No, milia are not harmful or contagious. They are benign and typically don't cause any pain, itching, or discomfort.
What are Milia?
Milia are small, white or yellowish, raised bumps on the skin. They're essentially keratin-filled cysts that form just beneath the surface of the skin. They are most commonly seen on the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, and cheeks.
Why Aren't Milia Harmful?
- Non-Infectious: Milia are not caused by bacteria or viruses, so they are not contagious. You can't "catch" milia from someone else.
- Not Painful: They typically don't cause any pain or discomfort. You might notice them cosmetically, but they don't have any physical symptoms.
- Self-Resolving (Often): In many cases, especially in infants (often referred to as "milk spots"), milia will disappear on their own within a few weeks or months.
- Superficial: Milia are located very close to the surface of the skin. They don't penetrate deep into the tissues or affect other organs.
When to See a Doctor
While milia are harmless, you may want to consult a dermatologist if:
- You are concerned about the appearance of milia.
- The milia are persistent and do not resolve on their own.
- You experience any irritation, redness, or inflammation around the milia (although this is rare).
- You suspect something other than milia.
Milia Treatment
Since milia are not harmful, treatment is usually not necessary. However, if you wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons, a dermatologist can use several methods, including:
- Extraction: Using a sterile needle to gently remove the contents of the cyst.
- Chemical peels: Applying a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin.
- Laser ablation: Using a laser to vaporize the milia.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the milia with liquid nitrogen.
In conclusion, milia are harmless, non-contagious skin blemishes that usually resolve on their own. Medical treatment is generally not required unless they are persistent or cause cosmetic concern.
