Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Our expert, Saira George, M.D., takes on some common myths about this disease, and has some tips to reduce your risk.
Think you’re safe from skin cancer? It’s the most common cancer in the United States. It’s also one of the most preventable. The primary cause is too much sun or tanning bed exposure.
More than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. Most skin cancers, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable. But one form – malignant melanoma – is much more serious.
The good news is you can reduce your risk for skin cancer. It helps to understand your risks and how to protect yourself. Get the truth behind some of these skin cancer myths.
Myth 1: Dark-skinned people don’t get skin cancer.
No one is immune to skin cancer. People of all skin colors, including people who are African-American, Hispanic and Asian, can develop skin cancer.
While skin cancer occurs more frequently in lighter-skinned people, the death rates are higher in darker-skinned people.
“It is often diagnosed later, at a more advanced stage, because both doctors and patients may not even be considering the possibility of skin cancer developing on darker skin until it’s too late” says Saira George, M.D., MD Anderson dermatologist.
Myth 2: I need to get sun exposure to get vitamin D.
You don’t need to bake in the sun to get the vitamin D you need to stay healthy. You get enough of this essential nutrient from typical daily exposure and from food.
“Vitamin D is very important, and we’d be in a bind if the only way to get our levels up was through prolonged sun exposure,” says George. “Luckily that’s not the case. We can get Vitamin D from our diet, and avoid the increased skin cancer risks that come with excessive sun exposure.”
Myth 3: Only sun exposure causes skin cancer.
Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, but there are other causes:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from tanning beds and occupational equipment
- Family history of skin cancer and other genetic factors
- Increasing age
- A weakened immune system
- People with fair skin and freckles, and multiple or unusual moles also face a higher skin cancer risk.
Myth 4: When it comes to sunscreen, the higher the SPF the better
SPF protection doesn’t increase proportionately with the designated SPF number. SPF 30 absorbs 97% of the sun’s burning UV rays, while SPF 50 absorbs just slightly more – 98%. And, SPF 100 absorbs 99%. So, choose a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30.
“A higher SPF does give you a little extra protection, but it’s still not a perfect block, especially in the real world where we all tend to apply too little and not reapply,” George says. “Your best protection is to stay out of the sun, especially between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and to wear protective clothing if you have to be in the sun.”
Myth 5: Sunscreen contains harmful chemicals.
The Food and Drug Administration regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs. The FDA considers sunscreens to be safe and effective.
“We have lots of evidence that shows that too much sun can cause skin cancer and very little that shows current sunscreen ingredients cause any significant harm,” George says. “But I understand the concern people have about chemicals used in everyday products.”
For those who are wary, George says to consider simple mineral sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium oxide.
And remember, you can still be sun smart by covering up, avoiding peak hours of sun exposure, and limit time in the sun.
Myth 6: Only older people get skin cancer.
Prevention counts at any age. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults age 25-29 and the second most common form of cancer in people 15-29 years old.
And the younger you are exposed to the sun, the higher your risk for getting skin cancer later in life. This is especially true if you have had a blistering sunburn at a young age.
“When it comes to skin cancer, there’s a lot more at play than just age. The biggest factor seems to be your UV exposure over the course of your lifetime, including childhood and young adulthood,” George says.
Myth 7: A base tan prevents sunburns.
There’s no such thing as a safe tan or a tan that prevents sunburns. When ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning booth hit your skin, they damage the DNA of your skin cells. To protect your cells, your body sends melanin, or pigment, to the surface of your skin. So, your skin gets color at the expense of your health.
“Tanning starts when the body senses that UV damage is occurring. Your body’s skin cells are trying to do the best they can to minimize any further damage but it’s not enough if you get more sun.” George says.
The minor protective effect a tan provides can be easily wiped out by additional UV exposure, leading to more damage. Sunburn happens when the UV rays are more than the skin can handle and repair.
Myth 8: You don’t need to wear sunscreen in the winter or on a cloudy day.
You should protect your skin from UV radiation even when it is not warm or sunny. Harmful UV rays are present year-round and can reach your skin and cause damage even through clouds.
Myth 9: Tanning beds don’t pose a skin cancer risk.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Tanning beds emit the same harmful UV rays as the sun, and in greater amounts.
