Milia, also termed as oil seeds or milk spots, look like small white globules on the surface of the skin. Medical science explains it as a congestion of our eccrine sweat glands. In general, Milia is nothing more than a cosmetic irritation that doesn't harm the skin. Milia usually grow around your eyes and nose, and the small, bump-like structures are just cysts filled with keratin. Babies with Milia are usually born with the condition.

When seen in older children or adults, it is usually triggered by skin damage such as steroid cream abuse, burning, blistering, or long-term sun damage. Milia are usually linked with children, but adults can also be affected. In children, the condition will disappear on its own within a week, but it can sometimes take as long as four weeks. If you are an adult being bothered with Milia, you should consult a physician. However, if you are merely looking for an answer to the question, "How to get rid of Milia?”, just continue reading …

Treating Milia in Babies

Milia are harmless and do not cause pain in babies. Your newborn baby's skin will be clear within a few weeks. But if you are worried about, you can make speed up the healing process.

1. Home Remedies for Treating Milia in Babies:

• Milk: Milk is a very good skin purifier and oil balance regulator. You can pour some milk into a bowl, soak cotton in it, and apply the moist cotton pad to the affected areas. Wash the area with cold water after 10-15 minutes.

• Cloves: Cloves dissolve keratin protein. Mix 3-4 cloves with water and make a paste. Apply it on the affected areas and wash with cold water after it is completely dry. Keep it away from infants.

• Aloe Vera: Apply Aloe Vera gel directly on the baby's face and wash it off after drying. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties help clear out milia.

• Yogurt: Mix yogurt, lemon juice, oatmeal, and olive oil to prepare a paste. Apply it to the affected skin, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, and wash it off. The paste will hydrate the skin while adding extra moisture.

• Honey: Honey moisturizes the skin and keeps it healthy. Mix honey with Jojoba Oil and leave it on the affected areas for 20 minutes before washing off.

2. When to See a Doctor to Get Rid of Milia in Babies

If the situation worsens and milia continue to remain for 2-3 months, or if there is any change in your baby's complexion, you should consult with a pediatrician.

Solutions for Adult Milia

Although Milia are not harmful, they are easily visible white spots on your face. You might want to treat and remove them. Actually, Milia is easy to treat, and there are home remedies as well as medical treatments to get rid of them.

1. Home Remedies to Remove Milia:

Follow these steps to cure Milia at home.

• Clean Your Face Regularly: Cleansing your face regularly is the first step in treating milia at home. Adults are advised to clean their faces at least two times a day. Make sure you allow the pores to relax while cleaning your face. You should immediately dry your face using a soft and clean towel. Adults can consider using a medical facial cleanser. As an alternative, you can also use a moisturizing soap that is free of excess chemicals, dyes, and fragrances.

• Open Your Pores with Steam: Steaming is another answer to getting rid of Milia. The best way is to stand inside your bathroom while hot water is running in the shower. This helps circulate the steam in the entire bathroom. You need to remain within the steam-filled bathroom for at least 5-8 minutes. This will clear away any irritants stuck inside your pores. Once you turn off the shower, wash your face with warm water and pat dry.

• Retinol: Retinol is another option for getting rid of at home. Retinol is rich in exfoliating ingredients that also fight against aging. You need to apply a dot-sized amount of retinol on the affected area for the night, every other evening. You need to clean your face before applying retinol, and take care not to get it in your eyes! Don't forget to use a moisturizer to get rid of any dryness and irritation.

• Keep Your Skin Exfoliated: Irritants causing Milia can be kept at bay by exfoliating your skin regularly. Some exfoliating cleansers stop keratin overproduction. However, too much exfoliation can cause severe skin damage.

• Stay Away from the Sun: Sun damage can pose a serious increase of Milia, so you should cut down on sun exposure to treat Milia faster. It's best to use a hat to shade your face whenever spending time outdoors. Another way avoid sun damage is to apply oil-free sunscreen before going outside.

2. Visit a Doctor for Medical Treatment:

If Milia are causing concerns or won't clear up after a long time of trying home remedies, there are several clinical treatments available, including the following:

• De-roofing: This is a treatment where the doctor removes Milia using a sterile blade or needle. Do not try to do this at home. If the needle or blade is not sterilized properly, it can cause infection. Curettage: In this treatment, the doctor numbs the affected area, removes Milia, and seals the skin afterward with a hot wire.

• Cryotherapy: In this therapy, the doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the Milia. This technique causes swelling or blisters on the skin which clear up after a few days. Minocycline: Minocycline is an oral antibiotic which helps clear up certain types of Milia. Please note that it does not cure all Milia types, so do not take this medication without consulting your doctor.

Final Thoughts

Prevention of Milia isn't too difficult if you have a clear idea about the dos and don'ts. The easiest way to keep Milia at bay is to abstain from using oil-based creams. You should also try to stop rubbing your hands on your face because your hand carries numerous bacteria. To learn more about this condition, please watch the following video: