Milia
Milia
Milia (/ˈmɪliə/; singular: milium) are small, raised, pearly-white or yellowish bumps on the skin. They are most often seen on the skin around the cheeks, nose, eyes, eyelids, forehead and chest but can occur anywhere on the body.
Etymology
The term 'Milia' is derived from the Latin word 'mili', which means 'millet'. This is in reference to the small, round, white appearance of milia, which resembles millet seeds.
Description
Milia are formed when keratin (a substance produced by the skin) becomes entrapped beneath the outer layer of the skin, forming a tiny cyst. An individual milium (the singular of milia) is formed in a 'milium cyst' which gets filled with a protein called keratin, creating the tiny white bump.
Types of Milia
There are several types of milia including:
- Primary Milia - This type of milia is usually seen in infants but can also occur in adults. This condition is not caused by any skin damage.
- Secondary Milia - This type of milia occurs after an injury or trauma to the skin. It can also occur where sweat ducts are present.
- Milia en Plaque - This is a rare type of milia that develops on a raised and inflamed patch of skin known as a plaque.
- Multiple Eruptive Milia - This type of milia occurs when clusters of milia appear over a period of weeks to months.
Related Terms
- Keratin - A type of protein that is a key component in skin, hair, and nails.
- Cyst - A closed sac-like structure that can be filled with a gaseous, liquid, or semi-solid substance.
- Dermatology - The branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair and its diseases.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Milia
- Wikipedia's article - Milia
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