Milia-The White Heads #
Milia are tiny bumps that occur under the outer skin layer (epidermis) of the eyelid, around the eyes and nose, and on the chin or cheeks. Sometimes called “milk spots” or “oilseeds,” these pearly white or yellowish cysts often appear in clusters and may be on large areas of the face. Milia rarely become swollen or inflamed.
Milia (singular: “milium”) occur most commonly in babies. In fact, they are found in nearly half of full-term newborns. However, teens and adults also can be affected by milia.
What Causes Milia? #
Milia develops when dead skin cells or keratin (a protein found in skin and hair) get trapped under the surface of the skin, forming a raised “pinhead” bump that looks similar to a white head.
Why this happens is not fully understood, but it is not the same as acne, which is usually triggered by hormones and, unlike milia, causes inflammation.
Sun damage can be a contributing factor for milia because it makes skin rough and leathery, so it’s more difficult for dead cells to rise to the skin’s surface and shed normally.
The resulting clogs can trigger milia formation. Sometimes, milia will eventually disappear without treatment; but they also can become persistent and stick around unless steps are taken to remove them.
Milia also are associated with other kinds of skin damage — from an injury, medication or illness. These less common forms are called secondary milia.
Eyelid milia are tiny white cysts that occur in people of all ages, but especially in newborn babies.
How To Get Rid Of Milia #
Milia are not painful, do not cause scarring and often go away by themselves. For these reasons, treatment of milia often is unnecessary.
Milia occurring in newborns (neonatal milia) typically resolve on their own within a few weeks. Primary milia affecting older children and adults can either disappear within a few weeks or months, or they can persist longer.
