what is milia on face

Milia are small, white or yellow cysts that appear on the skin, usually on the face. They are caused by the buildup of protein called keratin under the skin, which can happen when dead skin cells dont slough away. Milia are common in newborns, but adults can also get them. They are harmless and usually go away on their own within a few weeks or months. Milia can also be caused by skin damage from something like a rash, an injury, or sun exposure, long-term use of steroid medications, genetics, or autoimmune conditions. Milia dont need treatment, but if you dont like how they look, you can talk to your healthcare provider about removing them. Its not recommended to remove milia yourself because it can cause the area to become inflamed, bruised, or infected. Some treatments to remove milia include cryotherapy, chemical peels, and laser ablation. However, these treatments carry a risk of scarring, so its important to think carefully before undergoing them.