for them to clear up on their own), then it’s best to connect with a board-certified dermatologist for milia removal. Your dermatologist will effectively clean the location and excise the little pearl-like bits caught under the skin in a safe, sterile environment utilizing thoroughly sanitized tools. Typically, milia are eliminated by using a sterilized needle to produce a tiny incision, enabling very careful extraction. Once again, do not do this at home; leave it to the professionals! You run the risk of potential infection and scarring when DIYing milia extraction – a probably worse fate than milia themselves.

How to Prevent Milia from Developing

The method to prevention is nearly identical to milia removal: exfoliation is essential. “I suggest utilizing a chemical exfoliant 2 to 3 times a week on your face, neck, and chest,” says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology ® in Connecticut. She’s a fan of using the Skinbetter Science ® AlphaRet ® Peel Pads, as well as a retinoid or the plant-based option, bakuchiol. “These treatments keep dead skin cells on the move and pores open, so keratin will not end up being caught and milia formed,” she explains.

Dr. Robinson also notes that sun damage has been linked to milia formation – just another factor to dutifully apply your preferred SPF. Remember, even if you mostly hang out inside your home, windows still leave you exposed to the sun. Be sure to slather yourself with your go-to sunblock every day in the name of protecting your skin, from both hazardous UVA/UVB rays and milia. If you have more questions about your particular case of milia bumps, we highly recommend reaching out to your service provider – they can best analyze your distinct requirements and work with you on a personalized treatment strategy.

What is Milia on the eyes

Leave them alone

Generally, the very best treatment for milia is to do absolutely nothing, says dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD. With Milia treatment, it normally disappears in a couple of weeks.

” If you’re an adult with milia, you might attempt an over the counter exfoliating treatment that contains salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid or a retinoid such as adapalene,” Dr. Piliang states. “These can enhance the skin‘s natural turnover by getting rid of the dead cells, and may help the bumps go away quicker.”

For grownups, sun damage can be a contributing factor to milia due to the fact that it makes skin leathery. This makes it harder for dead cells to rise to the skin‘s surface and shed generally.

Preserving a good skin-care routine can help reduce the possibility of milia appearing in grownups, Dr. Piliang states.

“Due to the fact that secondary milia can be brought on by sun damage, use a moisturizer or makeup with a minimum of SPF 15 every day to protect your skin,” she says. “I advise an SPF of 30 in the warmer months.”

If your child is the one with milia, Dr. Piliang provides these tips:

Keep your child’s face tidy by cleaning her face with lukewarm water every day. If your child’s skin seems oily, particularly around the nose, you can utilize a mild hydrating soap that’s developed for babies. Dry your infant’s face carefully by patting the skin dry – do not rub. Don’t apply creams with salicylic acid or other exfoliating representatives suggested for adults – an infant’s fragile skin can’t manage it.

It’s important that you avoid trying to eliminate the bumps by squeezing or scraping them as you would a pimple.

Milia are tough and underneath the skin‘s surface area, so you’ll likely only irritate and harm the skin around the milium cyst,” she states. “You might end up scarring the skin completely.”

When to see the doctor for milia

If your milia do not react to an exfoliating treatment after numerous weeks, think about making a visit with a dermatologist. The doctor may use a hypodermic needle to get rid of the milia cyst, or freeze the milia cyst and then remove it. Your doctor can likewise make sure that the milia aren’t something more major.

If your infant’s complexion does not clean up within three months, consult your child’s doctor at your next baby check up.

My name is Beauty Lee. I'm a beauty expert and I've been writing about skincare, makeup, haircare, and nail care for the past seven years. Follow Me for more exciting articles.