The Latest Research on Milia Treatments and Management

Milia, or milk spots, is a common skin condition that many people mistakenly think only affects children. It can, in fact, occur at any age. While, for the most part, it doesn’t require treatment and will clear up on its own, there are times when a person might need intervention from a dermatologist.

The following delves into the different types of Milia and the treatments on offer.

The Different Types of Milk Spots and Milia Treatments

• What are milia?
• Milia symptoms
• Management and Milia Treatments

What are milia?

Milia are small white cysts below the skin’s surface. They’re most commonly found on the face and affect up to 50% of newborn babies. However, they can occur at any age. While they sometimes get confused with acne or whiteheads, milia are something different. It’s generally short-lived, clearing up on its own within a few weeks. 

There are different types, which are classified by the age of the person and where on the body they appear:

• Primary: Affects children and adults. Most commonly found on the cheeks, forehead, or genital area.
• Secondary milia: Also called traumatic milia, they occur after skin damage (sunburn, rashes, blisters, etc.).
• Neonatal milia: Present at birth and most often found around the nose.
• Juvenile milia: A genetic condition that can be present at birth or appear as a child grows.
• Milia en plaque: Most usually affects women aged 40-60. It’s quite rare and forms in clumps around the cheeks, jaw, eyelids, or behind the ears.
• Multiple eruptive milia: Again, very rare and can form over weeks or months. These, often itchy, spots are most commonly found on the upper arms, abdomen, or face.

Milia symptoms

Milia appear as white or yellowish bumps beneath the skin. They don’t cause any pain but, in some cases, can be itchy. While they can form anywhere, the most common locations on the body are:

• The face—nose, cheeks, forehead, eyelids
• On the arms and legs
• On the chest
• Inside the mouth
• On or around the genitals (male and female)

They’re caused by dead skin cells getting trapped beneath the surface of the skin. These harden and form cysts.

Management and milia treatments

Skin cells are constantly regenerating and renewing. Therefore, milia only tend to last a few weeks until the cysts, quite literally, grow out. However, good self-management can help speed up the process and sometimes mean you won’t get them in the first place.

Exfoliation is key, as is keeping the skin clean and treating it gently. Should you suffer from a rarer form of the condition, dermatological treatment might be necessary. In such cases, options include:

• Cryotherapy, whereby the doctor freezes the skin to remove the cyst
• A minor surgical procedure where a needle is used to puncture the skin and remove the contents of the cyst.
• Medication or antibiotic creams

Prevention is always the best course of action. This is easily done through frequent face and body cleansing and exfoliation. You should also avoid too much sun exposure (and use high-factor SPF if you do). If you’ve been prescribed steroids for any reason, don’t use them for any longer than you’ve been told to, as this is believed to be a factor in milia formation.

Need Milia Treatments? Contact Bayou City Dermatology Today

From the latest exfoliating treatments for milia to advice on home management, Bayou City Dermatology is your one-stop shop for anything relating to your skin. Of course, while it’s reassuring to know that in the vast majority of cases, milia will clear up on its own, getting a definitive diagnosis won’t only put your mind at rest, but will also ensure the flare-up is over a limited period.

If you’re worried about milia or any other skin condition, then don’t fret for a moment longer. Visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/services and call our friendly team today to book an appointment.