Prevention Of Milia

Milia is a condition that affects typically the skin of nose, cheeks and chin. At times it can also affect the skin of forehead, scalp, torso, arms, legs and even genitals. It is most commonly seen in newborns and infants. However, it is seen in people of all ages and sex.^[1] When dead skin cells and debris gets trapped in the pores, it leads to a whitish, yellow dome shaped hard bump on the skin. This bump is known as a milium cyst. These cysts usually occur in groups and together they are called milia.^[2]

Prevention Of Milia

Well, milia cannot be prevented. Also, there is no need for you to treat milia, as it usually goes away on its own without any treatment. Also, there are no known methods that if and when implemented, will surely keep you away from milia for ever.^[3] However, there are certain methods that you can implement, that will help you keep the general health of your skin and protect you from many other skin disorders. And if you have milia, it may give you some relief. Let us have a look at these methods.

If you have milia, then-

Avoid creams–

You should avoid the use of any creams and lotions that are too thick in consistency
Use of thick creams and lotions can clog your pores and debris can get accumulated in the pores, which then turns into milia.^[4]
It is better to avoid such creams.

Exfoliate your skin–

It is a good idea to exfoliate your skin at least twice a week.^[5]
However, make sure you use a gentle exfoliator and not something that damages your skin further.
Also, take care to not overdo it.

Do not scrub–

Never use harsh methods to scrub your face
This can lead to the stripping of the natural oils that protect your skin
This can also make your skin more susceptible to irritation and infections
It is recommended to clean the affected area regularly. Cleaning daily once is advised

Use steam–

Make use of steam to open the clogged pores
This will make any trapped-up debris come out of the clogged pores and give you relief from milia
It will also help in preventing milia, as it won’t allow the dead cells and debris to get trapped in the pores^[6]

Do not scratch–

Do not scratch your face or the affected area
You should not pick or try to remove milia on your own or with your fingers^[7]
This can lead to serious infection being introduced in the skin and it will make your milia worse
This can also lead to scarring or scabbing
Avoid going out in sun for a long time
If you need to, then make sure to use a proper sunscreen to avoid any skin damage due to harmful UV rays of the sun

Do not touch your face–

Try not to touch your face too often with your hands
Your hands carry a lot of germs and by frequent contact there is a chance that you might transfer some of the germs to your face as well
It will lead on to newer infections, and it will make your milia worse as well

Avoid certain foods–

You should avoid eating oily, greasy, spicy and hot foods
Sugary, fried and caffeinated foods are a strict no-no^[8]
It is best to avoid any packaged or processed foods as well
Avoid too much salt as well

Eat healthy–

Eat a healthy and a balanced diet
A diet that is wholesome and nutritious can keep your body healthy and skin glowing
A well- balanced diet is extremely important for your skin health as well

Milia is a benign condition of the skin, that typically affects nose, cheeks and chin.^[9] Milia cannot be prevented. Also, there is no need to treat milia as it usually vanishes on its own without any interference. However, certain measures can be taken to maintain a clean and healthy skin so that one can attempt to prevent milia.

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Prevention Of Milia