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While milia in adults can appear near sweat ducts, infants typically develop them on their faces. Explore additional images of skin conditions.
©iStockphoto.com/Anettelinnea/© 2009 Mytour PhotosNumerous treatments and exfoliating creams claim to eliminate and prevent skin imperfections. However, persistent dead skin cells can disrupt your skincare efforts, leading to tiny bumps on your face. Ironically, an overly rigorous skincare routine might damage your skin and increase the likelihood of developing milia.
Milia are small, white, raised bumps that often appear on newborns but can also affect adults. These tiny cysts form when dead skin cells become trapped near the skin's surface or in the mouth [source: University of Maryland Medical Center]. Primary milia usually resolve on their own in both infants and adults. However, adults may also develop secondary milia, which often requires medical intervention.
Cysts formed by trapped dead skin cells can emerge following blistering rashes or as a result of chronic skin conditions [source: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology]. Even everyday factors like exfoliating products, harsh skin treatments, and prolonged sun exposure can irritate the skin enough to cause milia.
In infants, milia typically appear on the face due to minimal skin trauma during birth. In adults, however, these bumps can develop anywhere sweat ducts are present, often triggered by skin irritation or pore-clogging habits.
While milia may seem superficial and tiny, secondary milia, in particular, can involve deeper skin layers. Consulting a specialist is crucial to identify whether you have primary or secondary milia. Attempting to remove them at home without proper tools, like those used by dermatologists, can worsen the condition and lead to scarring [source: Skin Sight].
Continue reading to uncover why these bumps form and learn effective strategies to prevent milia and its associated side effects.
What Causes Milia?
In cases of primary milia, such as the tiny cysts seen on newborns, the skin fails to shed dead cells properly. Instead of being removed, these cells become trapped, clogging oil-producing pores [source: University of Maryland Medical Center]. This form of milia is most common in infants but can also affect adults.
Secondary milia develop when blistering skin conditions damage the skin's ducts, trapping dead cells as they attempt to reach the surface. When enough cells accumulate, the small, dome-shaped bumps characteristic of milia appear. Burns, rashes like poison ivy, or chronic blistering disorders such as bullous pemphigoid can all lead to secondary milia [source: Skin Sight].
For some adults, sun damage plays a significant role in milia formation. It thickens and hardens the skin's outer layers, hindering the natural shedding of dead cells. These cysts often form in areas overexposed to the sun. Other contributing factors include the use of topical steroids or spa treatments like skin resurfacing and dermabrasion [source: Skin Sight].
Just as skin trauma from procedures can disrupt exfoliation, the products you apply to your face or hair can also impact your pores. Heavy, comedogenic skincare products, which clog pores, can increase the likelihood of milia.
If you're considering addressing milia at home, continue reading to discover practical steps you can take.
Milia is often mistaken for baby acne, a condition that looks quite similar. Both typically appear within the initial weeks after a baby is born and usually resolve without any intervention [source: Women's Healthcare Topics]. If concerns arise, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
Treatments for Milia
If milia are causing you concern, there are several home remedies that might accelerate their disappearance. A healthcare professional can easily assess the severity of your milia through a visual examination. Fortunately, the mildest forms of milia often resolve without any treatment.
Primary milia, commonly seen in infants, typically do not necessitate medical intervention unless they persist beyond a few months. These small bumps usually vanish on their own within weeks [source: CNN]. If medical treatment isn't required, there are strategies to alleviate the symptoms.
Initially, consider discontinuing the use of certain lotions or makeup removers. This can help reduce the proliferation of the bumps while awaiting natural resolution. Oily products are particularly troublesome. Opting for non-comedogenic products is preferable, and it's wise to avoid applying any products or engaging in exfoliation on areas affected by milia.
For secondary milia, your healthcare provider might prescribe a retinoid cream or opt to remove the cysts using a scalpel and a comedone extractor. Other potential treatments include fruit acid peels or microdermabrasion, depending on your skin's needs [source: Skin Sight].
Milia can develop in individuals of any age, ethnicity, or background, regardless of their severity or location. While they may resemble severe acne and cause discomfort, these cysts are both manageable and preventable. For additional skin care tips, explore the resources provided on the following page.
If your dermatologist has identified your condition as primary milia, similar to what infants often experience, the prognosis is favorable. To care for your skin, gently cleanse the affected area with warm water multiple times a day and pat it dry. Avoid scrubbing or using topical treatments, and allow time for the condition to resolve naturally [source: CNN].
