What is Milia and What Actions Should Be Taken?

Have you also lived half your life and only now started to wonder, "What are these tiny bumps on my face?" or maybe you recently noticed just one, and now their number has multiplied fivefold.

I'm happy to comfort you with two pieces of good news: you’re not alone with this problem, and by reading this article, you’re much closer to clear and healthy skin. Today I’ve gathered all the experience from myself and my at the DappleDoc online dermatology clinic to shed light on what you’re dealing with — MILIA.

If you’ve noticed small white bumps on your skin, they are most likely milia. These tiny cysts, often mistaken for other skin issues, can be bothersome but are generally harmless. Whether you’re dealing with them yourself or have noticed them in your child, understanding what milia are and how to manage them is always key to effective treatment. Let’s dive in so you can take that key as quickly as possible.

What is Milia?

Milia are small, white, painless bumps that appear on the skin due to trapped keratin — a protein in part of the:

• skin
• hair
• nails

Although they often appear on the face, milia can develop on any part of the body. Knowing all about milia will help you distinguish them from other skin conditions and determine effective treatment methods.

Definition and Types

As I mentioned earlier, milia are essentially cysts filled with keratin, and they are divided into two main types:

1. Primary Milia newborn: These milia appear spontaneously on healthy skin and are commonly found in newborns, children, and adults. They are usually harmless and tend to go away on their own over time.
2. Secondary Milia: These develop as a result of skin trauma or damage, such as burns, rashes, or after using certain topical products. They can also occur after using heavy skincare products that clog the pores.

What Causes Milia?

Aside from keratin being trapped in the skin as the main factor in the formation of milia, there are other causes. Let’s take a detailed look at their occurrence in different age groups:

In Adults

Milia often form when dead skin cells get trapped in small pockets beneath the skin's surface. Contributing factors to milia formation in adults include:

• Sun damage
• Use of heavy or oily skincare products
• Skin conditions that cause thickening or damage to the skin

In Infants

Baby milia, often referred to in dermatology as "neonatal" milia, occurs due to the immaturity of the baby’s sweat glands. They are very common and usually appear on areas of the body such as:

• Face
• Especially the nose
• Cheeks
• Forehead

These cysts usually resolve independently within a few weeks as the baby’s skin matures.

My colleagues and I advise parents on how to perform first aid. You must carefully keep the baby’s skin clean and avoid using heavy creams. If the milia persist or seem unusual, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist, which you can do easily and quickly at the DappleDoc online clinic ;)

Appearance, Differences, and Common Locations

Milia are small, round, white, or yellowish bumps that are often confused with other skin conditions or even acne. That’s why I see patients in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s who have worsened their skin condition simply by neglecting or not being interested in what’s happening on their faces.

Here's how you can distinguish milia from other types of skin problems:

Milia vs. Whiteheads

While milia and whiteheads appear as white bumps, whiteheads are clogged pores filled with pus, whereas milia contain keratin. Whiteheads can become inflamed, whereas milia are usually painless and non-inflammatory.

Milia vs. Skin Tags

Skin tags are soft, flesh-colored growths that hang off the skin and often appear in areas of skin folds or friction. In contrast, milia are small, firm bumps located beneath the skin's surface.

Understanding these differences is crucial for making an accurate diagnosis and prescribing the appropriate treatment. If you have persistent or concerning skin bumps, a consultation with an online dermatologist can help determine the best course of treatment at a time that’s convenient for you.

Common Areas Affected by Milia

Now, to ensure you don't confuse them with simple acne or pimples, which can appear anywhere, where are milia most commonly found? They usually appear under the eyes but can also spread to the lips.

Milia under eye

Milia tend to form under the eyes because of the delicate skin in this area. Yes, the skin here is the thinnest on the face and prone to the formation of small cysts. You have the key to treatment — proper eye care and gentle handling to maintain effective prevention of these bumps.

Milia on lips

On the lips, milia not only appear but can also be bothersome, though don’t worry, they are not dangerous. These are the same milia, which are not serious. I often recommend using gentle skincare products and avoiding irritants, to remove them.

Treatment of Milia

As soon as you start thinking, "Where can I find a good milia treatment near me?"

I will quickly answer your question — Dappledoc!

We are using specialized topical medicine that can help resolve your milia that has been stuck on your face for months and even years. Topical retinoids such as tretinoin or adapalene have many benefits for your skin and one of them is milium treatment, removal, and prevention. If this doesn’t work, Dappledoc can help you arrange for an in-office appointment where a dermatologist can use special tools and techniques such as needles or milia removal instruments.

Why Are Our Clients More Satisfied with Online Clinics Than Traditional Ones?

We often hear how convenient it is for our patients to quickly and efficiently handle any type of skin problem through their phone or laptop, rather than in person. This motivates us not only to perform our work as doctors but also to learn more about technologies to provide services. For example, at DappleDoc, you can ask a question at any time of the day, thanks to our always-active and expert chatbot.

Not only through chat, but consultations with specialists are always available, and you can do this without leaving your home. Receive personalized recommendations and milia treatment plans with us without the need for an in-person visit or the expense of time, money, and effort on travel. While traditional clinics are effective, they require travel and often take more time and the next available appointment is often 6 months away.

Milia Supportive Therapy and Aftercare

By "supportive therapy," I mean using a retinoid cream for milia, which helps treat milia and prevent future occurrences. The most important thing is to maintain regular use of gentle exfoliating and moisturizing products to keep your skin healthy.

After milia removal, the same principle applies — proper and regular skincare. Continuously keep your skin clean and moisturized for several months, and don’t pick at it to promote healing and prevent recurrence.