Milia are small, painless white bumps that form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Keratin is a strong protein that is typically found in skin cells, hair, and nails. Milia are commonly found on the face, especially around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and lips. They can also appear on the chest, back, and genital area.
Milia are very common in newborns and typically disappear within a few weeks after birth. In adults, milia tend to occur after trauma to the skin, such as sunburn or rash. They are also associated with certain skin conditions like acne. While annoying, milia are harmless and do not require treatment.
There are a few factors that can cause milia to form:
According to studies, milia affects around 40-50% of newborn infants in the first few weeks of life. In the general adult population, milia prevalence is estimated to be around 1-10%.
There are three main types of milia:
Milia does not cause any pain or discomfort. The most noticeable symptom is small, raised white bumps on the skin. Typical characteristics include:
Factors that can increase the risk of developing milia include:
Milia affects females more often than males, with a ratio of around 3:1.
Milia are usually diagnosed clinically by examination of the skin. A dermatoscopy may be used to magnify the lesions. Biopsy is rarely needed but may help confirm the diagnosis. Milia must be differentiated from other white bumps on the skin such as:
In most cases, no treatment is required for milia. They tend to disappear on their own within a few weeks or months. However, some options to remove stubborn milia include:
It is not recommended to squeeze or pop milia like acne, as this can lead to infection and scarring. Seek medical care if milia do not clear up on their own or for bothersome lesions on visually sensitive areas like the eyelids.
To help prevent milia, follow these tips:
Coclusion:
In most healthy individuals, milia are harmless, temporary bumps that do not require any treatment. They tend to disappear on their own with no residual effects. However, milia may be chronic or recurrent in some people. Seek medical advice if milia are widespread, bothersome, or fail to resolve. With proper sun protection and gentle skincare, milia can be prevented and controlled.