Home Treatment for Milia

Milia are small white bumps trapped beneath the surface of the skin. This condition occurs when dead skin cells cannot properly exfoliate. Milia is very common, especially in children, and usually clears up on its own after several weeks.

What are Milia?

Milia are tiny white bumps that appear on the skin. Milia can appear at any age, but is most often seen on newborns. While the bumps can appear on areas such as the upper trunk and limbs, they are most often found on the baby's nose, ears and cheeks. In addition, similar bumps, known as Epstein pearls, can also appear on the gums and roof of the mouth. Milia are a common condition that more than half of all newborns acquire. There is not much you can do to prevent it, and in most cases, it heals itself.

Causes

Milia emerge when small dead skin gets trapped in small pockets close to the surface of the skin. This results in white, pearly bumps on the skin. Irritation to the skin can cause reddening around the bump. Milia most often appear on the face but can also occur on spots of the body that are inflamed or injured.

Risk Factors

While milia appear naturally, especially in children, certain factors may put you more at risk as an adult. Using excessive amounts of skin care products, such as lotions and creams, may prevent the shedding of dead skin cells. Sun damage to the skin can also contribute to milia. Sun damage may make it harder for skin cells to find their way out of the pockets close to the skin surface.

Treatment for Babies

Generally, there is no treatment for milia, as they usually clear up on their own in several weeks. However, certain home remedies and lifestyle modifications can help your baby's skin look its best. Make sure the skin is washed daily with warm water and then gently dried. You should also avoid other types of treatment that may irritate the skin or make the situation worse. Don't pinch or scrub the milia, and avoid using lotions, oils or medicated creams on the skin.

Treatment for Adults

While milia are usually seen on newborns, adults can suffer, as well. Similar to babies, milia on adults typically disappear within a few weeks. However, there are certain treatments and prevention options adults may choose to undergo. You may choose to have a doctor remove milia to improve your appearance. In addition, you can use home microdermabrasion kits, gentle exfoliating scrubs and facial peels and pads to help clean the skin and smooth out skin problems.