6 Simple Ways To Get Rid Of Milia Under Your Eyes

Milia is quite common in newborn babies (under eyes) but can affect people of all ages. Check the ways which will naturally help you get rid of Milia.

By Megha Upadhyaya
6 Simple Ways To Get Rid Of Milia Under Your Eyes

What is Milia?

Milia, or milk spots, are little white or yellowish bumps that commonly appear around and under the eyes or eyelid. And, also appear on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chest. Milia are keratin-filled cysts that are considered unsightly but harmless. They are most common in newborn babies and often disappear within a few weeks; however, can affect people of all age groups. In adults, the condition persists for months, even years. The problem occurs when the skin cannot get rid of the dead skin cells that cause clogged pores. Milia are caused by the use of pore-clogging skin care products, sun damage, blisters, and the long-term exposure to steroid creams.

Is Milia painful?

Though milia cysts are neither itchy nor painful, they tend to mar your beauty when under eyes or on the eyelid. There are simple, and natural home remedies can help you get rid of them.

How to get rid of milia under eyes or eyelid?

In a lot of cases, it is easy to get rid of milia as it will naturally disappear on their own within a few months. Some home remedies may help naturally get rid of milia. There is no specific remedy to remove milia quickly; however, these treatments are considered low-risk.

For example: 1. Rinse the affected area daily. Use a gentle soap to limit skin irritation. 2. Steam opens the pores by relaxing in the bathroom and running a hot shower - or the long-awaited bath. 3. Exfoliate the area regularly. However, avoid over-exfoliating, as daily exfoliation can irritate the skin. 4. Use sunscreen. High-protection sunscreens may be naturally helpful. 5. Use topical retinoids, as topical retinoids are creams or gels derived from vitamin A.

Some study suggests that extracts of rose, cinnamon, including honey have antibacterial resources that can tackle unusual skin difficulties. But, there has been no study on their effectiveness with milia. Avoid poking or picking milia. While it may be tempting, this interference raises the chance of infection including it can lead to scarring.

What are the Medical treatments for milia?

Get rid of milia under your eyes or eyelid

If milia is a prompting concern, there are real clinical treatments to use and try to remove them. Those include: 1. De-roofing: A doctor practices with a sterile needle or blade to separate the milia. Do not try this at home, as you can run the chance of infection. 2. Curettage: A doctor numbs the area, excludes the milia, then seals the skin with a hot wire. 3. Cryotherapy: The milia are solidified off, often with liquid nitrogen. This process can produce blistering or swelling, which should leave within a few days. 4. Minocycline: This oral medicine can be effective in handling certain kinds of milia, such as milia en plaque. All of these methods carry a risk of scarring, besides for minocycline, which has other risks. Since milia itself does not cause scarring, think carefully before undergoing these treatments.

Prevention?

It is not possible to stop milia, for example, when they occur in newborns. However, when milia are associated with other skin/eyes conditions or injuries, swift treatment may keep them from appearing. Tips for preventing milia include: 1. Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun 2. Avoiding the use of thick creams or oil-based products 3. Exfoliating between two and/or three times a week Milia can sometimes arise after a chemical peel. To prevent their occurrence apply a topical retinoid before the procedure. However, be aware that retinoids can cause dark spots or excessive irritation when used in combination with chemical peels.

All about Milia

Types of milia

1. Neonatal milia Milia attack up to 50 percent of all newborns, mainly around the eyes. They normally disappear on their own in a few weeks. Neonatal milia is frequently found on the nose, under eyes, the scalp, face, upper trunk, and inside the mouth. These bumps can be complicated with neonatal acne. The white bumps of neonatal acne differ in size and are usually surrounded by redness, whereas milia are commonly uniform in size, with no redness. Milia may be present from birth, especially under the eyes, whereas neonatal acne usually does not appear until two weeks after birth.

2. Primary milia Primary milia occurs in both children and adults. They may disappear without treatment in a few weeks, or they can also last for several months. Primary milia often appear on the following body parts: -> under eyes -> cheeks -> forehead -> genitals And, they may also appear along the nasal crease in young children.

