Do you have these little white bumps on your skin? Let's talk about Milia

Have you ever noticed small pearly white bumps on your little one's face, especially around the nose? Or have you ever wondered what these little bumps on your face are? Many people think of them as whiteheads, but they are actually something different. We call them milia. Don't worry, they are not dangerous. Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

Simply put, what are milia?

Milia are tiny , white bumps that form under your skin. Medically speaking, they are cysts, which are small sacs that are trapped under the skin. They are most commonly seen on the face. Some people also call them "milk spots."

The most important thing is that milia are not harmful . This means that apart from making a small difference in your appearance, they do not cause any health problems.

Although we use the plural "milia" when we speak, a single blister like this is called a "milium."

What are the main types of milia?

Although milia look similar, they can be divided into several types based on how they form and who they affect. You can easily understand these details by looking at a table.

Why do these milia form?

The main reason for the formation of milia is that dead skin cells get trapped under the skin instead of being removed from the surface .

Think about it, our skin is constantly renewing itself. Old, dead cells are shed and new cells are formed in their place. This is a normal process. But sometimes these dead cells don't shed properly and get stuck under the top layer of the skin. Over time, these become hard lumps and become milia.

In addition, there may be several other reasons:

• Sunburn or other skin damage.
• Using steroid creams for a long time.
• Some genetic conditions.
• Perhaps a change in the functioning of the immune system (autoimmune response).

What can be done about this at home? What are the things that are not good to do?

This is the most important part. When most people see milia, they try to squeeze and pop them like a pimple.

Instead, this table contains some things you can and shouldn't do at home.

Do you need to see a doctor?

Milia usually do not require treatment. Milia, especially in young children, usually disappear on their own within a few weeks . Milia in adults may last for several months.

However, there are times when you may need to see a doctor:

• If the milia do not disappear after several months.
• If you are feeling uncomfortable or worried about your appearance because of milia.
• If the blisters get too big or they become red and itchy.

At times like this, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist.

What treatments does the doctor perform?

If you really need to remove milia, a doctor can use safe methods to do so. Don't try these at home.

• Medicated creams: Sometimes a cream such as `(adapalene)` gel or `(tretinoin)` may be prescribed.
• Needle aspiration: A specialist will puncture the blister with a very clean, fine needle and remove the contents.
• Cryotherapy: A method of removing milia using extreme cold.
• Antibiotics: For rare types like milia en plaque, an antibiotic such as minocycline may be prescribed.

The difference between milia and baby acne

Many parents confuse milia with baby acne because they see them on newborn babies' faces. There are clear differences between the two.

• Milia: These are visible at birth . They are very small, white, pearly bumps. They are caused by dead skin cells getting trapped.
• Baby Acne: These usually appear about two weeks after the baby is born. They are small, red pimple-like bumps. They may also have white pus in the center.

If you have any doubts about this, ask the doctor when you go to the baby's clinic.