Milia

There are several types of cysts, but the most common are milium cysts. In many cases, these cysts occur in groups. Milia is a medical term for multiple cysts.

Keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface, causing milia to develop. In skin, hair, and nail cells, keratin is a strong protein.

A person of any ethnicity or age can develop milia. However, new-borns are the most susceptible.

Milia Symptoms

Milia are small, dome-shaped bumps, which are usually white or yellow. As a rule, they aren’t itchy or painful in any way. However, some people may find them uncomfortable.

Milia can become inflamed and red when exposed to rough sheets or clothing. The cysts are commonly found on the cheeks, lips, and around the eyes. There are, however, other parts of the body where they can be found.

The first thing you should know is that you should never try to pop or squeeze a milium.

As opposed to pimples, milia have solid content. They are filled with a mixture of dead skin cells and sebum, as well as pus. It is possible to force fluid out of a pimple by applying pressure to it. (Although you shouldn’t pop pimples either.)

In contrast to a pimple, a milium is a small cyst. Inside the milium, there’s a white lump that’s very hard. Made of keratinized (hardened) dead skin cells that have become trapped just below the surface of your skin.

No matter how hard you try, squeezing milia won’t work.

A grain of sand would be a better description for that bump. Unlike acne blemishes that develop in a pore, milia form under a thin layer of skin, so there is no way for the plug to escape.

Causes

Children and adults who have milia are more likely to have had skin damage. Skin damage can be caused by:

Damage from Sun over a prolonged time
Skin conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa (EB), pemphigoid (CP), and other conditions that cause blistering injuries, such as poison ivy burns
Steroid creams can damage skin also if used long-term
Dermatological procedures such as dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing
Skin that has lost its natural ability to exfoliate can also develop milia. If you're getting older, you might notice this change in your appearance.

Treatment

Cryosonic uses the most advanced non-invasive cryosurgical tool called a Cryopen to remove your milia. There is no pain associated with this medical procedure. Treatment sessions last for about two minutes. The CryoPen uses a jet of cold air directed at the milia in a matter of seconds with millimetre accuracy. On top of the milia, there will be a white frost. That means it’s working because of the freezing temperatures! Most of the time, the frost is gone in a matter of seconds.

More traditional forms of treatment include:

A de-roofing procedure is the most common way to get rid of milia. Dermatologists use a sterile needle to remove the tiny flap of skin that traps the keratin flake inside the pore. The keratin flake is then removed by squeezing or pricking.
Curettage, a form of electrosurgery, is a less standard procedure. Skin is sealed with an electric wire after it has been scraped clean.

Post Treatment

No action is required other than to follow the instructions the clinician will give for after treatment, mainly keep the area clean and dont put on any make up over the area.

Prevention of further Milia

You can help prevent further milia by protecting your skin:

Exfoliating your skin has many benefits, including reducing hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and acne scarring. And because milia are a result of trapped skin cells, exfoliation is a great way to prevent them.
Glycolic and salicylic acid are common ingredients in superficial peeling products that provide a faster chemical exfoliation than scrubbing.
Lightweight Textures Are Better Than Heavy Creams: Milia clustering around the eye could be due to the texture of the skincare products you're using. As a result, your skin may suffer because of clogged pores and a build-up of dead cells under the skin, leading to an army of unsightly bumps.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun: Sun damage and the development of milia go hand in hand, which isn't ideal for anyone who wants flawless skin. No matter what season it is, adding an SPF to your morning skincare routine can't be overstated, especially if you're using peels or exfoliators with acids, which can make your skin ultra-sensitive to the sun's harmful UV rays.

Contact us Today

Cryosonic extends an invitation for you to reach out to us today!

Let’s connect, delve into your aspirations, and assess if you are a suitable candidate for our Cryopen treatment.