Little bumps on the surface of the face and cheeks are common. They may look like allergic reactions or little bites, but are often attributable to milia.
Dr Benjamin Yim is an aesthetic doctor in Singapore who focuses on various aspects of the skin. He shared his knowledge about milia with a reader who asked why she had tiny bumps on her cheeks on Human.
These tiny bumps are known medically as milia
Tiny white 'pin-head' papules or bumps on both cheeks could be diagnosed as milia. Their appearance is often long-lasting. [1]
They can also occur under the eyelid
Aside from the cheeks, you can also find milia on the upper eyelid as well as around the nose or chin areas. [1]
What are the causes of milia?
Milia seeds appear under the microscope as tiny superficial cysts filled with a protein called keratin. Keratin is the same protein found in our hair and our nails.
Milia seeds can be caused by sun damage, aging of the skin, or minor injury to the skin. Milia even occurs in newborns. [1]
Fortunately, milia are benign
Since milia are benign, and not severe or life-threatening, the condition can be managed conservatively or treated with a course of oral isotretinoin. [2]
Oral isotretinoin enhances the exfoliation process
Sometimes, oral isotretinoin at a very low dose can be given to a patient if the occurence of the condition is extensive. This will help increase the turnover of the dead skin on the surface and remove the milia seeds. [3]
Milia can be removed by lancing
Milia is removed by using a sterile needle to lance out the keratin 'pearl'. Sometimes a little opening on the skin is made using an energy device before the needle is used to lance out the milia seed. [4]
Ultimately, there is no need to worry about this condition. As Dr Yim notes, it is generally benign and can be treated conservatively. Be sure to consult your doctor before moving forward with medical solutions or any medication for milia and related skin conditions.
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