Milia are small, white bumps that can appear on the skin, often causing concern due to their appearance. It is important to know that milia are not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. These tiny, benign skin cysts result from a process within the skin itself, not an external infectious agent. Understanding their nature helps alleviate worries about their transmissibility.
Understanding Milia
Milia are small, white or yellowish bumps that appear on the skin, often described as tiny cysts. They form when keratin, a naturally occurring protein found in skin, hair, and nails, becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Normally, the body sheds dead skin cells to make way for new ones, but sometimes these old cells get caught under newly forming skin, hardening into small cysts. These small bumps are distinct from acne, as they do not involve clogged pores or inflammation in the same way.
Milia can appear in various forms, including neonatal milia (affecting newborns) and primary milia (in children and adults). Secondary milia can develop following skin damage from injuries, burns, or certain medications. Milia are frequently observed on the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead.
Why Milia Are Not Spreadable
Milia are not contagious because they are a structural skin issue, not an infection caused by microorganisms. Their formation stems from trapped skin cells, a mechanical process, rather than bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. This fundamental difference means that milia lack the biological agents necessary for transmission.
Contagious conditions, such as cold sores or impetigo, involve transmissible pathogens passed through direct contact or shared items. Milia do not contain such pathogens. Therefore, touching milia on someone else’s skin, or having your milia touched, poses no risk. They are a harmless, non-infectious skin characteristic.
Addressing Milia
Milia often resolve on their own, especially in infants, typically clearing within weeks to months. For adults, milia may persist longer, sometimes for months or even years, but they do not pose a health risk. If bothersome for cosmetic reasons or discomfort, professional removal options are available.
Dermatologists can safely address persistent milia using methods like manual extraction, where a tiny incision releases trapped keratin. Other techniques include cryotherapy (freezing the bumps) or laser ablation. These procedures are performed by healthcare professionals to prevent scarring or infection.