Physical Therapy Doctor - March 2020

WHA T ’ S U P W I T H M I L I A ?

DIGGING INTO THIS COMMON SKIN ISSUE

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THEM?

No, milia isn’t the newest celebrity guest on “Dancing With the Stars.” Sometimes called milk spots, milia are the tiny white bumps

First, avoid the temptation to squeeze or pop the little bumps. This will only damage your skin further and won’t remove the milia. Milia will often go away on their own, but a few things can help speed up that process or even prevent them. Because milia are caused by trapped dead skin cells, gentle exfoliation can treat them and prevent them from cropping up in the first place. Make sure you take off makeup before bed and cleanse your skin properly to help reduce buildup on your face. Also, opt for lightweight moisturizers rather than heavy creams, especially around the eyes. You can also turn to a skincare professional to safely remove the bumps.

most of us have probably noticed on our skin at some point. While they may look similar to whiteheads, they aren’t the same, so before you take to squeezing and popping, here’s what you need to know. WHAT ARE THEY? Milia are cysts made up of entrapped keratin, a type of protein that makes up skin, hair, and nails. When dead skin cells get trapped beneath the skin, they appear as small white or yellowish bumps. They often show up around the eyes, nose, and cheeks but can appear on other areas of the body as well.

WHAT CAUSES THEM? While many different things can contribute to the formation of

As dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto points out, milia are often the result of sun damage, so another tip to prevent them is to avoid overexposure to the sun. Wear protective layers and hats, and make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, even in winter.

milia, one of the main sources is skin damage. Sun damage, in particular, is a big contributor to milia formation. Heavy creams or harsh products used around the eye area may cause milia on the eyelids specifically.

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