References

Berk DR, Bayliss SJ. Milia: a review and classification. J Am Acad Dermatol.. 2008; 59:(6)1050-1063 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2008.07.034

British Association of Dermatologists. Sunscreen fact sheet. 2013. http://www.bad.org.uk/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet (accessed 2 February 2021)

Milium cysts in adults and babies. 2018. http://www.healthline.com/health/milia (accessed 4 February 2021)

Milia causes and treatment options. 2021. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a18542004/milia-causes-and-treatments (accessed 8 January 2021)

MediNiche. Caring for the skin around the eyes. 2021. http://www.mediniche.com/ocularskincare.html (accessed 11 February 2021)

Anatomy of the skin. 2021. http://www.robertmillermd.com/anatomy_of_the_skin.html (accessed 2 February 2021)

Morris G. Skin blemish removal with diathermy: a practical guide to Levels 4 and 5.: Sterex; 2018

What is the stratum corneum?. 2019. http://www.healthline.com/health/stratum-corneum (accessed 8 January 2021)

Non-surgical removal of milia: treatment and aftercare

02 March 2021
Volume 10 · Issue 2

Abstract

Although harmless, milia—small, white spots most commonly found near the eyes—are a cosmetic concern and must be removed safely by a trained professional. Gillian Huntley details the types of milia and explains how they are treated

Milia come in a variety of different sizes and can affect any Fitzpatrick skin type and people of all ages

Milia are small, round milky white spots that can vary in size up to 1–2 mm. They are also often called whiteheads or milium plugs and are keratin-filled cysts that are harmless and most commonly found in dry skin, on the face but mainly in and around the hollow orbit of the eye, tear trough and the infraorbital area (Kinman, 2018). They are located under the epidermis and within the dermis, so they cannot be squeezed or rubbed away.

Arising from an undeveloped sebaceous gland or sweat gland they are formed within the dermis where these glands are found and become more visible as they migrate up to the epidermis. (Morris, 2018)

The anatomy of the skin around the eye area is called the adnexa (MediNiche, 2021).

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