Milia are white, dot-like bumps which are very commonly seen across a baby’s nose (occasionally cheeks and chin). Though milia may develop at any age, they are commonest among newborns. In fact, half of all babies have milia.
Milia develop when tiny skin flakes get blocked in tiny pockets near the surface of the skin.
In children, they tend to vanish within 3 – 4 weeks. In adults, they can be removed by a dermatologist.
What Causes Milia Spots On Nose?
Milia is categorized in to primary and secondary. Primary milia occur due to entrapped keratin and are habitually seen on the faces of infants and adults. Secondary milia develop after something occludes the ducts leading to the skin surface, like, after a burn, trauma, after sessions of dermabrasion, blistering of the skin, protracted use of steroidal creams and prolonged sun damage.
The most common locations for primary milia include:
- Nose, cheeks, and forehead in newborns and adults.
- When they develop on the gums and palate of an infant; they are known as Epstein’s pearls, and they occur in 85 % of infants.
The most common locations for secondary milia include:
- Anywhere on the body where another skin condition exists, particularly on the backs of the hands.
- On the faces of people who have had a lot of damage from sun exposure.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Milia On Nose
Characteristically, milia tend to disappear on their own in a couple of weeks, and no medical treatment is usually advised. For your newborn, you can follow these guidelines; whilst for adults the following techniques are advocated:
- Keep the baby’s face clean. Wash his face with warm water every day. In case you find his skin greasy, use a mild moisturizing soap.
- Gently pat his skin dry.
- Never pinch or scrub the milia, and do not use any kind of oils or creams on your baby’s skin.
- Primary milia in newborns heal on their own in a couple of weeks, so there is no need for you to painc; though the primary milia in adults is somewhat long lasting.
- Milia are difficult to get rid of without the right tools. Hence, for adult milia, do not try to remove at home, you may leave a scar; visit your dermatologist. Confer with your dermatologist for an assessment and evaluation if you notice any new bumps on the skin.
- In adults too milia is known to disappear on their own, however, it lasts for longer; thus your doctor may treat you a few therapies.
- Some of the doctors advocate piercing the milia with a lancet followed by a removal of the cyst material.
- A retinoid cream such as tretinoin is recommended too. However, always consult your doctor before embarking on your own treatment.
- Acid peels or microdermabrasion procedures at the dermatologist’s office are exceedingly helpful too.
- You need to discuss with your doctor regarding which therapy would be most suited to you. Also alongside, it is advised that you follow a good ‘skin ‘diet; steering clear of all those foods that may aggravate the condition.