Using tanning beds increases your skin cancer risk. That includes your risk for the deadliest form of skin.
Schedule a skin cancer screening today.
Melasma is a skin condition that causes darker spots to appear when the cells that give your skin color — melanocytes — are more active. This can happen because of sun exposure, pregnancy, stress, a medical condition, or after taking medications, such as oral contraceptive pills. Your melasma may be more noticeable if you have darker skin.
Although melasma may go away on its own, for some people, it can last for years. If your melasma bothers you, a board-certified dermatologist can create a treatment plan. Dermatologists also recommend following these tips to help make melasma less noticeable:
Protect your skin from the sun every day. One of the most common treatments for melasma is sun protection.
Since sunlight triggers melasma, it is important to protect your skin every day, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. Whenever possible, seek shade when outdoors and wear sun-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. For more effective protection, select a hat that has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
Apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing. Choose a sunscreen that offers:
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- Broad-spectrum protection
- Water-resistance
- SPF of 30 or more
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply it at least every two hours.
Along with protecting your skin from the sun, you need to stay out of tanning beds and never use sunlamps.
Indoor tanning devices can worsen melasma and prevent treatment from working.
- Protect yourself from visible light with tinted sunscreen. Visible light has been shown to worsen melasma, especially for people with darker skin tones. Use a tinted sunscreen that contains iron oxide in addition to having an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Choose gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. If a skin care product burns or stings when you use it, the product is irritating your skin. This may darken dark spots.
- Cover up with makeup. It takes time for melasma treatments to work. Covering an uneven skin tone caused by melasma may boost your self-esteem if the appearance bothers you. If you choose to cover your melasma, a dermatologist can give you tips for getting natural-looking results.
In managing melasma, proactive steps are essential for both treatment and prevention. Embracing sun protection as a daily ritual, avoiding tanning beds, and safeguarding against visible light contribute significantly to minimizing the impact of melasma. Choosing the right sunscreen, covering up with protective clothing, and opting for tinted sunscreens with iron oxide further enhance defense against this condition.
Treating Eczema Flare-Ups
Work with your doctor to find the right treatments for you. Your symptoms, age, family history, other health problems, and lifestyle help you find treatments that work. Most eczema treatments give you short-term relief. Your doctor can prescribe a steroid cream to stop the itch and clear your rash, or topical creams called calcineurin inhibitors like pimecrolimus (Elidel) or tacrolimus (Protopic) that protect your skin and prevent eczema outbreaks. Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter (OTC) and eases mild itching. Eucrisa ointment is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory topical treatment that may help reduce redness and itchiness in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. For a severe outbreak, apply steroid cream and then wrap a wet bandage around the area to keep it moist. Light therapy from the sun or with a UV ray device at your doctor’s office may ease outbreaks, too. For strong eczema itching that keeps you up at night, try oral antihistamines. Diphenhydramine can stop itching and help you sleep. Cetirizine, fexofenadine, and other antihistamines can ease flares and itching but don’t make you drowsy. They’re all available OTC. Your doctor may also prescribe oral corticosteroids or give you a steroid shot for a strong eczema flare. If you scratch your itchy rash and break the skin, you might need antibiotics to prevent an infection. For moderate to severe eczema that is not controlled by topical medications, or when topical medicines cannot be used, dupilumab (Dupixent) or tralokinumab (Adbry), both injectables, may be prescribed. These drugs are given every few weeks as shots under the skin. Another medication, upadacitinib (Rinvoq), is a pill taken once daily that helps reduce itchiness quickly. Work with your doctor to treat your eczema. Some drugs or remedies for eczema, like steroids, can cause side effects if you use them too long or too often.
Prevent Flares, Feel Better
Many things could set off an eczema flare. You may not have the same triggers as someone else. It pays to figure out what causes your skin to react.
Dry skin
If your skin gets too dry, it can become rough and itchy. It might even crack. That can let bacteria or allergens inside. Dry skin is a common eczema trigger for many people. Extreme changes in temperature can stress your skin, too. Tips: Keep your skin moist — especially in winter, when the air can be very dry. Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your bedroom when you sleep. Apply cream or ointment after you get out of a shower or bath. Soak in a warm bath with small amounts of bath oil, or add colloidal oatmeal to ease eczema itching and moisten your skin. See what’s the best lotion for eczema.
