From the Research
Milia are benign, superficial keratinaceous cysts that present as fine, small white papules, and are completely harmless but can be cosmetically bothersome to some people. These cysts are filled with keratin, a protein found in skin cells, and form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin's surface instead of naturally exfoliating 1. Milia can occur in people of all ages, from newborns (where they're called neonatal milia and typically disappear on their own within a few weeks) to adults, and may develop due to skin damage from sun exposure, blistering injuries, or long-term use of steroid creams 2, 3. Unlike acne, milia don't become inflamed or cause discomfort, and most will eventually go away on their own, but this can take weeks or months 4. For persistent milia, treatments include exfolification with alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, or professional extraction by a dermatologist, and it's essential not to try squeezing or popping milia at home as this can lead to scarring or infection 1. Some key characteristics of milia include:
- They are small, white or yellowish bumps that appear on the skin, typically on the face, eyelids, cheeks, and nose
- They are tiny cysts filled with keratin
- They can occur in people of all ages
- They are completely harmless but can be cosmetically bothersome
- They don't become inflamed or cause discomfort
- Most will eventually go away on their own, but this can take weeks or months. It's also worth noting that milia can be associated with certain inherited disorders, and in some cases, may be a symptom of an underlying condition 2, 4. However, in most cases, milia are a benign and self-limiting condition that does not require medical attention, and treatment should focus on cosmetic improvement and prevention of further skin damage.