Milium cysts are whitish microcysts. Although benign and harmless, these small bumps can take some time to disappear, and may seemingly enlarge. Discover how to respond to a growing milium cyst.
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- What should one do when faced with a milium cyst that is growing?
What should one do when faced with a milium cyst that is growing?
How should one respond when a milium cyst enlarges?
A milium is a whitish to yellowish subcutaneous microcyst. It can occur on the face or even on the genital organs in the case of infants. It is harmless and generally disappears spontaneously without the need for treatment.
It happens that some individuals notice their milia becoming larger over time, which causes them concern. It's important to note that scientific literature on the subject indicates that the average size of a milium is between 1 and 2 mm in diameter, and some can be larger. This varies from person to person.
However, most of the time, a milium retains its size throughout the duration of its presence on the skin. It doesn't really change, unlike an inflammatory spot for example, which goes through several stages, and this is particularly the case for a boil. The scenario in which a milium enlarges has not been described in the scientific literature.
The most appropriate course of action in this situation is therefore to consult a healthcare professional in order to carry out a diagnosis to confirm that it is indeed a milium cyst and not another related skin condition. Finally, they will be able to prescribe an appropriate treatment for you.
Above all, do not attempt to touch it. You risk exacerbating the situation and causing potential infections. If in any doubt, consult your doctor.
Sources
ROSS J. B. & al. Multiple eruptive milia: Report of a case, review of the literature, and a classification. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1997).
BERK D. R. & al. Milia: A review and classification. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2008).
BARBAROT S. & al. Les grains de milium de l’enfant. Annales de dermatologie et de vénéréologie (2009).
GALLARDO AVILA P. & al. Milia. StatPearls (2023).
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