What are the different types of milia?

There are several types of milia:

• Neonatal milia: Found in infants, these white cysts appear on or around the nose and are present at birth.
• Primary milia: These small cysts commonly occur on eyelids, forehead, cheeks, or genitals and can affect both children and adults.
• Secondary milia (traumatic milia): Resulting from skin damage like burns, rashes, blisters, or sun exposure, these cysts can also form due to heavy skin products.
• Juvenile milia: These cysts are linked to inherited conditions and may be present at birth or develop later in life.
• Milia en plaque: A rare type, usually affecting women aged 40 to 60, where milia cluster on a raised patch of skin, often behind ears or on eyelids, cheeks, or jaw.
• Multiple eruptive milia: Another rare condition causing itchy groups of cysts to appear gradually over weeks to months on the face, upper arms, and upper abdomen.

How common are milia and who do milia affect?

Milia are prevalent in infants, although they can affect individuals of all ages. Around half of healthy newborns have milia at birth, and premature babies may develop milia later during infancy.

How do milia affect my body?

Milia are benign and typically result in temporary cosmetic alterations to the skin, whether it's your own or your newborn's. These small white cysts develop on the skin surface and often resolve on their own within a few weeks.

What are the symptoms of milia?

Milia symptoms may include:

• Clusters of white to yellow cysts on the skin.
• The cysts can form in groups or clusters.
• They are typically asymptomatic, causing no pain or discomfort.

In some cases, certain types of milia can be itchy or develop on a raised area of the skin.

Where will I have symptoms of milia?

Milia primarily affect facial skin but can occur on various parts of the body, including:

• Eyelids or under the eyes.
• Cheeks.
• Forehead.
• Nose.
• Arms or legs.
• Genital area, such as the penis.
• Inside of the mouth.
• Chest.

What causes milia?

Milia result from dead skin cells becoming trapped beneath the skin's surface, forming cysts. Typically, old skin cells shed to allow new ones to grow, but when this shedding process is disrupted, new skin grows over the old cells, trapping them underneath and leading to cyst formation.

Other causes of milia may include:

• Skin damage due to injury or prolonged sun exposure.
• Extended use of steroid creams or ointments.
• Genetic conditions that predispose individuals to milia.
• Autoimmune reactions contributing to milia development.

Can I remove milia at home?

Here are some home care tips for dealing with milia:

• Wash your face daily using gentle soap and warm water. Pat your skin dry gently afterward.
• Avoid using adult lotions or oils on infant skin, as it is delicate.
• Adults can consider over-the-counter exfoliating treatments to help manage milia.
• Always use sunscreen when going outdoors to protect your skin.