What Are Standard Treatments for Milia?

Milia, also called ‘milk spots’ or ‘oil seeds’, can be frustrating to tackle and may look a bit alarming, but these small pearly white cysts are mostly just a cosmetic annoyance.

First of all, what are Milia?

Milia (Milium) - pimples around eye on skin.Milia (singular ‘milium‘) are small keratin-filled cysts that often appear when a sweat gland is clogged or the skin has suffered some kind of trauma. They are typically found in clusters and usually appear just under the eyes, around the nose, and on the cheeks.

Who gets them?

“We always think of milia in babies, or commonly associated with newborns,” says Dr. Miriam Hanson, dermatologist in Austin, Texas. “The truth is, it’s possible for anyone to develop them at any age.” Ongoing milia is can rarely be associated with genetic disorders such as Gardner syndrome and basal cell nevus syndrome.

Why do you get them?

There are many possible reasons for developing milia. “Blockage of the eccrine sweat ducts in the skin is a common cause,” explains Dr. Kellie Reed, dermatologist and skin care expert at Sanova Dermatology. Development may also occur later in life from trauma such as thermal burns, dermabrasion, and blistering rashes, or it may be present soon after birth (called ‘neonatal milia’).

How do you treat them?

There is usually no treatment required for milia, except for cosmetic reasons. In these instances, milia can be removed by a physician. A professional dermatologist is required as they will have specialized knowledge of the area, and they may use a variety of approaches such as electrodesiccation (cautery), acne surgery, curettage, or cryotherapy. “In children, milia typically clear on their own within a few weeks, although they can persist for months,” Dr. Reed says.

Can you prevent them from appearing?

While there is no sure way to prevent milia from appearing, skin care treatments like exfoliation, retinoids, chemical peels and proper cleansing can reduce clogs in the skin and help reduce the occurrence of milia.

Contact Us

Not all bumps on the skin are benign. If you have a suspicious growth, make sure it is evaluated by a dermatologist.  To learn more about milia, their treatment and the best skin care approaches for you, please contact us today.

×
We Are Proud Members Of:
Specials
Book Online

Latest Specials & Promotions

View All
Locations
×

Book appointment by

Choose your area

  • Baton Rouge

    6411 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 - (225) 303-9500
  • Lafayette

    1245 Camellia Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70508 - (337) 839-2773
  • Bee Cave & Lakeway

    3944 RR 620 S. Bldg. 6, Bee Cave, TX 78738 - (512) 366-8568
  • Old Metairie

    701 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA 70005 - (504) 836-2050
  • Uptown

    3434 Prytania St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70115 - (504) 897-5899
  • Metairie

    111 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70005 - (504) 838-8225
  • SBA Dermatology

    1900 Saint James Place, Houston, TX 77056 - (713) 850-0240
  • North Austin

    12319 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas 78758 - (512) 837-3376
  • Central Austin

    3705 Medical Parkway, Austin, Texas 78705 - (512) 454-3781
  • Dripping Springs

    13830 Sawyer Ranch Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 - (512) 829-0009
  • Pflugerville

    1601 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Pflugerville, Texas 78660 - (512) 252-3700
  • Steiner Ranch

    5145 North FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78732 - (512) 266-0007
  • Helyn Alvarez, MD

  • Daniel Barron, PA-C

  • Suzanne Bruce, MD

  • Daniel A. Carrasco, MD

  • Kristy Charles, MD

  • Ryan Couvillion, MD

  • Megan Couvillion, MD

  • Gretchen Donnes, PA-C

  • Leigh Ellen Eubanks, MD

  • Elizabeth Foley, DO

  • Natalie Gibson, PA-C

  • Miriam L. Hanson, MD

  • Alicia Haslauer, PA-C

  • Agezi Igboko, FNP-C

  • Haneen Issa, PA-C

  • Jennifer Jordan, PA-C

  • Ted Lain, MD, MBA

  • Adam J. Mamelak, MD

  • Sharon Meyer, MD

  • Lesley Ott, FNP-C

  • Melanie Pickett, MD

  • Jeffrey C. Poole, MD

  • Chad Prather, MD

  • Maria “Gabi” Prudhomme, FNP-C

  • Marcela Ramirez, FNP-C

  • Diana Reyes, PA-C

  • Israel Rodriguez, PA-C

  • Katharine Saussy, MD

  • Megan Shelton, MD

  • Candace Thrash, MD

  • Mamina Turegano, MD

  • Jennifer Vickers, MD

  • Micah Williams, PA-C

  • Laura Williams, MD