What are milia? What causes them? How can milia be treated?

Have you ever noticed that when you touch your face, your skin feels uneven, with small, hard bumps resembling clogged pores, especially under your eyes, on your forehead, nose, or chin? These are sometimes called "milk acne" or "acne milia," a problem that can affect people of all ages and genders. They are a significant concern because they are difficult to treat and don't usually disappear on their own like regular acne. Today, Romrawin Clinic will take you on a deep dive into milia, covering what they are, their characteristics, causes, and treatment options, along with ways to prevent them. This article summarizes all the information you need.

 

 

What are milia?

What are syringomas? Syringomas are a type of harmless tumor in the sweat gland ducts. They appear as small, hard bumps, about 1-3 millimeters in size. They are usually flesh-colored or yellowish-white, similar to acne, but are painless, not red, not itchy, and do not have a visible head to squeeze. They are commonly found around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, and/or chin.

 

 

What causes milia?

What are milia? They can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following:

• heredity

Genetics is another factor that contributes to milia, as it directly affects skin structure, skin type, and sweat gland function. If someone in your family has milia, you may be more prone to developing them than the general population, even with good skincare.

• Sweat gland dysfunction

Sweat gland dysfunction is another factor that can cause milia. This is because an abnormal increase in the number of sweat gland cells causes the sweat ducts to narrow and become clogged, forming small, hard bumps under the skin. These are most noticeable around the eyes.

• hormone

Hormones are another factor that contributes to the development of milia (blackheads and whiteheads). Changes in sex hormones, particularly during adolescence, menstruation, and pregnancy, can stimulate sweat gland cells to increase in number or malfunction, leading to the formation of milia. They are more common in women than men.

• The use of certain medications.

The use of certain medications is another factor that can cause milia, especially steroids, hormones, some acne medications, and medications that irritate the skin. This is because these types of medications can stimulate the sweat glands to malfunction, leading to milia formation.

• Skin injury

Skin injury is another factor that can cause milia, especially inflammation, burns, or harsh exfoliation that causes frequent friction. This can weaken the skin and stimulate the sweat glands to overproduce or malfunction, leading to the formation of milia.

• Certain types of diseases

Certain medical conditions are another factor that can cause milia, especially endocrine disorders, sweat gland disorders, or genetic disorders, which often increase the likelihood of developing milia compared to the general population.

• environment

Environmental factors are another contributing factor to the development of milia, especially hot and humid climates. Exposure to intense sunlight, pollution, or chemicals on a regular basis can stimulate sweat glands to malfunction or increase in number, leading to the formation of milia.

 

 

What are milia and where do they commonly occur?

Milia, in general, can be found in various areas of the body, including the face and torso. The areas where milia commonly occur are as follows:

• Milia on the forehead

The forehead is another area where milia are commonly found, especially in people with oily skin and those who sweat excessively. This is because this area produces high levels of oil and has a dense concentration of sweat glands. When these sweat glands overwork or increase in number abnormally, it can easily lead to the formation of milia.

• Milia around the eyes

The area around the eyes is another where milia are commonly found, often scattered around the eyes, especially under the eyes and on the lower eyelids. This is because the skin in this area is very delicate, and even slight malfunctions of the sweat glands can make these bumps or milia more visible than in other areas. 

• Milia on the nose

The nose is another area where milia are commonly found, especially in people with oily skin and those who sweat a lot. They are often found on the bridge and sides of the nose because these areas have high oil production and a high concentration of sweat glands. When sweat glands overwork or increase in number abnormally, it can easily lead to the formation of milia.

• Milia on the cheeks

The cheeks are another area where milia are commonly found, particularly on the cheekbones or upper cheeks. This is because these areas have a higher concentration of sweat glands than other areas and are easily irritated by external factors such as sunlight, pollution, dust, or skin friction. When the skin becomes irritated, milia can easily form.

• Milia on the chin

The chin is another area where milia are commonly found, especially in people with oily skin and those who sweat excessively. This is because this area produces high levels of oil and has a dense concentration of sweat glands. When these sweat glands overwork or increase in number abnormally, it can easily lead to the formation of milia.

• Milia on the chest

The chest is another area where milia are commonly found, as this area has a large number of sweat glands. When sweat accumulates along with heat, especially during hot weather or after exercise, the skin can become damp and rub against clothing, causing irritation and making milia prone to forming.

