Can Milia Go Away On Its Own?

Milia is a term used to describe small, tiny little bumps that appear on the skin of nose, cheeks and chin. It is seen most commonly in newborns and infants. However, it can be seen in people of any age and sex. It is also known as milium cyst.^[1]

Milia usually goes away on its own. It generally does not require any treatment. Particularly, in newborns and infants, there is no need for any treatment. Milia usually disappears in a few weeks or months on its own. However, in older children and grown-ups, if milia causes any discomfort, a few treatment methods can be used to eliminate the cysts.^[2] These methods may include the following-

Chemical peel–

In this method, the first layer of the skin is peeled off and new skin is exposed

Laser ablation–

In this method, the affected areas are targeted by small laser beams and the cysts are removed

Destruction curettage–

In this method, the cysts are cauterized after they are surgically scraped

Deroofing–

In this method, the contents of the cysts are picked with the help of a sterile needle

Diathermy–

In this method, the cysts are destroyed with the help of extreme heat

Cryotherapy–

• In this method, the cysts are frozen with the help of liquid nitrogen
• So far, this is the commonest method used for the treatment of milia

Topical retinoids–

• These are creams that are rich in vitamin A
• These creams help in exfoliating your skin
• Vitamin A is generally essential for a healthy skin^[3]

However, take care to wear a proper sunscreen when using topical retinoids, as these creams make your skin more susceptible to UV damage

Some other natural or alternative treatments can be used in order to get rid of milia safely. While, new-born milia is best left alone, and milia in older children and adults usually does not need to be treated, if one wishes to get a cosmetic relief for milia, these methods can prove to be beneficial without causing any harmful effects on the body. These remedies include using the following natural substances-

Honey–

• Honey is a natural humectant and also an antibacterial
• These qualities make it a superb remedy to get rid of milia

Castor oil–

• Castor oil has anti-bacterial properties
• It can also be used as a deep cleanser
• It absorbs oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells gently

Aloe vera gel–

• Aloe vera is a wondrous medicinal plant with superb healing properties
• The gel can be directly scraped from the leaves of the plant and can be used straight on the skin

Apple cider vinegar and fuller’s earth–

• Apple cider vinegar is a wondrous cleanser and an effective astringent
• Fuller’s earth absorbs excess oil and removes dead skin cells effectively

Tea-tree oil –

• Tea-tree oil is an effective anti-bacterial, antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory oil
• It helps in clearing the milia lesions easily and much faster and starts a speedy healing process
• However, always make it a point to mix it with some carrier oil
• Essential oils should always be used with a carrier oil as they can cause an irritation on the skin when used raw
• Also, always do a patch test before using in the remedy to check for any allergies that you may have for an oil

Vitamin A supplements–

• Vitamin A helps in skin rejuvenation, as it removed dead skin cells
• Vitamin A can be taken orally in the form of a supplement or it can be applied topically as well, as it is available in the form of creams and lotions
• Milia does not need any treatment. Especially neonatal milia goes away on its own. There is no need for intervention. However, some of the methods listed above can be used to get rid of milia, if one wishes to.^[4]

References:

Also Read:

• What is Milia & 6 Home Remedies to Get Rid of it