Milia (grains of semolina)

Milia, also known colloquially as grains of semolina, are small, white or yellowish, pinhead-sized cysts in the skin. They are caused by an accumulation of keratin, a horny substance, under the top layer of skin. Milia are completely harmless, not contagious and are only a cosmetic problem. They are particularly common on the face, especially around the eyes, on the cheeks, forehead and temples. However, they can occur anywhere on the body. A distinction is made between primary and secondary milia. Primary milia develop spontaneously without any recognizable cause and are particularly common in newborns, where they are referred to as neonatal milia and usually disappear on their own within a few weeks. In adults, primary milia can occur at any time, especially in people with oily skin or after intense sun exposure. Secondary milia occur after skin injuries such as burns, abrasions, after inflammatory skin diseases or after dermato-cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion or laser treatments. They form in areas where the skin has healed. Milia appear as small, hard, white or yellowish nodules that are located under the skin and are not inflammatory. They are firm and cannot be squeezed out like blackheads or pimples. Unlike pimples, they are not painful and show no redness. Diagnosis is made by visual diagnosis based on the typical appearance. Milia usually do not disappear on their own, especially in adults they can persist for years. Treatment is not medically necessary, but can be carried out for cosmetic reasons. A dermatologist can open the milia with a sterile needle or small lance and squeeze out the contents. You should not do this yourself, as it can cause infection or scarring. Alternatively, milia can be removed with a laser. To prevent a tendency to milia, heavy, oily skin care products should be avoided and regular exfoliation carried out.