Milia and your skin: Understanding the link and how to treat it

Milia is a skin condition that causes small white bumps to appear on the face. It typically develops around the eyes, nose and cheeks but can also appear elsewhere on the body.

They're tiny cysts filled with keratin (the protein found in skin) that typically disappear within four weeks without treatment. However, if you have it on your eyelids or lips, they can cause irritation and may need to be removed by a dermatologist.

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What causes milia?

Caused due to oily and clogged pores (Image via Pexels/Shiny Diamond)

The cause of milia is a clogged hair follicle. That can happen when you have a build-up of dead skin cells, oil and dirt in the pores, which then blocks the opening of the pore.

When that happens, the body produces extra oil to try to push out these blockages, but it doesn't work, as there's no way for it to get through. They are not caused by bacteria or viruses; they're not contagious at all. You can't catch them from anyone else (or vice versa).

Although some people think that milia may be related to fungus infections on their face like acne or seborrheic dermatitis (a type of psoriasis), that isn't true either: The two conditions aren't related at all, and both should be treated separately by your doctor if needed.

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How do you know if you have milia?

If you notice small, white bumps on the skin, it's possible that those are milia. They can appear on any part of the body, but they're most common around the eyelids and cheeks.

They may look like a rash or acne at first glance, but the two conditions have different causes and treatments. So if you're concerned about it appearing on your face (or anywhere else), see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

They aren't dangerous and won't cause scarring or other permanent damage to the skin. However, as they look similar to other conditions like keratosis pilaris (a bumpy rash) and seborrheic keratosis (skin growth), it's important not just to identify what kind of bumpy white spots are popping up all over but also why they're happening in the first place so you can treat them properly.

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Who is most at risk of developing milia?

People with oily skin are at more risk of developing this skin condition. (Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

It can occur in children and adults, but it's more common in people with dry skin. People with oily skin are less likely to develop this skin condition than those who have normal or dry skin.

They are more common among those who have acne and rosacea, as well as eczema or psoriasis.

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Is it contagious?

It's not contagious. That means that you cannot catch them from someone else, and they're not caused by a virus or bacteria. The appearance of milia is not indicative of an infection or disease.

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Treating milia

Extraction is one of the most effective methods. (Image via Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch)

They usually go away on their own without any treatment, but if they persist, there are several treatment options available. Here are some effective treatments:

1. Extraction - This is a common method of removal. A dermatologist or esthetician can use a sterile needle or a special tool to extract the cysts.
2. Chemical Peels - Chemical peels can help to remove dead skin cells and reduce appearance of white cysts.
3. Microdermabrasion - This is a process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells using a special machine. That can help clear clogged pores and reduce appearance of acne.
4. Retinoids - Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that can help exfoliate the skin and reduce appearance of the skin condition.
5. Laser Treatment - In some cases, laser treatment can be used to remove. This treatment involves using a laser to target and destroy the cysts.

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How to prevent it?

Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen. (Image via Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch)

While it's not always possible to prevent this skin condition, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it.

Here are some tips for preventing it:

1. Use non-comedogenic skin care products that won't clog pores.
2. Avoid sunburn by staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing.
3. Keep your skin clean and exfoliated to prevent build-up of dead skin cells.
4. Avoid picking or squeezing, as that can cause scarring and infection.

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Milia is a common skin condition that can be easily treated with a variety of methods. If you have milia, it's important to talk to your dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case. By taking steps to prevent this skin condition, you can help to keep your skin healthy and clear.