Irritants
Products you use every day may bother your skin. Soap, cleansers, body wash, laundry detergent, lotions, or even some foods you touch can trigger eczema rashes. Tips: Talk to your doctor to pinpoint what may irritate your skin. They can test how your skin reacts to certain products. Keep track of anything you use that seems to trigger a flare after you touch it. Choose soaps, cleansers, and laundry detergents without added perfumes or dyes. These are common eczema triggers.
Clothing
Fabrics that are rough, too tight, or itchy can trigger eczema. Clothes that are too warm or heavy can make you sweat and cause a flare, too. Tips: Opt for soft clothes that are gentle on your skin and keep it cool. If wool or other fabrics seem to bother you, don’t wear them. Find wool-free garments to keep you warm in winter. Wear loose items that don’t rub against your skin.
Dust, smoke, pet dander, and sand
Tiny particles in the air can cause a rash or irritate your skin. You might be allergic to pet dander from cats or dogs. Maybe cigarette smoke or a dusty house is to blame. Tips: Keep your home or office area clean. Dust often. Don’t smoke or hang out with people who do. If you think you’re allergic to pet hair or dander, talk to your doctor or see an allergist, a doctor who specializes in treating allergies.
Stress and anxiety
Worry can make your eczema flare up. Plus, itchy, sore skin can also stress you out. It can be an endless cycle if you don’t break it. Tips: Find ways to relax in times of stress. Make sure you get enough sleep at night so you feel refreshed the next day. Aromatherapy, massage therapy, and soaks in a warm bath may help you ease tension. Get help if you can’t keep your stress under control.
Stress and psoriasis often go hand in hand. Stress can make psoriasis worse, and psoriasis can make you feel stressed. But there are ways to ease stress that may help your psoriasis, too.
Learn techniques to relax. Try one of these stress-busters:
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Tai chi
- Yoga
They can lower stress and may even help your treatment. One study found that people who listened to meditation tapes while they got light therapy did twice as well as those who only got light therapy.
Long walks and long baths are also good ways to ease stress.
Get a massage. A good massage can:
- Ease muscle tension
- Lower stress
- Help you relax
If you can, find a massage therapist who has worked with people who have psoriasis.
- Trust your doctor. To ease stress, you need to have faith in your doctor to work out the best plan for your treatment. You are partners. If you don’t feel like you are, or if you have doubts about your treatment plan, see another doctor.
DID YOU KNOW?
People who listened to meditation tapes while they got light therapy did twice as well as those who received light therapy alone.
- Get professional help. If you find stress and psoriasis hard to handle or feel very anxious or depressed, think about seeing a mental health therapist.
- A therapist can help you manage some of the hard emotional issues that can be part of your life with psoriasis. A therapist can also teach you useful ways to calm stress.
- Get better treatment. Psoriasis treatment itself can sometimes be stressful. But it can also be the best cure for both your stress and psoriasis. If you have good control of your condition, you get rid of the core cause of your stress.
How Psoriasis Causes Stress
Experts aren’t sure how psoriasis and stress are linked. It may have to do with an effect on the immune system. Some people have their first flare of psoriasis during a very stressful time in their life.
So what aspects of psoriasis may cause stress?
- Stigma. Living with psoriasis can make you self-conscious and ashamed. Any aspect of being social can be stressful, from going on a date to shaking someone’s hand.
- Finances. Psoriasis treatments can be costly. A year’s supply of biologic drugs can cost more than $25,000. And even cheaper treatments add up.
- Pain. Psoriasis can cause chronic pain, which adds a constant level of stress in your life. Sometimes the pain can make day-to-day actions hard. If you have arthritis in your joints, this is more likely.
- Treatment. Some treatments don’t work, which can lead to stress. Other treatments can take up a lot of your time. For instance, you might need to get light therapy 3 times a week for up to a year. Fitting that into your schedule can be tricky. And drug side effects can also be a strain.
- Life with a chronic condition. Sometimes psoriasis can wear you down. You may also sometimes find yourself anxious about the future.
Skin warts are common, and there are many treatments. If home remedies for warts don’t work, you can try over-the-counter wart removers. If your warts still don’t disappear, you can turn to treatment by a doctor, who can freeze or cut off the wart.
