If you’re wondering how to treat milia, you’re not alone. These small, white bumps, though harmless, often cause concern for those unfamiliar with this skin condition. Whether you’re dealing with them yourself or caring for a baby, it’s important to know that milia are common and treatable. In this post, we’ll walk you through the causes of milia and the most effective ways to treat these stubborn bumps.
What is Milia?
Milia are small, white bumps on your baby’s face (or your own). These small white bumps most often occur around the nose, chin, and cheeks. In some cases, milia can form on your eyelids or other parts of the body.
Milia are harmless. They are not painful, itchy, or contagious and are typically not a sign of an underlying health concern. Although not a health concern, milia can be an irritating condition if it becomes persistent. While 40-50% of infants are born with milia, making it a common skin condition in babies, milia can develop at any age.
What are Milk Spots?
Milk spots are another name for milia, often used when milia is on a baby’s face. Milia gained this nickname as the white spots that form look like drops of milk. Despite this nickname, milia are not related to breast milk or nursing.
Whether it’s your baby or yourself experiencing these stubborn bumps, knowing what to look for is the first step toward effective management of milia and milk spots.
What Causes Milia?
These small, white bumps on your skin are caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes of milia are blocked pores, skin trauma, long-term steroid use, and genetics,
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Blocked Pores
When a pore becomes blocked by dead skin cells, oils, keratin (a type of protein), or skin products, milia can form. Blocked pores are the most common reason for milia to develop.
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Skin Trauma
Burns, including sun burns, and rashes can cause milia to form as the skin heals.
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Long-Term Steroid Use
Steroid medications, especially topical steroids, can lead to changes in the skin that increase the likelihood of developing milia.
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Genetics
Your chance of developing milia may be increased if there is a family history of mila.
Milia can also develop due to other skin conditions, like rosacea or eczema, which compromise the skin’s barrier and can make it more prone to blockages.
Now that you know what causes milia, you might be wondering how to treat milia. Let’s explore the most effective options, from simple at-home remedies to professional dermatological treatments.
How to Treat Milia
If you’ve noticed milia on your or your baby’s skin, you might be wondering how to treat milia effectively. Milia often resolve on their own within a few months, but a dermatologist can suggest a treatment plan to help clear milia faster. Whether you treat milk spots with home remedies or per a dermatologist’s instruction, it’s important to remember not to pick at the bumps. Picking can cause tears in your skin, which can become infected or scar.
At-home remedies to treat milia include gentle cleansing, exfoliating, and switching your products to a gentle formula.
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Gentle Cleansing
Properly cleansing your skin with warm water and a gentle soap, followed by patting your skin dry, will remove excess oils and debris that can lead to milia. Avoid scrubbing the affected areas too harshly as this can cause milia to become irritated.
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Exfoliating
Mild exfoliators can help break down the build up that leads to milia. Adapalene or products with salicylic or glycolic acid help to unclog pores without causing irritation. Avoid harsh exfoliation techniques that are not performed by a professional as they can cause irritation.
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Using Gentle Products
Switch to creams and cosmetic products that are oil-free and formulated for sensitive skin. These products will help keep your skin hydrated without further clogging your pores.
While at-home remedies can help clear milia over time, professional treatments may deliver faster and more effective results. Keep reading to discover professional solutions to treat milia on your face.
How to Treat Milia on Your Face
If at-home remedies have not worked, a dermatologist can determine how to best treat milia on your face. Treatment options your dermatologist may recommend include chemical peels, cryotherapy, and laser treatment.
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Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to exfoliate the outer layers of skin, breaking down the build up of dead skin cells, oil, and keratin that cause milia to form.
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Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the milia, causing them to break down and slough off.
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Laser Treatment
Laser treatment for the face uses a specific wavelength to target certain structures in the skin, which absorb the laser energy, causing the structures to collapse or break down. Your body then eliminates these structures naturally, leaving you with smoother skin.
How to Treat Milia on Babies
If you’ve noticed milia on your baby’s skin, it’s important to seek specialized care as a baby’s skin is too delicate for products made for adults. A dermatologist who specializes in pediatric dermatology can recommend products and treatment options to treat milk spots. Treatment options for milia on babies are gentle and may involve simple skin care, like washing your baby’s skin with warm water and using a mild, child-safe moisturizer.
Whether you’re looking for professional care or simply need expert advice, our dermatologists are here to help you achieve your skin goals. Schedule an appointment today, and if your child’s milia persists, consider scheduling an appointment with our pediatric dermatologist, Dr. Elizabeth Froelich, for specialized care.
Learning how to treat milia gives you the power to take control of your skin’s health. If you’re ready for professional care or need expert advice, our dermatologists are here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment with us at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to book your appointment in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.