Milia Under Eye Treatment, Causes and Effective Remedies in India

A milium cyst is a dome-shaped, small white/ yellow bump on skin that occurs on the face, typically on the nose, cheeks, and under the eyes. Multiple milium cysts are called milia in India. There are two categories of milia in India:
1. Primary milia: These are formed due to trapped keratin beneath the skin. Keratin provides strength to the hair, nail cells, and skin tissues. Generally, these small white bumps on skin are found on the face of the individual.
2. Secondary milia: While they may look similar to primary milia, they are formed due to clogged ducts caused by a burn, or an injury.

While milia under eye commonly appear in newborns, it can occur in people of all ages. It is also commonly misconceived to be a type of acne/ pimples.

Symptoms of milia under eye:
As mentioned earlier, the main symptom of milia is the appearance of tiny bumps/ white spots under eyes. It is also a common occurrence for milia on cheeks, nose, lips, and chin. While they are not painful, white bumps on face can cause some level of discomfort. Friction can also cause irritation/ redness to milia under eyes. Milia on the skin can also be found on other parts of the body, such as the torso, limbs, or even genitalia. If these symptoms seem familiar to you, consult a dermatologist to get treated for milia around eyes in India.

It is important to note that similar bumps can occur on a newborn baby’s gums and roof of the mouth. These are referred to as ‘Epstein Pearls’. In some cases, babies can develop acne that’s characterized by tiny pustules on the face. It can occur with, or without milia on the skin.

Milia on face causes can depend on the age of an individual. For instance, the causes of milia in newborns are different from milia causes in older children and adults.

Milia Causes in Newborns
Milia under eye is a very common condition in infants. However, the reason for it is unknown. Milia does not cause inflammation or swelling on the infant’s face. Generally, infants diagnosed with milia on the skin are born with it. It is also commonly mistaken for ‘baby acne’. Some medical experts believe it could be caused by infant or maternal hormones.

To put it simply, maternal hormones are the hormones from the expecting mothers that passes on to the baby’s blood through the placenta. If you are wondering what hormones are majorly significant during pregnancy, the answer is estrogen and progesterone. We have an in-depth guide on 70 early signs of pregnancy that can answer your symptoms-related queries.

Milia on Face Causes in Older Children & Adults

Milia around eyes in older children and adults is mostly caused by some form of skin damage. They include:

• Skin burns
• Blisters caused by other skin conditions
• Long-term exposure to the Sun
• Long-term usage of steroid creams
• Skin resurfacing treatments

In some cases, adult milia can appear in Indians if the skin loses its ability to naturally exfoliate. Most often, this occurs due to aging. While it may not be a significant cause for concern, consulting a skin doctor about any bumps around eyes is important.

Since milia white bumps on face have a distinctive appearance, the dermatologist will simply perform a physical examination to diagnose it. In very rare cases, skin lesion biopsies are performed for a diagnosis in India. Based on the severity of the white bumps on face, the dermatologist will suggest treatment options accordingly.

Milia Under Eye Treatment Options in India
If you are searching for a suitable Indian milia remedy, a deratologist can guide you through the treatment plans available in India. For infant milia/ milk spots on baby face, treatment is not required as they will usually clear up on their own. Generally, adult milia can also clear up in a few months; however, if they cause discomfort, there are milia skin treatment options that can relive it. They include:

• Cryotherapy
  This method removes white spots under eyes by using liquid nitrogen to freeze it. It is one of the most commonly used milia skin treatment options in India.
• Chemical Peels
  This is an in-office procedure where a chemical agent is applied to the skin to peel off the skin’s top layer. The underlying skin will feel more smooth and even.
• Deroofing
  The deroofing technique consists of a sterile needle inserted into the milia to remove the contents of the cyst.
• Diathermy
  This involves producing extreme heat by high-frequency electric currents to destroy milia white bumps on face.
• Laser ablation
  As the name suggests, laser ablation treatment involves a laser to remove the milia in the affected region.
• Extraction
  By using a small blade/ scalpel, the dermatologist will be able to extract the milia under eye effectively.

For any Indian milia remedy, it is crucial to note down any unusual reactions in your recovery period. If you notice any scarring or changes in skin texture or colour, book an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

Here are some expert-approved milia remedies to avoid milia white bumps under eyes from recurring.
– Keep your face clean. As mentioned earlier, milia on chin, or on any other part of the face, is often caused by trapped keratin beneath the skin’s surface. Thus, cleaning and exfoliating your face regularly can get rid of dead cells on your skin. This will also help in bringing trapped keratin to the surface.
– Practice steaming your face. Steaming helps open up your pores and bring any buildup to the skin’s surface. For an easy at-home steam treatment, you can simply have a hot shower.
– Avoid picking/ poking milia under eye. While it may sound counterintuitive, leaving milia bumps alone can help them disappear faster. Picking or poking them will disturb the skin; thus, causing redness or irritation.

While it may sound alarming, milia on chin, or anywhere on the face, can be effectively treated. Consulting a dermatologist will help you identify the exact milia on face causes. The doctor will perform an accurate diagnosis and provide a suitable milia under eye treatment option. In addition, it is always recommended to perform a full body checkup at least once a year to understand your health status. MFine aims to provide accessible healthcare services to anyone, anywhere. To book an online doctor consultation, simply install the MFine app, and enter your contact details. Search for ‘top dermatologists near me’ and schedule your appointment instantly. With security being our top priority, your discussions with the doctor will remain strictly confidential.

1. Can you pop Milia?
Milia under eye, or anywhere on the face, are not pimples. Trying to pop or poke them can result in redness and irritation. Instead, cleaning and exfoliating your face regularly can help clear out your pores; thus, helping the keratin buildup to go away. If milia on chin is causing discomfort, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to get it examined.

2. Can Milia be permanent?
Most often, these small white bumps on skin are harmless and can clear up on their own. Milia in newborn babies can take upto a few weeks to disappear. However, in some cases, adult milia can persist for several months. Secondary milia (formed due to clogged ducts caused by a burn, or an injury) are sometimes permanent. Consulting a dermatologist will be helpful in receiving a suitable treatment for persistent milia.

3. Are Milia cholesterol deposits?
Cholesterol deposits on the skin are medically referred to as xanthelasma. While milia and xanthelasma are common around the eyelids, they are not similar. Most often, milia under eye are dome-shaped and xanthelasma has a bumpy, irregular appearance. It is possible to develop xanthelasma if you have high cholesterol levels in your body.

4. How to prevent milia?
Since some people can be more prone to developing milia white bumps under eyes, or anywhere else in their face, not all cases can be prevented. However, a healthy skincare routine is recommended to avoid any disturbance to the skin. This includes using gentle cleansing methods, and moisturizing them regularly.