Home Remedies for Warts
Here are some home remedies and treatments for common warts, such as plantar warts on the soles of the feet or palmar warts on the hands. For the most part, these remedies do not work very often.
- People try countless home remedies for warts, but most do not help. They rub warts with garlic, or apply a paste made of baking powder and castor oil. They crush vitamin C tablets into a paste to cover the wart. They even soak warts in pineapple juice. Prolonged application of duct tape also has its fans, although evidence does not support its use.
Over-the-Counter Wart Removers
Most dermatologists say it’s safe to try drugstore wart removers — as long as you’ve confirmed that it’s really a wart. Sometimes calluses or corns are mistaken for warts. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
- Many over-the-counter wart treatments contain salicylic acid. The success rate is about 50% over 6 weeks or so. Other treatments work by “freezing” the wart. After two or three treatments, each lasting about 10 days, the success rate is about 40% to 50%.
- There is also the option of over-the-counter freezing sprays which can kill the wart by freezing the tissue. The spray has to be applied directly to the wart area in an effort to freeze deep enough into the affected tissue. For this reason, these sprays are only really effective on smaller warts. If successful, the wart should disappear in a few days.
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t recommended for common warts on the face or lips and should not be used on genital warts. See your doctor about treatments for those warts.
Warts Treatments From a Doctor or Dermatologist
If you go to a doctor, you can choose from many wart treatments. Some focus on destroying the wart and others on boosting your immune system so your body clears the wart. Among the options:
- Liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart off
- Prescription-strength salicylic acid applied at home to get rid of the wart
- Trichloracetic acid applied in the doctor’s office
- Laser or surgery to cut the wart off
- Topical immune system stimulants such as squaric acid, which is applied to the skin for several weeks to help fight the virus that causes the wart
Immune therapy for warts can take 6 to 12 weeks to work. Removing warts with a laser or surgery is the fastest treatment, but is also the most expensive and invasive. It also may cause scarring.
There are many misconceptions about acne floating around the internet. You’ve heard plenty of stories about what causes acne, but how do you know if it’s true? We’re here to clear things up starting with debunking the top 12 acne myths.
- Only teens get acne. Acne is the most common skin disease. People of all races and ages get acne. 30% of adults, both men and women, experience acne. Although 85% of teens get some form of acne, they aren’t the only ones who can suffer from it.
- You need to wash your face more. Washing your face more often won’t cure your acne. Try to wash your face twice a day, but more than twice daily may do more harm than good. Washing your face is helpful to decrease the bacteria, but you shouldn’t overdo it.
- It’s OK to pop your pimples safely. This is never a good idea. Squeezing your pimples triggers inflammatory responses and can introduce even more bacteria to your zit. It also can cause acne scars which don’t go away.
- The sun and tanning beds clear up acne. Although it may feel like it’s drying your skin, the sun is not helpful in healing acne. The sun can inflame and dry your skin which causes your skin to produce more oil, ultimately making it worse.
- Toothpaste can clear a pimple. Toothpaste and other household items are not safe on your skin. The fluorides in toothpaste can even worsen acne. Opt for a spot treatment instead that contains salicylic acid. Your skin will thank you in the long run.
- Pores open and close. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Since pores don’t have muscles, they can’t open and close. Steam can loosen the oils built up in pores and once clear, they can appear smaller.
- Dirty skin causes acne. Acne isn’t caused by uncleanliness. Washing your face twice a day is more than enough to remove bacteria and surface oil.
- Greasy food causes acne. Chocolate, french fries and other junk food have little to no effect on acne. There is no scientific evidence that these foods cause acne, so indulge all you want!
- Exfoliate as much as possible. Scrubbing your face really hard doesn’t just wash acne away. If you end up scrubbing too hard, it can inflame your acne, making it even worse.
- Acne only affects people with oily skin. People with all different skin types suffer from acne. All skin types can develop whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
- Makeup causes acne. Makeup can only irritate your skin if you’re using the wrong products. Foundations that are oil-free and lightweight won’t cause any issues, unless you forget to remove them at night. Don’t forget to wash your face before bed to remove any makeup and oil.
