Milia is a skin condition that makes small white bumps, called cysts, appear under the surface of your skin. Around 40% to 50% of babies born in the U.S. have milia. Adults can also get milia. It’s not necessary to treat milia because they are not harmful and usually go away on their own. The condition typically lasts only a few weeks.
What Are Milia?
Milia, also called milk spots, are small, white cysts on the skin.
These cysts are small pockets of fluid under the skin. The most common place to find milia is on the face. They don’t hurt and only change how your skin looks.
It’s easy to mistake the white bumps on your face for whiteheads, which are a type of acne.
But milia are not a type of acne.
What’s The Difference Between Milia And Milium?
“The word milia” is the plural for small cysts called milk spots.
One cyst is called a “milium.” A milium is also known as a single milk spot or an oil seed.
What Are The Different Types Of Milia?
There are several types of milia, including:
Neonatal Milia: This type affects babies and causes white bumps on their skin, usually around the nose.
It is present at birth. Why don’t you checkout Milia Removal in Singapore for more detailed information.
Primary Milia: These are small cysts that commonly appear on the eyelids, forehead, cheeks, or genital area.
They affect both children and adults.
Secondary Milia (Traumatic Milia): These cysts happen after skin damage, such as from burns, rashes, blisters, or sun exposure.
They can also form if you use a heavy skin cream or ointment.
Juvenile Milia: These cysts are a sign of an inherited condition.
They can appear at birth or later in life.
Milia En Plaque: This is a rare type that often affects women between the ages of 40 and 60.
The milia clump together in a raised patch on the skin, usually behind the ears, on the eyelid, cheeks, or jaw.
Multiple eruptive milia: This rare condition causes groups of cysts to appear over weeks or months on the face, upper arms, and upper stomach.
These cysts can be itchy.
How Common Are Milia And Who Do They Affect?
Milia are most common in babies, but different types can affect people of all ages.
About half of all healthy babies are born with milia. Some babies, especially those born early, may get milia later during infancy.