Milia, often referred to as milk spots or oil seeds, are small, white bumps or cysts that form underneath the skin. These tiny cysts are benign and harmless, but they can be a cosmetic concern for many people. Unlike acne, milia are not caused by clogged pores or bacterial infection. Instead, they are formed by trapped dead skin cells and keratin beneath the skin’s surface. In this blog, Dr. Charu Sharma, Co-Founder and Director of Dermatology at Cureskin explains the nature of milia, how they differ from acne, and effective milia treatment and prevention methods, including the use of apps like Cureskin for milia treatment.
What is Milia?
Milia are small, hard, white or yellowish bumps that develop under the skin’s surface. They are caused by trapped dead skin cells and keratin, a protein found in the skin. Unlike acne, which involves inflamed, red lesions, milia are not inflamed and do not cause redness. Milia are typically harmless and often resolve on their own within a few weeks to months.
Causes of Milia
Milia can occur in individuals of all ages and skin types. They are commonly associated with certain skin conditions and external factors, such as:
- Skin Trauma: Burns, blistering injuries, and chronic sun damage can lead to the formation of milia.
- Long-Term Use of Steroid Creams: Prolonged use of topical steroids can trigger the development of milia.
- Lack of Exfoliation: Insufficient removal of dead skin cells can cause them to become trapped under the skin.
Milia under the eye
Milia under the eyes are small, white bumps that appear on the skin as keratin gets trapped in the pores near the skin’s surface near the eye.
Causes of Milia Under the Eyes
Several factors contribute to the formation of under-eye milia:
- Skin Trauma: Trauma to the skin, such as sun damage, can cause milia to develop.
- Occlusive Eye Creams: Heavy creams used around the eyes can cause milia to form due to the skin’s thinner and more delicate nature in this area.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may be more prone to developing milia under eye due to their genetic makeup.
Milia vs. Acne: Key Differences
Appearance
- Milia: Small, hard, white or yellowish bumps (cysts) that form under the skin’s surface.
- Acne: Lesions include pimples, blackheads, and inflamed red blemishes.
Cause
- Milia: Caused by trapped dead skin cells and keratin, not clogged pores.
- Acne: Caused by clogged pores, excess oil production, and bacterial infection.
Location
- Milia: Commonly appear on the cheeks, nose, and around the eyes.
- Acne: Can occur anywhere on the face and body with a high concentration of oil glands.
Inflammation
- Milia: Not inflamed or red.
- Acne: Lesions are red, inflamed, and can be painful or itchy.
Duration
- Milia: Usually go away on their own within a few weeks to months.
- Acne: Requires treatment to clear up, unlike milia.
The main differences between whiteheads, milia, and fungal acne are:
1. Milia
Appearance: Small, stubborn white spots or bumps under the skin, often mistaken for whiteheads.
Cause: Trapped keratin-rich cells under the skin due to a disturbance in cellular turnover, which can be caused by factors such as skin injury, heavy and thick face creams, or genetics.
2. Whiteheads
Appearance: Small, white bumps on the skin covered by a thin layer of skin, often poppable.
Cause: Excessive oil production by sebaceous glands, which fills pores and gets covered by a thin layer of skin.
3. Fungal Acne
Appearance: Small, red bumps, often itchy, and typically observed in groups on the face, shoulders, upper arms, chest, and back.
Cause: Overgrowth of specific species of fungus such as Malassezia folliculitis and Pityrosporum folliculitis, which thrive in warm and humid environments.
How to Get Rid of Milia on Face?
Dermatologists can provide treatment for milia by following these steps:
Prevention
- Good Skin Care: Stick to good skin care routines recommended by expert dermatologists as on the Cureskin app. They create a customised skin care kit for you which includes facewash sunscreen, moisturiser etc. to prevent milia. You can download the Cureskin app on both Android and iOS.
- Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliate once a week in the evening since freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to sunlight. Gradually increase to 2-3 times per week if your skin tolerates it well. However, avoid over-exfoliating, which can strip away the lipid barrier and make skin more susceptible to irritation and bacterial infection.
Treatment
- Consult a Dermatologist: If milia do not clear up on their own or with proper skin care routine treatments, consult a dermatologist for further treatment options.
- Remove or Treat Milia: If milia are causing discomfort or aesthetic concerns, a dermatologist can help with removal or treatment.
In conclusion, while milia on the face may be a cosmetic concern for many, they are harmless and typically resolve on their own. Understanding the nature of these small, white bumps and distinguishing them from acne can help in choosing the appropriate milia treatment and prevention methods. With expert guidance from dermatologists, such as those available through the Cureskin app, individuals can adopt effective skincare routines to manage and prevent milia. Regular exfoliation, proper skincare, and consulting a dermatologist when needed are key steps in treatment for milia and maintaining healthy, clear skin. For those wondering how to get rid of milia on the face or dealing with under eye milia, following these practices can address milia effectively and help you enjoy a smoother, more radiant complexion.
