Milialar, also known as milia, are tiny white bumps that can appear on the skin. These common and harmless cysts are often found on the faces of babies and adults. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, different types of milialar, and treatment options available.
What Causes Milialar?
Milialar develop when dead skin cells become trapped underneath the surface of your skin, forming small cysts. There are two main categories of milia:
- Primary Milialar: These form directly from keratin, a protein found in skin cells. They are common in newborns and adults.
- Secondary Milialar: These cysts develop after something clogs the sweat ducts, such as a skin injury, burn, or following the use of certain medications.
Types of Milialar
Milialar can manifest in different forms, varying in location and age at which they typically appear:
- Neonatal Milia: Frequently seen in newborns and usually disappear within a few weeks.
- Juvenile Milia: Can occur in children, often linked with certain genetic disorders.
- Milia en plaque: Less common and characterized by clusters of milia connected by a raised plaque.
- Multiple eruptive milia: This type involves multiple milia appearing over several weeks or months.
Treatment for Milialar
In most cases, milialar resolve on their own within a few weeks or months and don’t require treatment. However, if they’re persistent or causing cosmetic concerns, there are treatment options available:
- Retinoids: Topical medications containing retinoids might accelerate skin cell turnover.
- Exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation with a mild scrub or chemical peels can help open pores and remove trapped keratin.
- Manual Removal: A dermatologist may use a sterile needle or blade to carefully extract the contents of the milia cysts.
Preventing Milialar
While it’s not always possible to prevent milialar entirely, here are tips that could minimize their appearance:
- Proper Cleansing: Regularly wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
- Exfoliate: Include mild exfoliation in your skincare routine.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from damage and reduce the risk of secondary milia caused by blisters.
