What Is The Best Treatment For Milia?

Milia refers to a condition of the skin in which tiny little bumps occur on the skin of typically the nose, chin and cheeks. These are usually seen in new-born babies and infants. However, they can be seen in persons of any age and sex.^[1]

There is no need to treat milia, as milia usually disappear on its own within a few days or at the most a few weeks. Hence, there cannot be a best treatment as such.^[2]

However, if they are a cause of concern or just causing plain discomfort, there are several ways that may help you to deal with them. Let us have a look at the different ways that may help you to take care of milia-

Never try to remove or poke them on your own–

• Doing this may lead to bleeding, scabbing and scarring
• This may also be a cause of germs entering the area and causing an infection
• It is best to leave them alone, especially in babies under 6 months of age
• If at all they bother you a lot, it is best to see your doctor about the same^[3]

Clean the area regularly–

• Clean your face and the affected area regularly with a gentle, non-irritating soap
• Do not use harsh soaps or cleansers as they can strip off the natural oils in your skin that are necessary to maintain the oil balance and health of your skin
• Pat the skin dry after washing. Letting it air dry will make it dry and chafed

Steam–

• Taking steam after cleansing will help in opening the clogged pores^[4]
• Anything trapped in the pores will find a way to get out due to steaming

Exfoliate–

• Gently exfoliate the skin
• This will help your skin get rid of the trapped irritants that are the cause of milia
• However, don’t overdo it, as it may irritate the skin further^[5]

Apply some rose water–

Spritzing some rose water may give some relief from milia.

Choose a right sunscreen–

Wearing a light sunscreen can protect you from sun’s harmful rays as well as give some protection from the irritation that may lead to milia

Using a retinoid cream–

• Using a topical retinoid cream can help you get rid of milia according to some experts
• Retinoid creams are the ones that have vitamin A
• Vitamin a is extremely essential for your skin health
• These creams can be used once a day, on a clean and dry face^[6]

However, make sure to apply a sunscreen when using retinoid creams, as these creams increase the skin’s susceptibility to UV damage

Apart from these methods, there are a few treatment options that can be sought with the help of your doctor, if your milia is causing you discomfort. These methods are as follows-

• Deroofing- this technique involves picking of the contents of the cysts by a sterile needle^[7]
• Cryotherapy- in this method, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze milia. This is the commonest method used in the treatment of milia
• Chemical peels- the first layer of the skin is peeled off with the use of the chemical peels and the new skin is uncovered
• Topical retinoids- these usually come in the form of creams that contain vitamin a in large amounts. These are used for exfoliation of the skin.
• Laser ablation- in this method, by focusing laser on the affected areas the cysts are removed
• Destruction curettage- the cysts are removed or scraped surgically and then cauterized in this treatment method
• Diathermy- thermy refers to heat. In this method extreme heat is used to destroy the cysts^[8]

Milia cannot be prevented. Also, there is no need to treat milia as it usually goes away on its own within a few weeks or months. However, simply to ease the discomfort, some of the above given methods can be implemented.

References:

Also Read:

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