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.

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.