How Do Dermatologists Treat Milia Fast?

Milia, often referred to as “milk spots,” are small, white or yellowish bumps that typically appear on the skin, especially around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead. Though harmless, they can be cosmetically bothersome and persistent. Many people attempt to treat them at home, but dermatologists offer safe, fast, and effective solutions. If you’re researching Milia Treatments in Dubai or anywhere else, knowing what a dermatologist can do for you is the first step toward clearer, smoother skin.

What Are Milia?

Milia are tiny cysts filled with keratin, a protein found in skin tissue, hair, and nail cells. They form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin’s surface instead of exfoliating naturally. Milia are not a form of acne, although they are often mistaken for whiteheads.

There are two main types:

Primary Milia: Develop spontaneously and are commonly seen in newborns and adults.

Secondary Milia: Occur as a result of skin trauma, such as burns, blisters, or long-term use of steroid creams.

How Do Dermatologists Treat Milia Fast?

Dermatologists use several safe and effective treatments to remove milia quickly. The method chosen depends on the type, size, location, and number of milia. Here are the most common and efficient dermatologist-recommended treatments:

Manual Extraction

One of the fastest ways dermatologists treat milia is through manual extraction. This procedure involves the following steps:

Cleansing the Skin: The area is thoroughly cleaned to minimize the risk of infection.

Sterilized Equipment: A sterile lancet or fine needle is used to make a tiny opening in the skin.

Gentle Pressure: The milia are then gently pushed out with a comedone extractor or fingers wrapped in gauze.

Topical Retinoids

Topical retinoids, like tretinoin or adapalene, are derivatives of Vitamin A that help in skin cell turnover. These products:

Promote exfoliation of dead skin cells.

Help prevent new milia from forming.

Gradually reduce existing lesions over time.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use exfoliating acids to slough off the outer layer of dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. Dermatologists may use peels containing:

Glycolic Acid

Salicylic Acid

Lactic Acid

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves freezing the milia with liquid nitrogen. This procedure:

Causes the top layer of the skin to blister and shed.

It is quick, usually taking only a few minutes.

May require more than one session for stubborn milia.

Laser Ablation

Laser treatment is a more high-tech and precise approach. It involves using a focused laser beam to:

Target the milia without damaging the surrounding skin.

Open the cyst so the trapped keratin can be removed.

What Should You Avoid?

It’s crucial not to try popping or squeezing milia at home. Unlike acne, milia do not have an opening on the surface, so applying pressure can:

Damage the skin barrier.

Lead to scarring.

Introduce bacteria and cause infection.

Conclusion

Milia may not pose a health threat, but they can be a persistent cosmetic concern. Fortunately, dermatologists have several quick and effective methods for treating milia, from manual extraction to laser therapy. If you’re exploring Milia Treatments or simply looking for solutions, professional dermatological care ensures safety, precision, and faster results than home remedies ever could.