Milia are frequently seen in newborns, although various types of milia can affect individuals at any stage of life. Approximately 50% of all healthy babies exhibit milia at birth. Premature infants may also develop milia later during their early months.
How Do Milia Impact My Body?
Milia are benign and result in only temporary changes in appearance for you or your baby. Tiny white bumps, also known as cysts, form on the skin’s surface. Typically, these cysts resolve on their own within a few weeks.
Symptoms and Causes
What Are The Signs Of Milia?
Signs of milia consist of:
White to yellowish bumps (cysts) appearing on the skin.
These bumps may group together in clusters.
Bumps are non-painful and do not cause discomfort.
Depending on the milia’s type, some may lead to itchiness or develop on raised areas of skin.
Where On My Body Will I Notice Symptoms Of Milia?
Milia primarily affect the skin across different areas of your body. They are most frequently found on the face. Common locations for milia include:
On the eyelids or underneath the eyes.
On the cheeks.
On the forehead.
On the nose.
On the arms or legs.
On the genital area, such as the penis.
On the inner mouth.
On the chest.
What Leads To The Development Of Milia?
Milia are the result of trapped dead skin cells that create cysts beneath the skin’s surface. The body naturally eliminates dead skin cells by shedding them, allowing for new cell growth. When these old cells remain attached to the skin, new skin can form above them, trapping these cells underneath. Eventually, the dead skin cells solidify and develop into cysts. Also read Milia Removal in Singapore for more detailed information.
Other factors that may cause milia include:
Skin trauma from injuries or sun exposure.
Extensive use of steroid creams or ointments.
A manifestation of a genetic disorder.
An autoimmune reaction.
Are Milia Infectious?
No, milia are not infectious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another.