Milia is a skin condition characterized by deep seeded, small white bumps. The most common types, primary and secondary milia, are keratin filled cysts that are essentially harmless. It forms when skin cells become trapped rather than exfoliate naturally. The trapped cells become walled off into tiny cysts that appear like white beads below the surface of the skin.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, milia can occur on the skin or even on mucous membranes such as the inner surface of the cheek or the vermillion border of the lips.

Often the result of a problem that has affected the skin’s surface, these are some of the most common reasons:

• Heavy Skin Care & Hair Care Products– These clog pores and prevent the sloughing of dead epidermal skin cells. Be cautious when choosing make-up removers not labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic as they often cause milia around the eyes.  Also pay attention to ingredients in certain lipsticks, lip balms and similar products. They can cause milia around the mouth.
• Cumulative Sun Damage– A thick layer of skin develops as a result of prolonged history of sun exposure. Thus, skin cells have a difficult time finding their way out of the glands.
• Porphyria Cutanea Tard– This blistering skin disease is unusual, but milia are often a symptom.
• Oil producing glands in the skin that have not fully developed; this is common among infants.
• Genetics

Currently, there are no topical or systemic drugs that are proven effective against milia. However, your dermatologist can treat them surgically, without local anesthetic. Furthermore, there are few measures you can take to prevent milia:

• Exfoliation– A gentle exfoliation scrub keeps the epidermis thin and smooth which helps milia prone skin.
• Microdermabrasion/Glycolic Acid Peels– Removes unwanted surface debris and cleanses the pores. Glycolic Acid aids cell turnover as well.
• Limit Sun Exposure– Be mindful of sun exposure and wear a non-clogging sunscreen with SPF.
• Vitamin A– Exfoliates skin and thins the epidermis.

Knoxville Dermatology Group wants you to better understand your skin whether it is afflicted with a condition or not. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to gain more knowledge about your skin so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential!

Would you like to learn more about the treatments and products available to get your skin in better shape? A member of our team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group can help! Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.