Have you ever observed a few small-sized lumps, either pale or yellow, around your nostril area, cheeks, or the skin encircling your eyelids? Milia is the medical term for those bothersome lumps, which are tiny sacs forming beneath the skin. They arise when small deceased skin flecks or the protein keratin become trapped beneath the skin and enlarge to a size of one to two millimeters. Typically, newborns are more prone to developing milia, although individuals of any age, sex, or race can acquire them.
If you are anxious about milia, this extensive manual is just for you. Continue reading to comprehend all facets of the skin condition. Let’s delve further into it and comprehend the causes, types, prevention, and treatment methodologies connected with milia.
What Leads to Milia?
Milia is brought about by expired skin cells that get ensnared beneath the layer of your skin and shape sacs. Your body will unavoidably shed dead skin cells to allow room for new cells to multiply and supplant the lost ones. This mechanism is termed exfoliation.
When expired skin cells fail to naturally slough off from the body, fresh skin cells grow atop them and ensnare the dead cells below as they do so. Your expired skin cells begin to harden and form sacs around your nostril, cheeks, trunk, extremities, and thoracic region.
Milia could also emerge due to alternative factors, including:
- An injury or prolonged exposure to sunlight, inducing skin harm
- Utilization of corticosteroid creams or ointments for a protracted duration
- A symptom of an inherited ailment or insufficiency
- An autoimmune reaction
- Lack of adhering to an adequate skincare regimen
- Employing makeup or cosmetics that obstruct your pores
- Inadequate sleep
- You endure a skin disorder such as eczema, rosacea, or dandruff
Types of Milias
Here are the most notable types of milias recognized in medical settings.
Neonatal Milia
It’s approximated that up to half of all infants can have milia. They generally fade away on their own after a few weeks. The nostrils are the most prevalent site for neonatal milia, but it can also manifest on the scalp, cheek, upper torso, and inside the oral cavity.
Remember that neonatal milia and neonatal acne are two distinct conditions. Milia are often of a uniform size and lack any redness, unlike the pale lumps of neonatal acne, which can fluctuate in size and are frequently accompanied by redness.
Milia may already be evident from birth, although neonatal acne typically does not emerge until approximately two weeks postpartum.
Primary Milia
The forehead, eyelids, genitalia, and cheeks are common sites for primary milia to manifest. Primary milia can impact individuals of any age, including youngsters and grown-ups. They may dissipate on their own after a few weeks, but they may also persist for several months if left untreated. Additionally, they can appear at the nasal furrow in young children.
Milia en Plaque
This condition leads to multiple milia being clustered around a wider, flatter area that is elevated above the adjoining skin. Such skin patches or plaques commonly possess distinct boundaries that can be accurately outlined. Milia en plaque can affect individuals of all ages. Nevertheless, it is most prevalent in middle-aged females. The typical sites for its manifestation are on the eyelids, face or jaw, and behind the ears.
This problem is quite uncommon and is mainly linked to various other skin conditions, such as:
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- Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
- Lichen Planus
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
- Multiple Eruptive Milia
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It is likewise a rare type of milia, characterized by the gradual emergence of multiple lumps in the same area over several weeks or months. In numerous instances, this is the solitary symptom. However, the affected area could also feel slightly irritated or itchy. Such milia are most likely to develop on the upper arms, upper torso, and face.
Traumatic Milia
This condition, which follows a skin injury, is also termed secondary milia, and it may encompass the following:
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- Skin resurfacing techniques, such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, etc.
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight
- Blistering resulting from an allergic reaction or skin condition
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How Can You Prevent Milia?
While there is no foolproof method to evade acquiring it, milia and other skin conditions can be averted by appropriately caring for your skin as an adult.
Employ Moisturizers and Sunscreens
Always shield your skin from the sun and keep it moisturized. Milia is a condition that frequently arises from overexposure to the sun. Your skin will eventually become leathery, making it more problematic for the dead cells to slough off.
Consistently applying sunscreen and moisturizer will render your skin radiant and supple, enabling it to mend and replenish itself as needed. Always remember to utilize sunscreen—even when it’s chilly outside—especially if you spend a lot of time indoors near a window.
Avoid Heavy Ointments and Creams
These can irritate your skin and clog your pores, hindering your body’s natural exfoliation process.
Ensure Your Face Is Tidy and Clean
Your skin pores can become obstructed due to the accumulation of dirt and perspiration. Acne and other skin problems may arise as a result. Cleansing your face of the grime and oil that accumulates throughout the day will aid your skin in exfoliating naturally. Keeping your face clean and fresh will aid your skin in shedding the dead cells that gather there.
Educate Your Child
If both you and your offspring have a history of milia outbreaks, ensure your children grasp the importance of caring for their skin. Good habits are best ingrained in youth. When your children are old enough to comprehend, teach them how to shield themselves from the sun’s rays, including how to apply sunscreen and how to utilize caps and other protective attire.
Dermatologist in Chatsworth.