Milia grains are small white bumps that appear on the skin. They are usually grouped under the eyes, but can also appear on the nose, cheeks and chin. They develop when skin flakes are trapped beneath the surface of the skin or when keratin accumulates and becomes trapped.
Milia grains occur most often in newborns. In fact, 40 to 50 percent of newborns have milia on their skin during their month of birth. But milia can also affect children, adolescents and adults. Milia seeds can disappear without treatment. However, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the healing process and prevent the formation of milia.
1. Do not try to pop them:
If Milia grains on your face or your child's face are irritating to you, do not try to pop them off as you often do with acne pimples. Trying to remove milia can cause bleeding, scabs and scars. Scratching the skin can also introduce germs into the area. This can cause an infection.
In the case of babies under 6 months, the best thing to do against Milia's seeds is to leave them, they will disappear afterwards. But, if small bumps worry you, consult your child's pediatrician.
2. Clean the area:
Be sure to wash your face with a mild, paraben-free soap each day. Any soap that is not soft will strip your face of the oils it needs to stay balanced and healthy. After washing, dry your skin instead of letting it dry in the open air. This will help prevent irritation or drying of your skin.
3. Open your pores:
After cleaning, you may find it beneficial to open the pores with steam to further eliminate irritants. One way to do this is to sit in your bathroom with the shower flowing on a hot setting. The room will slowly fill with hot steam. Expose to this steam for 5 to 8 minutes. Steam will gently open your pores, releasing flakes of skin or other irritants that can be trapped underneath.
4. Gently exfoliate the area:
A gentle exfoliation of the skin could help keep your skin free from irritants that cause Milia grains. Opt for exfoliating cleansers containing salicylic acid, citric acid or glycolic acid.
5. Apply a Manuka honey mask:
Manuka honey is an antimicrobial agent that can help reduce inflammation. Bacteria and inflammation lead to skin irritation, so a Manuka honey mask can help soothe your Milia.