Milia also known as milk spots generally appears in early childhood and disappears itself. Some infants are born with it. Milia is usually found on cheeks, nose, chin, forehead and area near eyes. It usually causes no pain or any discomfort
When dead skin is not managed well, it can clog the pores and cause milia in grown up children and adults. It is cyst (milium cyst) with keratin caused by dead cell buildup that clog the pores.
Adults may not like milia on their face as it affects their looks and self image. Everyone wants flawless and spot free skin. Simple home remedies and lifestyle changes can help.
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What is Milia
Milia is a skin condition that generally affects infants within a month of their birth. Statistically ever 2nd newborn gets it. It resolves itself in most cases.
White bumps also called milk spots normally are developed on the nose, cheeks and chin. These bumps appear in clusters. In some cases milia also affects skin on other parts of the body.
When adults get milia they really want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Everyone loves flawless skin.
Causes of Milia
Causes of Milia in infants are still not known.
Milia is developed in a similar manner as acne would. The tiny skin flakes sometimes get trapped in small pockets on the surface of the facial skin. It is therefore sometimes mistaken as baby acne.
Milia bumps generally disappear within weeks or months. If these white bumps last longer than 3 months on your infant then you must consult a doctor.
Doctors can easily tell whether it is milia or some other skin condition. There is no other specific diagnosis done.
This kind of primary Milia that occurs in infants is known as neonatal Milia.
In older children and adults Milia or milium cyst occurs due to skin damage caused by overexposure to the sun, minor burns, use of steroid creams and aging.
It can also occur with exposure to paraffinic petroleum products or linoleum also.
Some rare genetic disorders can also cause milia which is called juvenile milia.
Milia Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of milia are simple
- White bumps on cheeks, nose and chin in clusters
- Occasionally on the upper trunk and limbs
- Generally no pain
- No other discomfort
Treatment
Doctors generally do not recommend treatment for your infants milia. In most cases it goes away itself within a couple of months or less time.
You need to just make some lifestyle adjustment to deal with it until it disappears.
You can use home remedies for milia in adults.
5 Amazing Home Remedies for Milia
You can get rid of your milia by using the following natural methods. Since the milia bumps are very stubborn and they may take weeks or even months to disappear, you will have to have the patience and persistence to follow the remedies.
1. Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal scrub is an excellent way to exfoliate your facial skin. You need to be gentle on your skin as well as patient. You can make a very good scrub with oatmeal, honey and sugar granules.
- Take equal quantities of sugar and honey
- Add three times more oatmeal.( Ratio: 1 Honey: 1 Sugar:3 Oatmeal)
- Gently scrub your face for a few minutes
- Rinse your face
You can do the facial scrub 2-3 times a week with the above mixture until your milia is removed.
2. Honey
Applying raw honey on your face will help you to get rid of milia. Honey retains moisture on your skin and doesn't allow the dead skin to stay.
- Apply honey on your face
- Leave it there of 15 minutes
- Rinse your face
You can apply honey daily to get faster results in the removal of milia.
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil has antibacterial capabilities. You can use castor oil and baking soda to remove dead skin.
- Make a thick paste of baking soda in castor oil
- Apply it on the face by gently massaging the face in circular motion
- Leave it there for 30 minutes
- Rinse it off
You may not like the smell of castor oil, but it is a good remedy for milia.
4. Steam
Steam is a very powerful remedy to make your facial skin remove impurities. You can take steam in many different ways, but for milia best way to take steam is to keep a damp warm towel on your face for a few minutes.
- Damp a towel in hot steamed water
- Squeeze out the water and keep the towel on your face. keep your eyes closed
- Keep it for a few minutes and repeat the process
- Steam you face in such manner for 15 minutes
- Wash your face clean
5. Lemon
Lemon is another good remedy to heal milia. The citric acid of lemon helps to help clean the pores. You can cut lemon into slices and rub it on the milia affected area. If you want you can sprinkle baking soda or salt on the slices and rub it on the skin. Remember lemon can give you a sting so do not use it if you have any cuts on the affected skin.
Other Tips and Precautions
Maintain the following discipline and wait for Milia to disappear.
- Always keep your babies face clean
- Don't pinch or pick on the white bumps
- Avoid any chemical based lotion or cream on baby
- Don't scrub the face just pay it dry when you clean it
Bottomline is that milila will go away itself. Just have patience for a few months.