Milia are small white bumps that generally grow on the face, such as on the nose, cheeks, and under the eyes. Milia can happen to anyone, but it's most common in newborns.
Milia are generally harmless and don't need to be treated because they go away on their own. However, in some cases, milia can be quite annoying and won't go away on their own, so you need to take steps to get rid of them.
The term milia is used for small white bumps that grow in clusters. If there is only one lump, the condition is called milium.
Milia Type
Milia are divided into several types, namely:
- Neonatal milia is the term for milia in newborns. This type of milia is quite common in newborns.
- Primary milia or primary milia are milia that appear in children and adults. Primary milia usually disappear within a few weeks to a few months.
- Secondary milia or secondary milia are milia that appear on injured skin, for example from blisters, burns, or the use of skin creams containing corticosteroids.
- Milia en plaque Milia is a fairly severe milia and the cause of this type of Milia usually grows quite wide and protrudes with a diameter of several centimeters. Milia en plaque usually affects middle-aged women.
- Multiple eruptive milia Milia are milia that usually appear in clusters over a period of several weeks or months. Milia of this type are also rare.
Cause of Milia
Milium or milia are formed when dead skin cells or a protein called keratin are trapped under the surface of the skin. It is not known exactly why milia grow in newborns. However, in adults, the appearance of milia is often associated with skin damage, such as:
- Blistering of the skin due to certain conditions or diseases, such as epidermolysis bullosa, cicatricial pemphigoid, or Porphyria cutanea tarda
- Blistering of the skin due to exposure to poisonous plants, as in conditions poison ivy
- Skin damage due to frequent sun exposure or burns
- Long-term use of corticosteroid creams
- Skin care with certain procedures, such as dermabrasion or laser resurfacing
Symptoms of Milia
Milia are characterized by lumps that are pearly white or yellowish white. These lumps are small with a diameter of about 1-2 millimeters. Although painless, these lumps can be uncomfortable for some sufferers.
Milia can also appear red and irritated when they rub against rough clothing or bedding.
Milium or milia can grow anywhere, but they are more common in groups in the following areas:
- Scalp
- Forehead
- Eyelid
- Nose
- behind the ear
- Cheek
- Jaw
- The inside of the mouth
- Chest
- Sex
When to go to the doctor
Milia are not dangerous and will go away on their own in a few weeks or months. However, if milia is bothersome, it is recommended to see a doctor. You are also advised to take your child to the doctor, if there are lumps on the skin that do not go away after 3 months.
Diagnosis of Milia
Doctors can easily recognize milia just by looking at the characteristics of the lump. However, in patients suspected of having milia en plaque or to find out the cause of the appearance of a lump, the doctor needs to do a biopsy (skin tissue sampling) for examination in the laboratory.
Milia Treatment
Milia in infants does not need to be treated because it is harmless and will go away on its own in a few weeks. Whereas in adolescents and adults, milia usually disappear within a few months.
However, milia can also be very annoying. In fact, in some cases of secondary milia, the lump can be permanent. In such conditions, it is necessary to take action by a doctor to remove the lump. Actions taken can be in the form of:
- Cryotherapy, which is a procedure to freeze and destroy milia lumps using liquid nitrogen
- Dermabrasion, which is the removal of the top layer of skin using a special tool
- Chemical peels, namely the removal of the top layer of skin by applying a chemical liquid
- Laser ablation, which is a procedure to remove milia using a laser
- Diathermy, namely the procedure for destroying milia by using heat
- Deroofing, which is a procedure to remove the contents of milia using a sterile needle
In the case of milia en plaque, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic taken by mouth (oral) or isotretinoin cream to be applied to the skin (topical).
Milia Complications
As explained above, milia is not a dangerous condition, so there is no need to worry. However, trying to get rid of milia without proper medical procedures, such as squeezing or scraping milia, can result in permanent scars.
If the appearance of milia is bothersome, you should immediately consult a doctor for proper treatment.
Milia Prevention
In the vast majority of cases, milia cannot be prevented. However, you are advised to maintain healthy skin to reduce the risk of milia (especially secondary milia). Some of the ways that can be done are:
- Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure by using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more
- Use skin care products that suit your skin type
- Clean your face regularly with a mild soap and free of parabens
- Avoid using products containing corticosteroids without a doctor's recommendation or prescription
- Taking vitamin E, vitamin B3 or vitamin B complex supplements
If necessary, consult a dermatologist about skin care products that suit your skin type and how to properly care for and clean your skin.