Treating Milia
Milia is a common skin complaint which is commonly mistaken for a form of mild acne. It takes the form of
small yellow or white cysts on the face which are normally 1-2mm wide and are filled with keratin, a protein
produced to strengthen the skin. They are benign and are distinguishable from mild acne because they are much
harder than most whiteheads. These cysts are not affected by diet, poor hygiene or race and can occur in
people of any age, which can make treating milia sometimes difficult.
Milia is caused when skin fails to exfoliate itself
properly and dead skin cells remain on the skins surface. These dead
cells become trapped in small pockets under the skin causing a blockage which then fills with keratin to form
the hard cyst. These blockages often occur around hair follicles or sweat
glands which are prone to clogging.
Whilst Milia can occur at any age it is particularly common
in children and new born babies. It is so common in new born babies
that it is considered normal and will go away without treatment. In
both children and adults, Milia usually develops around the eye area and the nose can also be affected in
infants. Whilst this is a normal development in babies, possible
triggers in adults have been suggested to be trauma or blistering of the skin, excessive sun damage, long term
use of topical steroids and excessive dermabrasion. Sun damage makes
this an issue common amongst middle aged people or elderly individuals as the skin struggles to exfoliate itself
and slough off dead skin cells quickly, thus increasing the risk of developing this problem.
Some treatments could be tried at home before seeking the
help of a professional. Holding a hot cloth over your face for several
minutes will open pores and encourage the skins natural exfoliation process. This also makes the dead skin cells easier to lift off during the exfoliation
process. Alternatively, holding your head over a bowl of freshly
boiled water can have a similar effect. Using facial scrubs,
particularly those containing salicylic acid can also have a beneficial effect, although caution must be used if
these are being used around the eye area. Resisting the urge to pick
or squeeze at the cyst is very important as it is very unlikely that this will help to resolve the
problem. The most likely outcome of this will be painful bleeding
with the potential of long term scarring.
Your physician may prescribe some of the following to
resolve the problem. Topical creams may be used or your Doctor may
try to physically remove the cyst using special tools. A series of
fruit or acid peels may also be prescribed and could be helpful in treating the
issue.
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