Milium Cysts in Adults and Babies (Milia)

Milia are small, white bumps that appear on the nose and cheeks. These cysts, often found in groups, develop when the protein keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface. Keratin is a strong protein present in skin tissues, hair, and nail cells.

Milia can occur in people of all ages and ethnicities, but they are most commonly found in newborns. The symptoms of milia include small dome-shaped bumps that are usually white or yellow. They are generally not itchy or painful, although they may cause discomfort for some individuals. Rough sheets or clothing can irritate milia, causing them to appear red and irritated.

Milia are typically found on the face, lips, eyelids, and cheeks, but they can also occur on other parts of the body such as the torso or genitalia. They are often mistaken for a condition called Epstein pearls, which are harmless white-yellow cysts that appear on a newborn's gums and mouth. Milia are also sometimes referred to inaccurately as "baby acne."

The causes of milia differ between newborns and older children/adults. In newborns, the exact cause is unknown, although it is often mistaken for baby acne, which is triggered by maternal hormones. Unlike baby acne, milia do not cause inflammation or swelling and are usually present at birth, while baby acne typically appears two to four weeks after birth.

In older children and adults, milia are typically associated with skin damage caused by various factors such as blistering skin conditions (e.g., epidermolysis bullosa, cicatricial pemphigoid, or porphyria cutanea tarda), blistering injuries (e.g., poison ivy), burns, long-term sun damage, long-term use of steroid creams, or skin resurfacing procedures (e.g., dermabrasion or laser resurfacing). Milia can also develop due to the skin's reduced ability to exfoliate, which can happen as a result of aging.

There are different types of milia categorized based on age or underlying causes, including primary and secondary milia. Primary milia are formed directly from trapped keratin and are commonly found on the faces of infants or adults. Secondary milia are similar in appearance but develop after something obstructs the ducts leading to the skin's surface, such as after an injury, burn, or blistering.

Specific types of milia include neonatal milia, which occur in newborns and typically disappear within a few weeks, and primary milia in older children and adults, which can last for several weeks or months. Juvenile milia can result from rare genetic disorders affecting the skin. Milia is associated with genetic or autoimmune skin disorders and can affect various areas of the body, primarily in middle-aged females. Multiple eruptive milia appear as itchy areas that gradually appear over weeks or months on the face, upper arms, and torso. Traumatic milia develop at sites of skin injury, such as severe burns or rashes. Milia associated with drugs or products can be caused by the use of certain skincare or makeup products containing mineral oils or lanolin.

To diagnose milia, a doctor will examine the skin and assess the appearance of the cysts. In rare cases, a skin lesion biopsy may be necessary.

Follow me on social media if you want to stay updated and find out more amazing information. You'll have unique access to my most recent ideas and thoughts, as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses into my professional and private lives. Follow me right now to join the conversation, and don't miss out on any of the excitement!

Charise, Simplicity.