What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Primary Milium Cyst in Children and Adults
• Primary Milium in Children and Adults

What is Primary Milia in Children and Adults? (Definition/Background Information)

• Milium is a benign condition that presents as a small cyst under the skin surface, commonly on the face. They are usually multiple in numbers, and hence, called Milia (plural of Milium)
• Primary Milia in Children and Adults is a type of Milia that affects children and adults. There are no significant signs and symptoms associated it
• There are no identified risk factors or causative factors for the condition. Hence, the occurrence of these cysts cannot be prevented
• Primary Milia in Children and Adults does not require treatment in most cases; the skin cysts may disappear spontaneously within a few weeks or may be a month
• However, since this skin condition is not cosmetically appealing, they may be treated using topical creams, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and dermabrasion. The prognosis is generally excellent for Primary Milia in Children and Adults, since it is a benign condition

Who gets Primary Milia in Children and Adults? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Primary Milia in Children and Adults can be observed in a wide age range of individuals
• Both males and females are affected
• There is no known racial, ethnic, or geographical preference

What are the Risk Factors for Primary Milia in Children and Adults? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for the development of Primary Milia in Children and Adults are currently unknown

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Primary Milia in Children and Adults? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Primary Milia in Children and Adults occurrence is unknown.

• Milia is not an infectious condition and it does not spread from one individual to another through direct or indirect contact
• It has not been observed that dietary factors contribute to the development of this condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Primary Milia in Children and Adults?

In majority of the cases, Primary Milia in Children and Adults is asymptomatic and presents no significant signs or symptoms.

• Milia are multiple cysts that may be observed all over the body, but are usually present on the face, especially around the eyelids, upper cheeks, forehead, and genital region
• The cysts can also occur along the nasal crease
• The cysts are small and occur just below the skin; the surface appears as pearly white bumps
• Each cyst may be between 1-2 mm in size
• Solitary cysts are not commonly observed
• There may be itching sensation on the affected region

How is Primary Milia in Children and Adults Diagnosed?

• Primary Milia in Children and Adults may be diagnosed based on their presentation and a clinical examination
• The examination of the skin by a dermatologist using a special magnified lens (dermoscopy) may be undertaken
• Mostly, there is no necessity for a skin biopsy to diagnose the condition

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Primary Milia in Children and Adults?

There are no significant complications that occur due to Primary Milia in Children and Adults. Nevertheless, some individuals face cosmetic issues due to the appearance of multiple cysts (frequently on the face), in which case an appropriate treatment may be recommended.

How is Primary Milia in Children and Adults Treated?

The treatment measures for Primary Milia in Children and Adults may include the following:

• Topical retinoids
• If done carefully, a small gauge sterile needle can be used to remove the cyst without trauma
• Laser ablation therapy
• Cryotherapy
• Chemical peels
• Dermabrasion
• Administration of antibiotics (such as tetracycline) in some cases

In many individuals, the condition is self-limiting and the cysts may regress and disappear within a few weeks. Also, no treatment may be necessary in a majority of individuals, since Milia is a benign condition with no serious signs and symptoms.

How can Primary Milia in Children and Adults be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Primary Milia in Children and Adults.

What is the Prognosis of Primary Milia in Children and Adults? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

In a majority of cases, Primary Milia in Children and Adults is asymptomatic or mild that subsides on its own without the requirement for any treatment, usually within a few weeks.

• However, the healthcare provider may undertake to regularly monitor the condition
• In rare cases, the condition may persist for months
• The prognosis is generally excellent with suitable treatment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Primary Milia in Children and Adults:

• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• Scratching the affected areas or picking the cysts must be completely avoided