3. Milia en plaque In this form, multiple milia are clumped synchronically in a broad, flat patch put above the surrounding under the eyes/skin. This spot or plaque usually has a clear and specified border. Milia en plaque can rise in children and adults, especially middle-aged women. It is usually found under the eyes, behind the ears, and on the cheek or jaw. This disease is rare and irregularly associated with other skin issues, including: -> pseudoxanthoma elasticum -> discoid lupus erythematosus -> lichen planus

4. Multiple eruptive milia Eruptive milia involves numerous bumps appearing in the same area over several weeks or months, often being the only symptom, and may also feel itchy. Multiple eruptive milia tend to appear under the eyes/skin, face, upper arms, and upper torso area.

5. Traumatic milia Commonly called secondary milia and this condition often follows injuries under the skin or eyes, which may involve: -> a burn -> blistering from a skin/eyes condition or allergic reaction -> skin resurfacing procedures: such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and excessive exposure to sunlight.

What are the Causes of milia?

Milia associated with topical medications, especially some steroid creams, may cause milia to appear.

Are there any risk factors?

Milia carries a few risks. While milia are joined with another condition or injury, each condition should be treated individually. It is significant that milia are accurately diagnosed. They can be involved with other types of skin situations, including comedones, miliaria, and other examples of cysts. When milia are a concern, consider treatment with a doctor.

Here are the top 6 home remedies for milia

1. Castor Oil Castor oil has many natural healing and antibacterial properties and helps control oil production, thereby curing some skin problems including acne and milia under eyes. Apply one-half teaspoon of castor oil on your face and leave it on until it is completely absorbed in the skin, doing this daily for several months. Also, use a mixture of equal parts of castor oil and olive oil in the same way and create a paste using a teaspoon baking soda on the affected area, leave it on for a few hours, then wash it off, and repeat daily for about two weeks.

2. Pomegranate Peel Powder Another popular home remedy for milia is roasted pomegranate powder because of its natural antioxidant and exfoliating properties. Being rich in vitamin C, it is also good for your skin. It will also help soothe acne and pimples. Roast some pomegranate peels until they become dark brown and brittle, and then crush them into a powder. Take two tablespoons of the crushed powder, add some lemon juice or rose water (about a teaspoon), and create a paste. Gently rub it under the eyes and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Use the paste as a remedy a few times a week until the bumps disappear.

3. Honey Honey helps treat milia due to its antioxidant and humectant properties as honey retains moisture and avoids dryness. Honey can be combined with other ingredients to make a facial scrub to exfoliate your skin and reduce milia. Simply spread honey, preferably raw honey, under your eyes, leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off. Do this daily until you see improvement. Alternatively, mix some honey with a tablespoon of jojoba oil, add one tablespoon of granulated sugar, and three tablespoons of oatmeal and create a facial scrub. Allow the scrub to exfoliate for about 15 - 20 minutes and then gently wash off with warm water. Repeat the facial scrub at least once or twice a week, until the bumps are gone.

4. Cornstarch and Vinegar Another useful remedy is the combination of cornstarch and apple cider vinegar; as cornstarch absorbs the excess oil and vinegar works as a natural astringent. Again, make a paste using equal parts, one teaspoon of cornstarch and vinegar, apply the paste to all the affected areas, and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the paste with a warm washcloth and do this daily until your bumps are gone. In most cases, it shows positive results within a few days.

5. Aloe Vera Another remedy is aloe vera due to the natural soothing and healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that easily open up the pores. For a positive result within a few days, massage a succulent amount of aloe vera gel on the affected areas. Leave the gel on overnight and wash off gently in the morning. Do the gel massage twice daily until the bumps have disappeared. And again, try an equal blend of aloe vera with green tea - create a paste, leave on for about 15 minutes, and gently rinse off with warm water. Also, this paste is good around the eyes, as it helps fade dark circles, too.

6. Fenugreek Leaves Lastly, the Fenugreek leaves. Fenugreek leaves extensively used in Ayurveda as a beauty aid to get rid of acne breakouts, blackheads, milia, boils, and blemishes. The leaves have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Grind a handful of fresh leaves and about a teaspoon of water and create a paste. Spread the paste on all affected areas, leave on for 10 - 15 minutes, and then wash off with warm water. Repeat the Fenugreek facial until the milia bumps are gone.

Conclusion

In addition to using these home remedies, avoid harsh chemicals, limit sun exposure, and clean your skin at least twice daily. Drink plenty of water, fresh juices, and herbal teas - green tea in particular and flush all the toxins from your body. And for newborn babies, wash the baby’s skin daily with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft, clean towel.

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