Milia are small whitish-yellow cysts containing keratin. Milia are benign tiny bumps found just under the skin, almost like a deep whitehead. Unlike a whitehead, milia are very difficult to remove by yourself and attempts at self-removal can often lead to permanent scars.
Milia can be found in all age groups, and both sexes. Milia occur predominantly on the face, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes.
In most cases, milia are diagnosed by a skin doctor based on their clinical (visual) features. Rarely a biopsy is needed for confirmation. Milia are treated because they are a cosmetic nuisance for some patients. Occasionally, they may clear up on their own after many months.
If there are many tiny milia, it is worth trying a topical retinoid (vitamin A) cream or considering chemical peels or microdermabrasion. For larger milia or when just a few are present, electrocautery or physical extractions are performed.
For safe and effective milia removal, book a consultation today at Toronto Dermatology Centre.
Here is a selection of media articles quoting our renowned dermatologists Dr. Benjamin Barankin and Dr. Anatoli Freiman as they pertain to milia cysts.
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