Milia are small, white bumps or cysts that appear under the skin's surface. They are a common and harmless skin condition, especially prevalent in newborns.
Understanding Milia
-
What they are: Milia are tiny cysts containing keratin, a protein found in skin tissues, hair, and nail cells.
-
Who gets them: While common in newborns (affecting roughly 40-50% in the U.S.), milia can also affect adults.
-
Where they appear: They are typically found on the face, particularly around the nose, eyes, and cheeks.
Causes of Milia
The exact cause of milia varies depending on age:
-
Newborns: Often occur because the skin's sweat glands are not fully developed yet.
-
Adults: Can be caused by:
- Skin damage from sun exposure.
- Blistering skin conditions.
- Use of certain steroid creams.
- Cosmetic procedures like dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.
Treatment and Prevention
-
Treatment: Milia usually resolve on their own within a few weeks or months, especially in newborns. Therefore, treatment is generally not necessary.
-
Prevention (Adults):
- Gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells.
- Avoiding harsh soaps or abrasive scrubs.
- Using non-comedogenic skincare products (products that don't clog pores).
- Sun protection.
When to See a Doctor
Milia are generally harmless. However, consult a dermatologist if:
- The bumps persist for several months.
- The bumps become inflamed or irritated.
- You are concerned about the appearance of the bumps.
In summary, milia are benign, self-resolving skin cysts that commonly appear as small, white bumps, particularly on the faces of newborns but can also affect adults.
