Glamour: Milia ‘Tiny White Bumps On Your Skin’
Expert Skin Advice from Dr Ross Perry
Glamour website features an article on milia, which it describes as ‘tiny white bumps on your skin’.
Milia are also commonly known as milk spots.
The article explores what milia are and how they can be treated with expert advice from Dr Ross Perry, Founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.
Dr Perry starts by explaining what milia actually are:
“Milia are medically known as ‘milium cysts’ and it is important to understand that they are a tiny form of cyst rather than whiteheads, which they are sometimes confused with.”
Milia develop as a result of sweat glands in the skin becoming clogged with oil and keratin. Ross explains that they can last a very long time if untreated and may become inflamed:
“They can become quite hard and prominent and although they may pass away eventually, they could last for years. There is also a risk of inflammation if they’re left untreated.”
Milia Treatments
Milia may be treated in a number of ways depending on the nature of the problem.
- Laser offers the ultimate treatment, as it not only destroys the cysts but also stimulates the skin’s healing and cell renewal, so the skin looks healthier.
- Other options for medical treatment of milia are freezing (aka cryotherapy) using liquid nitrogen, or microcautery, which uses intense heat.
- For less established cases, intensive exfoliation treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion can be helpful. Dr Perry says:
These work by stripping away the outer surface and clearing blocked pores for fresher skin. Exfoliation also stimulates cell renewal for clearer, healthier skin.”
All the above treatments should all be carried out in a proper skin clinic by trained and experienced professionals.
DIY Milia Treatment
For those looking for ‘at home’ treatments, a topical retinoid may be helpful. However, as Dr Perry explains:
“The recommended strengths are not available without a prescription and it is advisable to be seen by the doctor first.”
This is to ensure the treatment is appropriate. Dr Perry adds:
“I would advise against trying to purchase something on the internet, as there is a risk of scarring from inappropriate treatment.
“It is important to have the skin viewed by a doctor specialised in skin conditions in order to work out the best treatment plan.”
Read the article in full: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/milia-removal
Skin Surgery Laser Clinics
Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private treatment for common skin lesions at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Mole removal is a particular speciality; with trained doctors and surgeons using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal. Our team also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma. A variety of procedures are available, including laser treatment, microcautery, surgery and cryotherapy/freezing.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form to the right or call 020 7386 0464.
