A milium is a keratin-filled cyst sitting under the epidermis with a complete epithelial lining and no opening to the surface.
Histologically identical to an epidermoid cyst, only far smaller — 1 to 2 mm, most often periorbital. Primary milia arise spontaneously; secondary milia follow burns, blistering, procedures or topical steroids.
Milia are not whiteheads. A closed comedone is a plugged follicle with a channel to the surface. A milium has no channel — which is why extraction and acne treatments do nothing.
Primary versus secondary, distribution, any recent procedure or topical steroid use, and whether the pattern suggests an underlying cause.
De-roofing with a sterile blade or fine needle, then expression. Electrodesiccation, curettage and ablative laser are alternatives. All work by creating the opening the anatomy does not provide.
Squeezing causes trauma, and trauma is a documented cause of secondary milia. Forcing them can produce more.
A milium is a keratin-filled cyst sitting under the epidermis with a complete epithelial lining and no opening to the surface.
Milia are not whiteheads. A closed comedone is a plugged follicle with a channel to the surface. A milium has no channel — which is why extraction and acne treatments do nothing.
Primary versus secondary, distribution, any recent procedure or topical steroid use, and whether the pattern suggests an underlying cause.
Squeezing causes trauma, and trauma is a documented cause of secondary milia. Forcing them can produce more.
Every assessment is carried out personally by Dr Sin Yong, Medical Director. 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza.
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