What Is Milia And How Can It Be Treated?

Stay Young Bureau | Oct 16, 2023, 14:00 IST

In this article, Dr. Aanchal Panth talks about Milia also known as milk spots. Dr. Panth who is a renowned dermatologist will explain what are Milia, what causes Milia, and how one treats them.

The face is a person's best feature which builds their confidence and is one thing that is the first thing others notice about the person. However, even a single spot on the face can make someone conscious and shake their confidence. But what if a person has tiny white bumps on their face and doesn't know what it is?

What are Milia?

Dr. Panth explains that Milia are firm bumps that are seen on the face usually around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, and even on any other part of the body. These tiny bumps are small keratin cysts seen on the upper surface of the skin also known as the Epidermis.

These cysts can also attach themselves to sweat ducts, hair follicles, or sebaceous ducts. Milia are dermal keratin cysts that are filled with keratin.

What are the causes of Milia?

Explaining further about the causes of Milia, Dr. Aanchal tells us that Milia has different causes. One of the most common causes of Milia is Idiopathic. Idiopathic can be defined as no real cause of Milia, as Idiopathic refers to genetics. An individual may have the disposition to develop Milia.

The second cause of these tiny bumps is genetic disorders that give rise to Milia on a person's face. However, one should note that these genetic disorders rarely occur.

The third reason an individual can develop Milia is the different kinds of medical procedures they have undergone. If a person has got laser treatment or any other treatment that injures the upper layer of the skin can easily lead to the formation of Milia.

Milia can also happen when a person applies thick creams on the face. Thick cream can lead to obstruction of the ducts, and as a result, a person can suffer from these tiny bumps. Another fact that can also cause Milia is excessive Sun exposure. If a person is out in the Sun for a very long time, then there are chances that a person can develop Milia.

What is the difference between Milia and White Heads?

Whiteheads occur when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria become trapped within a pore. A person develops whiteheads due to excessive oil secretion, and whiteheads are mainly seen on the face and back.

Dr. Panth explains that whiteheads are generally associated with acne as it is a precursor acne lesion that is non-inflammatory. On the other hand, Milia is quiescent, does not get reduced quickly, and will remain on the person's skin. There are also chances that Milia can become bigger.

How to treat Milia?

If a person has milia that occur and go away quickly, then there's nothing to worry about as over time, these tiny bumps will reduce in size, and the problem will be resolved. However, Dr. Aanchal says what can be concerning is that if a person is developing multiple Milia or the existing Milia is getting bigger, then they should see a dermatologist.

One of the most common ways to treat Milia is extirpation. The procedure is done at a dermatologist's clinic, where the doctor will make a small nick on the surface of the skin and extract the deposition.

Can Milia be removed through home remedies?

Dr. Aanchal Panth avoids patients not removing Milia at home or using a comedones extraction as it will result in pushing the Milia down, creating inflammation and dark spots on the skin.

Is there any cream to treat Milia?

There are no such creams that will help in the removal of Milia. However, one can prevent the recurrence of these tiny spots by using creams that consist of retinol or tretinoin. Creams with glycolic acid and AHA & BHA serum can also reduce the appearance of Milia.

There are no home remedies or creams that can reduce Milia. One has to visit a dermatologist and get these tiny stubborn bumps removed. Also, to avoid Milia, Dr. Panth advises people to use cream consisting of retinol and glycolic acid along with sunscreen.

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