- Acne will go away, so you don’t need to treat it. Acne is chronic, meaning it can last a long time. It’s a condition which means it exists on your skin beneath the surface. You should always be concerned with managing your acne, and we can help.
What is a cyst?
A skin cyst is a lump that is filled with fluid and appears just beneath the skin. They are quite common, and harmless most of the time.
- Be yellow or white in colour
- Have a dark plug that can be squeezed to release pus
- Vary in size but grow up to a few centimetres wide
Typically, cysts aren’t painful, but they can become sore if they get infected.
The cause of a skin cyst can be attributed to a protein called keratin that is produced by the skin. Normally, keratin cells move up to the surface of the skin when they die so that they can be shed. However, sometimes they can move deeper into the skin and multiply, forming a sac under the skin.
Anybody can develop cysts, but you are more likely to develop them if you have been through puberty, struggle with acne, or have damaged hair follicles. It is worth noting that skin cysts are not contagious.
Can skin cysts go away on their own?
Unless a cyst is infected, it should disappear on its own. If it keeps growing or becomes sore and red, then an infection may have developed.
Most cysts are harmless and don’t need medical attention, but they can become infected if you try to burst them and allow bacteria to get into the wound. You can also spread the infection this way too, so if you think the cyst is infected, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.
What is a lesion?
Skin lesions can be caused by injury or damage to the skin, and they will often cause the skin to look different in that particular area. They can occur anywhere on the body.
- Flat marks that are a different colour to your skin tone
- Raised bumps
- Blisters filled with fluid
- Raised bumps filled with pus or white fluid
Acne, birthmarks, and sunburn may be classified as skin lesions.
There are many reasons why you may develop a skin lesion. The causes of skin lesions can include:
- Sunburn
- Allergic reactions (to allergens such as insect bites)
- Injuries or wounds
- Bacterial infections like herpes
- Viral infections such as HIV
- Underlying medical conditions such as cancer or autoimmune diseases
Sometimes, a skin lesion can itch, swell and cause you pain, but that doesn’t always mean that it is infected. If you notice that the lesion is getting bigger, causing severe pain, leaking blood or pus and refusing to heal, then you must seek medical attention so that it can be treated.
Are skin lesions contagious?
It will depend on the cause of your skin lesion as to whether or not it is contagious. Viruses and bacteria can be spread to other people and cause the same skin lesion. For example, impetigo is a contagious skin condition that can cause skin lesions so it will impact others who come into contact with your lesion.
Treatment for skin lesions will depend entirely on their cause. Usually, a topical lotion or oral medication will be prescribed or recommended to help heal them. In some cases, they may need further investigation to see if an underlying cause needs to be treated first. If the lesions are identified as cancerous, surgery and other medication may be needed.
The best way to know for sure what type of treatment your skin lesion needs is to visit a doctor.
What is a lipoma?
Skin lipomas are fatty, soft lumps that develop under the skin and rarely need treatment. They are usually painless. Key features of skin lipomas include:
- Soft and ‘doughy’ to touch
- Range in size — can be as small as a pea or grow to a few centimetres wide
- Move slightly when pressed
- No pain
- Slow growth
- No colour — they are the same colour as your skin tone
Skin lipomas are caused by an overgrowth of fat cells in the body. People with a family history of lipomas have a higher risk of developing them.
Skin lipomas can grow on any part of the body, but they are more commonly seen on the neck, shoulders, arms, and thighs.
Can lipomas be cancerous?
Lipomas are not cancerous — a cancerous tumour of fat cells is called liposarcoma. It is also rare for a lipoma to develop into a liposarcoma. However, you must speak with a doctor if you notice any changes to your lipomas.
Most of the time, lipomas do not require treatment. But if it is bothering you, then a dermatologist may be able to help treat it using steroid injections to shrink it.
Alternatively, surgery can be used to remove the growth from under the skin.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags are small, skin-colored growths that appear most commonly on the neck, in the armpits, around the groin, under the breasts, and on the eyelids. They can grow up to 5cm wide and can sometimes vary slightly in color.
Skin tags hang off the skin and can be slightly raised, giving them a wart-like appearance — however, they are not contagious.