• Milia on the back

The back is another area where milia are commonly found, as it has a large number of sweat glands. When sweat accumulates along with heat, especially in hot weather or after exercise, the skin can become damp and rub against clothing, causing irritation and making milia prone to forming.

 

 

What are the methods for treating milia?

Generally speaking,Treating acneThere are several ways to treat stones, depending on the skin condition and the doctor's assessment, as follows:

• Laser removal of milia.

Laser treatment is another method used to treat milia. Most commonly, CO2 laser technology is used to target specific areas of the skin affected by milia, precisely cutting and destroying the tissue without causing bleeding. After the procedure, a small scab may form for about a week. It is recommended to avoid sun exposure and follow the doctor's instructions for skin care.

• Electrocautery

Electrocautery is another method used to treat milia. It involves using heat energy from an electrical current to directly target and destroy the sweat gland tissue in the affected area, causing the milia to shrink and naturally fall out. This procedure is non-bleeding, and minor scabbing or bruising may occur afterward. The doctor's expertise in precisely controlling the depth of the electrocautery is crucial to prevent scarring or serious side effects.

• Treat with cold air.

Cryotherapy is another method used to treat milia. It involves using liquid nitrogen to target the milia, destroying abnormal cells and causing the milia to solidify and fall off naturally. After the procedure, there may be scabbing and slight redness. Precise control of the temperature and duration by a qualified physician is crucial to prevent scarring, uneven skin tone, or other serious side effects.

• Acne surgery

Surgery is another method used to treat milia, but it's suitable for large milia, those deeply embedded under the skin, or those that cannot be treated by other methods. The doctor will use medical instruments to open the skin in the affected area and directly remove the milia from beneath the skin's surface. This procedure carries a high risk of scarring or infection if not done correctly. 

• Use medication to treat milia.

Medication is another method used to treat milia. Most commonly, topical retinoids or trichloroacetic acid are used to accelerate skin cell turnover, causing superficial milia to appear smaller or flatter. However, continuous use and a long period of time are necessary to see results. Improper use of medication can lead to skin irritation, dryness, peeling, or increased sun sensitivity. Therefore, medication for milia should always be under the supervision of a doctor to select the appropriate type and concentration of medication and minimize side effects.

 

 

How to prevent milia?

Generally, milia can be prevented in several ways, as follows:

• Wash your face thoroughly.

Cleansing your face thoroughly is another way to help prevent the formation of milia. You should wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser that has a pH close to your skin's natural pH to remove dirt, excess oil, and leftover makeup.

• Use products suitable for your skin type.

Using products suitable for your skin type is another way to help prevent milia. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic products and avoid oily or heavy creams, especially around the eyes.

• Avoid scrubbing your skin too hard.

Avoiding harsh scrubbing, exfoliating, or rubbing of the face is another way to prevent milia. These behaviors can disrupt the skin's protective barrier, causing inflammation, irritation, and stimulating abnormalities in the sweat glands, which can easily lead to milia formation.

• Protect your skin from the sun.

Protecting your skin from the sun is another way to help prevent the formation of milia. You should apply sunscreen regularly every day, even when you're staying home, and choose a gentle, non-comedogenic sunscreen that is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and free of irritating ingredients. 

• Get enough rest.

Getting enough rest is another way to help prevent milia. You should sleep at least 7-8 hours a day and go to bed before 22.00-23.00 PM to allow your body to release growth hormone most effectively, which affects the skin cell regeneration and repair process. 

 

What are milia and cystic acne? Are they different?

Milia What are milia and dermatitis? Although they look similar as small, hard bumps, they have distinctly different causes. Milia are caused by keratin, or dead skin cells, accumulating under the skin, while dermatitis is caused by a malfunction of the sweat gland ducts. Generally, dermatitis is more difficult to treat than milia and does not disappear on its own. It also tends to recur if treated improperly.

 

Milia are a skin problem caused by a malfunction of the sweat gland ducts. They appear as small, hard bumps that are harmless but can make the skin look uneven and affect self-confidence. Treatment for milia usually requires medical procedures such as laser treatment, electrocautery, cryotherapy, or even surgery, depending on the size, severity, and the doctor's assessment. Treatment should only be performed under the supervision of a knowledgeable physician to minimize the risk of dangerous side effects. Meanwhile, proper skin care, such as thorough cleansing, using products suitable for your skin type, sun protection, avoiding harsh exfoliation, and getting enough rest, are also important in preventing milia and ensuring their long-term recurrence.

 

*Results may vary depending on individual skin conditions. Consult a doctor before undergoing this procedure.

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