Milialar is actually a skin condition that can affect people of all ages. However, normally, young children and infants are more susceptible.Due to blocked sweat glands, sweat accumulates under the skin.
You will also feel itchiness on these bumps. We can also call them small blisters or itchy bumps. Sometimes, in severe conditions, you may also feel heat up or inflamed, and the skin also becomes red.
Another cause is the use of the clothing or fabrics to which you might get an allergy. These types of clothing get sweaty and prevent evaporation. Ultimately, it results in the formation of heat rash.
On the other hand, if you engage in any strenuous physical activity that induces heavy sweating, then you may also get this disease. Excessive sweating will overwhelm the sweat glands, increasing the likelihood of blockages.
Table of Contents
What is milialar?
It is also known as milk spots or milium cysts. So, we can say that these small white and yellow bumps are a common dermatological condition. Normally, the patient gets the pumps near the eye region, cheeks, forehead, and nose. These are very small in size and may occur individually or in clusters.
Although it is generally painless and harmless, the person might feel uncomfortable with this. It might also affect a person’s self-esteem. We do not know what is the exact cause but it is believed to be related to the accumulation of dead skin cells.
These bumps are usually formed when the natural exfoliation process of the skin is disrupted. Ultimately, it results in the formation of these substances in small pockets below the surface of the skin.
Not only in adults, it is also common in newborns. But on the whole, it affects people of all ages. This condition might get on its own within a few weeks or months in adults. However, it can persist for longer periods. So, for this purpose, you might go for the treatment to improve its appearance.
On the whole, it is generally harmless, but you should be able to differentiate it from other skin conditions. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying skin disorder.
Unfortunately, it results in an adverse reaction to certain medications or cosmetic products. So, you should consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Later, we will discuss in detail the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment. Keep this thing in mind that this article is for information purposes. You should go to a dermatologist for professional medical advice.
Different types of milialar
Primary milialar
Primary milialar consists of skin lesions that occur when skin cells become trapped below the surface of the skin. It also accumulates there, and these are the most commonly seen in newborns.
Fortunately, this problem will be resolved within a few weeks after birth. However, if we talk about adults, it can occur on cheeks, eyes, and forehead. It is generally related to genetic origin, but keep this thing in mind that it is harmless. Some people may choose to have them removed or treated with laser therapy for aesthetic reasons.
Secondary milialar
Secondary milialar might occur after different skin injuries such as skin grafts, burns, or dermabrasion. Sometimes, you might use steroid creams for conditions like psoriasis or eczema. However, in some cases, you might need laser therapy or extraction to remove them.
Neonatal milialar
It is a common skin condition that normally occurs in newborn infants and usually appears shortly after delivery. These are tiny cysts normally present on the cheeks and nose of the baby.
But it is harmless and typically resolves on its own within several weeks. You do not need any kind of medical intervention as they tend to disappear without any treatment.
So from the above discussion, we have concluded that it can be classified into three different types, including primary, secondary, and neonatal milialar. But from these types, primary milialars are most commonly seen in newborns and it is also genetic in origin.
What are the causes of milialar?
The small white bumps on the skin might be caused by several factors. As a person, you should understand the main causes that can help in preventing and managing this common skin condition.
Genetics
The first cause of milialar is genetics, and it is normally present in different families. So if you have a family history then keep this thing in mind that you are at higher risk of developing this skin condition.
Dry skin
Another common cause is dry skin because dryness for so much time can interfere with the natural shedding process of dead skin cells. Unfortunately, it then traps karotene and dead cells below the surface of the skin.
It results in the accumulation of these substances and the formation of milialar to prevent this thing. So you should keep your skin well hydrated and moisturized.
Harsh skin care products
Many of us using skin care products do not know that some of them are harsh to our skin. So, you should be aware of all the products you are using on your skin. The skin products which might result in the formation of milialar are cleansers, toners, exfoliants, etc.
In these products, powerful chemicals are present, which erode the protective barrier of the skin. Therefore, you are more susceptible to these bump formation. So, you should always go for gentle skin care products that are specifically made for your skin type.
Excessive sun exposure
Excessive Sun exposure is another factor that increases the risk. So, you should avoid chronic exposure to UV radiations of the sun.
It damages your skin. Unfortunately, it results in the increased production of carotene and it contributes to the formation to protect your skin. You should use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
Some medications
In some cases, some medications also become a cause. One of them is steroid creams because they accelerate the development of the bumps. So, if you think that one or more medications might be the source of your disease, you should get medical advice from your dermatologist.
You should understand all these causes and take appropriate preventive measures. Then you will definitely manage and reduce the occurrence of milialar on your skin.
Treatment of milialar
As I also discussed earlier that, they are small milk spots often appear on the skin, particularly on the face. The good thing is that they are harmless, but many people see treatment for cosmetic reasons. Fortunately, in this part of the post, we will discuss different effective treatment options available to address this condition.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is the most effective treatment to target the spots. Although it is a costly procedure, it consists of using a laser to heat and destroy the spots. Therefore, your skin will heal naturally. It is a safe and effective treatment to get quick and effective results.
Prescription creams
Prescription creams are also used for the treatment, especially retinoids. The main function of these creams is the acceleration of the exfoliation of the dead skin cells. Therefore, it prevents the development of milialar.
Dermatological extraction
Dermatological extraction consists of a minor surgery, which is sometimes necessary to remove milialar. For this purpose, you should go for a specialized dermatologist. He performs a procedure known as dermatological extraction.
He carefully tears and extracts the milk spots using sterilized scalpels or needles. During this procedure, trained specialists must be there to avoid infection or scarring.
Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen
Using broad-spectrum sunscreen is the preventive measure to minimize the occurrence. So, you should regularly use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
Exfoliation
Another method normally used for the prevention of milialar is the exfoliation. Using exfoliating cleaners and light scrubs will help in removing the dead skin cells more effectively. Therefore, it reduces the chances of milialar formation. Chemical peels are also a great option helpful in getting rid of dead skin cells and exfoliating the top layer of the skin.
Microdermabrasion
It is a non-invasive method helpful in the treatment. Special equipment gently exfoliates the skin to eliminate milia and improve appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes milialar disease?
It is caused by different factors, such as excessive production of oil on the skin, trapped dead skin cells, genetics, medical use, and hormonal changes.
What are the symptoms of milialar?
The most common symptoms are swelling, itching, discomfort, redness, bumps on the skin, and an increased risk of infection.
How can we treat milialar?
Using tropical retinoids is very helpful in exfoliating the skin and promoting the setting of dead skin cells. However, in some cases, surgical removal of the cysts is necessary.
Conclusion
Milialar is the most common and frequent dermatological issue. Here, in this post, we have discussed the types, their causes, as well as their treatment to avoid the production of these microscopic cysts on your skin, especially the face.
First of all, you should go for preventive measures to keep a glowing and military free face. You should select the skin care products wisely while going out in the sunlight. Always wear UV protection cream or lotion.
