Do you have several small, white bumps under your eyes?
You might mistake them for whiteheads or acne clusters. But you are wrong. No matter how much you squeeze them, the pus doesn’t come out. That is because they don’t contain any pus. These bumps are called milia.
What are milia?
Milia are white or yellowish tiny cysts that can appear on different parts of the body. But they are most commonly found on the face, especially under the eyes. Milia are not acne clusters. So it would be best if you stopped popping them. Or else they’ll get inflamed and might result in permanent scarring.
Milia are also known as ‘milk spots.’ They are very common in newborn babies. Almost 5 out of 10 full-term newborn babies have milia on their faces. Adults and teenagers can also develop milia on different parts of their bodies.
Milia are harmless. You don’t have to be concerned if you have them. But most people want to remove them for cosmetic reasons.
How are milia formed?
Keratin is a protein found in skin and hair. Milia are formed when keratin or dead skin cells get trapped under the skin. The bumps or cysts result from the build-up of keratin. But they are not dangerous. However, they can keep you from having smooth, flawless skin.
What are the causes of milia?
The exact reason why people develop milia is unknown. But there can be many factors that contribute to the development of milia. Sun damage is thought to be the main risk factor of milia. When skin gets damaged, milia are developed.
The reason why milia mostly develop under the eyes is that the skin around the eyes is very thin. It is more prone to damage. Hence, milia get developed under the eyes.
Certain medications, injuries, trauma, or even cosmetic procedures can cause milia. Sometimes milia develop on their own.
Milia under the Eyes: Causes and Treatment
Medical Treatment of Milia
Newborn babies won’t need any treatment. The milia will disappear within a few weeks. However, in adults, milia might take several months to clear up completely. If milia persist, you can get them removed.
After the diagnosis, your dermatologist may remove milia via the following procedures:
- Laser ablation: lase is used to destroy unwanted cells or tissues in laser ablation. Your dermatologist will focus the laser on the milia. The heat of the laser will open the cysts. Finally, the keratin build-up will be removed.
- Deroofing: The surgical removal of the ‘roof’ of a cyst is called deroofing. Your dermatologist will use a sterilized needle to remove the milia.
- Cryotherapy: your dermatologist will most probably recommend cryotherapy to remove the milia. In this procedure, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy the milia.
Home remedies to get rid of milia
Try some home remedies before you opt for medical treatment. Home remedies can help you get rid of milia under the eyes. Following home remedies will prove helpful:
- Exfoliation
Exfoliation can help you get rid of milia. Gently exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells.
- Chemical peels
Chemical peels can be an effective treatment of milia. But consult your dermatologist before using chemical peels. If he/she allows it, you can use chemical peels containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
- Use a toner
Toners help to clean out your skin pores and balance the skin’s pH. You can use rosewater as a toner. It has anti-inflammatory properties that will get rid of milia.
- Serum
Serums can nourish and moisturize your skin. Look for a serum that contains either Vitamin A, or Vitamin E. Use it every night. It will help you get rid of milia under the eyes.
Pro tip: Avoid squeezing or poking milia. Or else they’ll become irritated and lead to infection, inflammation, or even permanent scarring. When you avoid touching the milia, they will go away quickly.
