What is the difference between Milia and Whiteheads?
Milia and whiteheads are both small, white bumps that can appear on the skin. However, the cause of them and their appearance is different, equally so is how they should be treated. Being able to understand these differences can help in addressing them more effectively and deciding whether a trip to see a Blemish Removal Practitioner is the right thing for you.
Milia
Milia are small, hard, white cysts that form when keratin (a type of protein found in skin, hair, and nails) becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Milia often appear around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead. Even babies can get Milia. They are not a result of clogged pores or oil but are instead caused by dead skin cells not being shed properly.
There are several types of milia, firstly primary ones (which develop on their own) and then secondary ones (which can form due to a skin trauma caused by maybe burns or excessive sun exposure). Milia are firm to the touch, unlike whiteheads, and do not have an opening on the skins surface. This makes them difficult to pop or squeeze, and trying to remove them with at home methods can lead to scarring. Milia can be treated very effectively using diathermy in my Colchester & Chelmsford clinics.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are a type of acne that forms when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. They appear as small white or flesh-colored bumps and are most common in areas where there are a high concentration of sebaceous (oil) glands, such as the face, neck, chest, and back. Whiteheads occur when a pore is closed, and the trapped material inside forms a plug that bulges under the skin’s surface.
Whiteheads are normally soft to the touch, unlike the firm feel of milia. They can often be treated topical treatments and products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, which help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Unlike milia, whiteheads can sometimes be extracted without damaging the skin, but it is generally advisable to allow them to heal on their own and wait for the treatment/product to work rather than squeezing them.
So what are the key differences?
- Cause – Milia are caused by trapped keratin, whiteheads are a result of clogged pores.
- Location and appearance – Milia are firmer and more common around the eyes, while whiteheads are softer and typically found in oilier areas.
- Treatment – Milia often require professional removal, whereas whiteheads can usually be treated with products and professional treatments.
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