What Is Milia? Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment Options

What is Milia?

Milia are tiny white or yellowish bumps that often appear on the skin — usually on the face, especially around the eyes, cheeks and nose.

Simple Explanation

• Milia happen when dead skin cells get trapped under the skin, forming small, hard, pearl-like cysts.
• They are not pimples not caused by bacteria and are not harmful.
• They are common in babies but adults get them too.
• They usually go away on their own but sometimes need gentle skincare or a dermatologist to remove them.

Statisics About Milia

📊 General Prevalence

1. Newborn babies:
   • Around 40–50% of healthy newborns have milia at birth. Cleveland Clinic+1
   • Some studies show milia observed in about 27% of newborns in certain groups. Dermatoloji Dergisi
2. Infant skin studies:
   • In some hospital studies, milia were found in about 16–18% of newborns. PMC+1
   • Another research reported milia in around 13.5% of newborn babies. jpad.com.pk

📌 Type Variations

• Neonatal milia (at birth) is most common and usually harmless. Cleveland Clinic
• Rare forms (like milia en plaque or multiple eruptive milia) are very uncommon and only seen occasionally in adults. Patient

📊 Adults and Other Ages

• There isn’t a reliable global statistic for adults because prevalence varies widely and many adults don’t seek medical care for simple milia. MD Searchlight

Summary

What Are The Causes Of Milia?

✅ 1. Trapped Dead Skin Cells

The most common cause.
Dead skin cells (keratin) get stuck under the skin instead of shedding normally, forming tiny hard bumps.

✅ 2. Skin Damage

Milia can appear after:

• Burns (even mild sunburn)
• Blistering injuries
• Rashes
• Laser treatments
  Because the skin heals and traps keratin underneath.

✅ 3. Heavy Skin Products

Using products that are too oily or heavy can block natural exfoliation and lead to milia, especially around the eyes.

✅ 4. Long-term Sun Damage

Sun exposure makes the skin thick and less able to shed dead cells, increasing the chance of milia.

✅ 5. Genetics

Some people naturally shed skin more slowly, making them more prone.

✅ 6. Skin Diseases or Conditions

Rarely, milia can appear with:

• Autoimmune skin disorders
• Genetic skin conditions
• Epidermolysis bullosa
  —but this is uncommon.

✅ 7. Newborn Skin Immaturity

In babies; milia happens simply because their skin isn’t fully developed and traps keratin easily. It’s normal and harmless.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Milia?

1. Small White or Yellow Bumps

• The bumps are tiny (1–3 mm).
• They look like pearls or grains of sand under the skin.

2. Firm, Not Soft

• Milia feel hard when touched.
• They are not filled with pus, so they don’t pop like pimples.

3. Painless

• No itching
• No redness (unless irritated)
• No swelling
  Milia normally cause no discomfort.

4. Appear in Clusters or Alone

• You may see one bump or a small group together.

5. Common Locations

• Around the eyes (most common)
• Cheeks
• Nose
• Forehead
• Chin
• Babies often get them on the nose and cheeks.

6. Don’t Change Size Quickly

• Milia remain the same size for weeks or months.
• They don’t grow like cysts or acne lesions.

7. Not Related to Infection

• No warmth, no pus, no red halo.

🍼 Symptoms in Newborns

• Multiple white dots on the nose or cheeks.
• They don’t bother the baby and disappear on their own in a few weeks.

What Are The Prevention Ways Of Milia?

✅ 1. Exfoliate Regularly

Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells so they don’t get trapped.

• Use mild exfoliating acids like AHA (glycolic/lactic) or BHA (salicylic) 1–2 times per week.
• Avoid harsh scrubs, especially around the eyes.

✅ 2. Choose Non-Comedogenic Products

Use skincare that says:

• “Non-comedogenic”
• “Oil-free”
• “Won’t clog pores”

Heavy, oily creams—especially around the eyes—can trap keratin and cause milia.

✅ 3. Avoid Overusing Thick Eye Creams

The skin around the eyes is thin and can easily trap product.

• Use lighter gels instead of heavy balms.

✅ 4. Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Sun damage makes skin thicker and slower to shed cells.

• Use sunscreen daily (SPF 30+).
• Avoid tanning and intense sun exposure.

✅ 5. Clean Your Skin Properly

Wash your face twice a day to remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt that can block natural exfoliation.

✅ 6. Don’t Pick or Squeeze

Trying to pop milia damages the skin and causes more bumps.

✅ 7. Avoid Heavy Makeup

Thick foundations and concealers—especially around the eyes and nose—can contribute to milia formation.

✅ 8. Treat Skin Conditions Promptly

Conditions that damage or irritate the skin can cause secondary milia. Treat:

• Burns
• Rashes
• Dermatitis
  so the skin heals properly.

🍼 For Babies

Milia in babies cannot be prevented and are completely normal. They go away on their own.

What Are The Treatment Options Of Milia?

✅ 1. Leave Them Alone (Often Best)

Many milia—especially in babies—go away on their own within weeks to months.
No treatment is needed unless they bother you.

✅ 2. Professional Extraction (Most Common Treatment)

Dermatologists can remove milia quickly and safely by:

• Using a sterile needle or tiny blade
• Opening the skin surface
• Gently pushing out the keratin inside

⚠️ Never try to poke or squeeze milia at home.

✅ 3. Topical Retinoids

Retinoid creams help the skin shed dead cells and prevent trapping:

• Tretinoin
• Adapalene
• Retinol (weaker)

Useful for adults with persistent or widespread milia.

✅ 4. Chemical Peels

Light chemical peels can clear milia by removing old skin layers:

• Glycolic acid peel
• Lactic acid peel
• Salicylic acid peel

Usually done by a skincare professional.

✅ 5. Laser Therapy

For stubborn or multiple milia:

• Ablative lasers (like CO₂ or Er:YAG)
• Remove the top layer of skin precisely

Used mainly when extraction is not suitable.

✅ 6. Microdermabrasion

A gentle skin resurfacing technique that helps remove dead skin cells and prevent new milia.

🍼 Treatment for Babies

• No extraction
• No creams
• No peels
  Just wait; they go away naturally.

💡 Home Care (Supportive, Not curative)

These don’t remove milia instantly but help prevent more from forming:

• Use gentle exfoliating cleansers
• Apply lightweight moisturizers
• Avoid heavy eye creams
• Always wear sunscreen

We wish a happy and healty life to you. You can find scientific advices for IGH (whita spots on skin) in below link.