If You Have These Tiny, White Bumps on Your Face, Don’t Try to Remove Them!

Juvenile Milia
Allergic pimples in a newborn on the face. Pathogenesis, acne of newborns, close-up
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Rare genetic disorders, such as Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), Pachyonychia congenita, Gardner’s syndrome, or Bazex-Dupré-Christol syndrome can lead to juvenile milia[2].

Milia en Plaque
Syringoma milia milium cysts or seborrheic keratosis on asia people female face body care. Close-up young adult asian woman under eye small acne liver spot skin issue smile with pride look at camera.
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This type of milia is often associated with genetic or autoimmune skin disorders, such as discoid lupus or lichen planus, and it affects the eyelids, ears, cheek, or jaw. It is commonly seen in middle-aged females, but it can be seen at any age in either gender[1].

This type of milia is seen in older children and adults. Cysts can be found around the eyelids, forehead, or on the genitalia. It may disappear after a few weeks, or last for several months[1].

Traumatic Milia
Milia (Milium) – pimples around eye on skin. Eyes of young man with small papillomas on eyelids or growths on skin. Face closeup.
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Milia can sometimes occur on the skin where another injury (such as a rash or a sunburn) have occurred. The cysts may become irritated, making them red along the edges and white in the center[1].

Due to the fact that milia are quite visible, a dermatologist will visually determine if you have milia based on the appearance of cysts. Skin lesion biopsies are only needed in rare cases[2]. If you see similar little white bumps on your skin you may want to check with a doctor to deduce if you indeed have milia, and to decide on a treatment plan (if you desire one).

Milia Removal and Treatment
Milium on the face, removal of milia with a syringe in cosmetology. new
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Due to the fact that infant milia generally disappear on their own within a few weeks, there is no milia removal or treatment process.

Milia in older children and adults disappears on its own as well, but some people may choose to treat it if there is some discomfort. Common practices include:

Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen freezes the milia. It’s the most frequently used removal method.
Deroofing – A sterile needle picks out the contents of the cyst. This method is common for treating milia.
Topical retinoids – These vitamin A-containing creams help exfoliate your skin.
Chemical peels – Chemical peels cause the first layer of skin to peel off, unearthing new skin.
Laser ablation – A small laser focuses on the affected areas to remove the cysts.
Diathermy – Extreme heat destroys the cysts.
Destruction of curettage – The cysts are surgically scraped and cauterized.[2]
Milia has even been treated using a paper clip, but it is recommended that the procedure be completed by a doctor and not attempted at home[5]
The following video shows a dermatologist removing multiple milia using the deroofing method.

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