Milia, also called milk spots, are small, pearly white cysts that form under the skin.
They develop whenkeratina protein that makes up hair, skin, and nailsgets trapped beneath the surface.
About 40% of newborns have milia, but they can occur at any age.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen dermnetnz.org 2023
The exact cause isnt always known, and thecystsoften go away within a few weeks.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Raimo Suhonen dermnetnz.org 2023
What Are Milia?
Milia are hard, raised cysts that form under the outer layer of skin.
About 40% of newborns in the U.S. have milia, but adults can also develop them.
Milia form when keratin and dead skin cells become trapped under the skin.
This debris hardens over time and clumps together to form small, hard cysts.
Milia are often mistaken foracne, but theyre different.
Acne forms when pores become clogged,leading to blemishes.
Milia, on the other hand, develop just beneath the skins surface, not inside pores.
Unlike acne, they arent red or inflamed.
You might also see them referred to as “oil seeds.”
Types of Milia
Milia are categorized as either primary or secondary.
Primary milia develop on their own, without a secondary cause.
Types of milia include:
Is Neonatal Milia the Same as Baby Acne?
Neonatal milia andbaby acnemay seem alike, but theyre different.
Where do Milia Appear?
Milia can appear anywhere on the body.
Other factors, such assun damageand heavy skincare products, can also contribute to milia formation on the face.
How Common Are Milia?
Up to 40% of newborns are born with milia.
Causes
Your skin constantly sheds dead cells to make room for new ones.
Many cases of milia have no clear cause, especially neonatal milia.
Can Poor Hygiene Cause Milia?
Poor hygiene doesnt cause milia, but inadequate exfoliation and skincare can contribute to it.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers can often diagnose milia by examining them.
But there are other causes of small, white skin bumps.
Basal cell carcinoma, a pop in of skin cancer, can also look like a pearly white bump.
Can I Remove Milia at Home?
Unlike acne, milia are under the skin and do not have an opening.
Trying to pop them can lead to irritation, scarring, orinfection.
Prevention
You may not be able to prevent milia completely.
Summary
Milia are harmless, small, hard white bumps that usually appear on your face.
you might decrease your chances of getting milia by changing your skincare routine.
If necessary, you’re free to also have them removed.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for you.
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