Introduction
Milia, colloquially known as Milialar in Turkey, are small, pearl-like cysts that commonly manifest on the skin, particularly around the eyes and eyelids. Despite their benign nature, these tiny bumps can be a source of distress due to their distinctive appearance. This comprehensive guide aims to unravel the intricacies of Milialar, exploring its types, development process, signs and symptoms, preventive measures, and various treatment options.
Understanding Milia
Milia are identified by small, dome-shaped bumps that typically measure 1-2 millimeters, resembling pinheads. Their distinct whitish-yellow, pearly appearance gives them a unique texture on the skin, often likened to tiny pearls embedded beneath the surface. While these bumps are commonly linked to newborns, Milialar can also develop in adults, often as a consequence of skin damage.
Types of Milia
Milialar can be classified into two primary types: Primary Milia and Secondary Milia.
Primary Milia:
- Develops directly due to keratin entrapment within the skin.
- More commonly observed in neonates due to immature sweat ducts.
- Small, white to yellow cysts that are usually asymptomatic, often found on the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, and cheeks.
- Typically self-resolves in infants within weeks to months.
Secondary Milia:
- Arises as a result of trauma or injury to the skin.
- Occurs in adults following specific skin conditions or procedures.
- Exhibits a similar appearance to primary Milia and is often seen in areas where an injury or procedure occurred.
- Duration varies and can persist for an extended period depending on the cause.
- Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, with options such as manual extraction, laser therapy, or medications.
What Causes Milia or Milialar Development?
Milia formation is intricately linked to the entrapment of dead skin cells beneath the skin’s surface, resulting in the creation of small cysts. While they typically manifest on the face, especially around the eyes and cheeks, Milialar can also appear elsewhere on the body. Various contributing factors include:
Genetics:
- Some individuals have a hereditary predisposition for developing Milia, often running in families.
Sun Exposure:
- Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage facial skin over time, increasing the risk of Milia.
Skin Trauma:
- Injuries such as cuts, burns, abrasions, and blisters may lead to Milia during the healing process.
Medical Conditions:
- Disorders causing dry skin and inflammation, such as eczema, can elevate the risk.
Medications:
- Certain medications, like steroids, may promote Milia as a side effect.
Heavy Creams and Makeup:
- The use of thick, greasy products can clog pores and contribute to cyst formation.
Milia are most commonly observed in newborns, with up to 50 percent of infants experiencing transient Milia that typically resolves within a few weeks. Maternal hormones are believed to play a role in this occurrence. However, persistent Milialar affects approximately 2.5% of the general adult population, with women more frequently affected than men. The prevalence of Milia tends to increase with age, attributed to age-related changes in skin cell kinetics and decreased skin elasticity.
The Development Process:
The formation of Milialar follows a specific sequence:
Skin Renewal:
As part of its natural renewal process, the skin sheds dead cells.
Trapped Keratin:
Sometimes, these cells fail to shed properly, leading to the formation of trapped keratin.
Formation of Cysts:
The accumulation of keratin results in the formation of tiny cysts beneath the skin, giving rise to Milia.
Expert insights highlight several subtypes of Milialar, with primary Milia spontaneously arising due to keratin entrapment being most common around the eyelids. Secondary Milialar can result from trauma, burns, blistering, or ophthalmic conditions.
Conclusion
Milia, or Milialar, are small pearl-like cysts often found around the eyes and eyelids. Despite being benign, their distinct appearance can be distressing. This guide covers Milialar intricacies, including types, development, signs, preventive measures, and treatments. Recognized by small, dome-shaped bumps, Milia are 1-2mm in size and can develop in adults due to skin damage. Primary Milia forms from keratin entrapment, while Secondary Milia results from trauma. Dead skin cell entrapment under the skin’s surface causes Milia, influenced by genetics, sun exposure, trauma, medical conditions, medications, and heavy creams. Common in newborns, persistent Milialar affects 2.5% of adults, more in women, increasing with age. Expert insights highlight subtypes, with primary Milia near the eyelids and secondary Milia from trauma or eye conditions.