Skin tags are made of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Causes can include:
- Hormonal changes in pregnancy
- Ageing
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chafing due to skin folds
Skin tags are often harmless and don’t need treatment unless they are impacting you on a daily basis. For example, they may affect your self-confidence or catch regularly onto clothing or jewelry.
What are skin tags a sign of?
Some people may worry that skin tags are a sign of skin cancer.
However, skin tags are not cancerous themselves, but they can be confused with cancerous growths on the skin. Skin tags do not usually change in color or size, so if you notice these changes, you should seek advice from a dermatologist.
The main differences between cysts, lesions, lipomas and skin tags
There are quite a few differences between cysts, lesions, lipomas, and skin tags.
For example, cysts and lipomas develop beneath the surface of the skin, but a skin tag is visible on top of the skin. Cysts can leak pus when squeezed, however, skin tags, lipomas, and lesions do not. If you notice that any skin tags, lipoma or lesions do start to leak pus, you will need to seek medical advice.
Another distinction is the cause of the skin condition. For instance, lesions can be caused by injuries, but cysts, lipomas, and skin tags can be the result of something happening inside the body, like a build-up of fatty cells.
Skin lesions can also, potentially, be contagious but cysts, lipomas, and skin tags are not contagious at all.
When to see a dermatologist
If you’re concerned that your skin growth isn’t getting better, no matter what kind it is, then it’s important that you see a doctor.
It is also vital that you look out for signs of infection. These can include pus leaking out of the site, fever, chills, and vomiting. Pay attention to the size and color of your skin growth as well — if it changes, then it needs to be checked by an expert.
Knowing the difference between any skin growths that you have can help you know whether you need to seek medical treatment or not.
Have you ever noticed a few tiny-sized bumps, either white or yellow, around your nose area, cheeks, or the skin surrounding your eyelids? Milia is the medical term for those pesky bumps, which are small cysts forming under the skin. They occur when little dead skin flakes or the protein keratin get stuck underneath the skin and grow to a size of one to two millimeters. Usually, newborns are more vulnerable to having milia, although anyone of any age, gender, or ethnicity can get them.
If you are concerned about milia, this comprehensive guide is just for you. Read on to understand all aspects of the skin condition. Let’s delve deeper into it and understand the causes, types, prevention, and treatment techniques associated with milia.
What Causes Milia?
Milia is caused by dead skin cells that become trapped beneath the layer of your skin and form cysts. Your body will inevitably lose dead skin cells to make way for fresh cells to proliferate and replace the ones lost. This process is called exfoliation.
When dead skin cells do not shed naturally from the body, new skin cells develop on top of them and trap the dead cells underneath as they do so. Your dead skin cells begin to stiffen and form cysts around your nose, cheeks, trunk, limbs, and chest area.
Milia could also emerge due to other factors, including:
- An injury or prolonged exposure to the sun, causing skin damage
- Consumption of steroid creams or ointments for an extended period
- A symptom of a hereditary disease or deficiency
- An autoimmune response
- Not practicing an appropriate skincare routine
- Using makeup or cosmetics that block your pores
- Not getting enough sleep
- You suffer from a skin ailment such as eczema, rosacea, or dandruff
Types of Milias
Here are the most prominent types of milia recognized in medical settings.
Neonatal Milia
It’s estimated that up to half of all newborns can have milia. They typically vanish on their own after a few weeks. The nose is the most common location for neonatal milia, but it can also show up on the scalp, cheek, upper trunk, and inside the mouth.
Remember that neonatal milia and neonatal acne are two distinct conditions. Milia is often of a consistent size and does not have any redness, in contrast to the white bumps of neonatal acne, which can fluctuate in size and are frequently accompanied by redness.
Milia may already be apparent from birth, although neonatal acne typically does not show up until around two weeks following birth.
Primary Milia
The forehead, eyelids, genitals, and cheeks are typical locations for primary milia to appear. Primary milia can affect people of any age, including children and adults. They might go away on their own after a few weeks, but they might also stick around for a few months if no treatment is provided. Also, they can show up at the nasal crease in young toddlers.
Milia en Plaque
This condition results in many milia being found clustered around a broader, flatter region that is elevated above the skin that surrounds it. Such skin patches or plaques typically have distinct borders that can be precisely defined. Milia en plaque can infect people of all ages. However, it is most common in middle-aged women. The typical spots for its appearance are on the eyelids, face or jaw, and behind the ears.
