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What are the five common treatment options for patients with milia?
At Essential Dermatology of Natick, Marlborough, and Needham, Massachusetts, we are open to patients with a wide range of common skin and body concerns. This includes patients who are diagnosed with a condition known as milia. If you are dealing with small bumps and are seeking treatment options, we encourage you to talk to one of our professionals. Let’s look at what milia is and five treatment options to consider.
What is milia?
Our team describes milia as a common skin condition characterized by small, white bumps that appear on the skin, typically on the face. These bumps are often mistaken for whiteheads or acne, but unlike those conditions, milia do not contain pus and are not caused by oil or bacteria. For some, these small bumps can develop under the eyes, cheeks, or even forehead.
Who is at risk of developing milia?
Milia can occur in people of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in newborns and infants. In adults, it tends to be more prevalent in women and those with certain skin types, such as dry or sensitive skin. While milia can often go away on their own without treatment, some situations may require medical attention.
What causes milia to develop?
Milia are caused by the buildup of keratin under the skin’s surface. Keratin is a special protein normally found in skin cells, hair, and nails. When there is an overproduction of keratin or the skin cannot shed dead skin cells properly, it can result in small white bumps known as milia.
What are the treatment options for milia?
Most cases of milia do not require any treatment and will clear up on their own within a few weeks or months. However, medical treatment may be necessary if the milia persists or causes discomfort. This can include:
- Topical retinoids. These can help to speed up the exfoliation process and clear out clogged pores.
- Chemical peels. This treatment uses a blended chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin and help unclog pores.
- Extraction. A dermatologist or esthetician can use a sterile needle or tool to extract the milia manually.
- Cryotherapy. This involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove the milia.
- Microdermabrasion. This treatment utilizes a special machine that exfoliates the skin’s outer layer and clears out pores.
It is important to note that these treatments should only be performed by a trained professional, as attempting to extract or remove milia at home can lead to scarring or infection.
Call Our Office for More Information
Essential Dermatology - Natick
New Patients: (508) 545-9713 | Existing Patients:
(508) 827-2615
Essential Dermatology - Needham
New Patients: (508) 484-8292 | Existing Patients:
(508) 827-2615
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Who can I talk to about milia treatment near me in Massachusetts?
Our team at Essential Dermatology is here to help with milia and other common skin conditions. If you live in Natick, Marlborough, or Needham, Massachusetts, we invite you to schedule an upcoming consultation visit with our team to discuss your options. We are open to new and established patients and look forward to meeting you!
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Meet Dr. Michael Krathen
Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of medical training and experience. He studied biology and Spanish, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also completed medical school. His training included a medical internship at the Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a dermatology residency at the combined Boston University/Tufts Residency Program.
Author of various medical journal articles, Dr. Krathen taught at Stanford University School of Medicine and the VA Hospital in Jamaica Plain.
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