This issue is pretty rare and is mainly linked to a variety of other skin conditions, such as:
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- Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
- Lichen Planus
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
- Multiple Eruptive Milia
It is also a rare form of milia, characterized by the gradual appearance of many bumps in the same region over a few weeks or months. In many cases, this is the sole symptom. However, the affected region could also feel a bit irritated or itchy. Such milia are most likely to develop on the upper arms, upper trunk, and face.
Traumatic Milia
This condition, which follows an injury to the skin, is also known as secondary milia, and it may involve the following:
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- Skin resurfacing methods, such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, etc.
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight
- Blistering that occurs as a result of an allergic reaction or skin condition
How Can You Prevent Milia?
Although there is no foolproof way to avoid getting it, milia and other skin conditions can be avoided by taking appropriate care of your skin as an adult.
Use Moisturizers and Sunscreens
Always protect your skin from the sun and keep it moisturized. Milia is a condition that frequently results from overexposure to the sun. Your skin will eventually grow leathery, making it more problematic for the dead cells to shed off.
Regularly applying sunscreen and moisturizer will make your skin radiant and flexible, letting it repair and replenish itself as it should. Always remember to use sunscreen—even when it’s cold outside—especially if you spend a lot of time indoors near a window.
Steer Clear of Heavy Ointments and Creams
These can cause your skin to become irritated and block your pores, preventing your body’s natural exfoliation process.
Make Sure Your Face Is Neat and Clean
Your skin pores will become clogged due to the accumulation of dirt and sweat. Acne and other skin issues may develop as a result of this. Cleaning your face of the dirt and oil that accumulates throughout the day will help your skin to exfoliate naturally. Keeping your face cleaner and fresh will assist your skin in shedding the dead cells that accumulate there.
Educate Your Child
If both you and your children have a history of milia eruptions, make sure your kids understand the significance of taking care of their skin. Good habits are best inculcated by young. When your kids are old enough to understand, show them how to shield themselves from the sun rays, including how to apply sunscreen, how to use caps and other protective clothes.
How Can You Get Rid of Milia?
As a purely cosmetic problem, milia are nothing to be overly concerned about; they don’t cause scarring, don’t typically result in further issues, and often disappear on their own with time. However, many people who develop milia on their faces aren’t quite happy with them and can benefit from treatment.
Treating Milia at Home
Although a plethora of home remedies are available for milia, there’s no better alternative to seeking professional help. Although no treatment guarantees to eliminate milia immediately every time, these procedures generally have a low risk of side effects.
For example, cinnamon, honey, and rose extracts have all been shown to have antibacterial characteristics. These properties may make them helpful in treating a variety of skin conditions. However, there is little research on the efficacy of these treatments for milia.
Here are some good practices to help prevent and manage milia.
- Clean the target spot daily. Use a mild soap to avoid irritating your skin while cleaning. Ideally, you should prefer to buy soaps developed for people with sensitive skin.
- Open up your skin pores with steam. Taking a steamy shower while bathing is a great way to open up the pores.
- Periodic exfoliation is key. Exfoliation of the affected area is highly recommended. However, you should avoid exfoliating too frequently, as doing so daily can aggravate skin irritation.
- Use topical retinoids. These are derived from Vitamin A and come in the form of creams or gels in the market. While topical retinoids are intended for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions, they might also serve you well in the case of milia.
- Use sunscreen. As discussed, sunscreen is a preventive measure and a treatment. Try using sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ to achieve the best protection and results.
One thing to remember is that you should prevent yourself from scratching or plucking milia at all costs. Interfering with the healing process in this way raises the possibility of infection and may result in long-term scarring.
Professional Treatment Options for Milia
Several effective clinical treatments have been developed to try to get rid of milia. Some of these are:
- Curettage: The dermatologist will numb the region, eradicate the milia by ‘scooping’ it up, and then use a hot wire to seal the skin.
- De-roofing: The milia are removed by a specialist using a sterile needle or blade.
- Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is employed in this process to remove the milia. Possible side effects include blistering and swelling, which should clear up in a few days.
- Minocycline: This oral antibiotic is effective against milia en plaque and other types of milia.
Except for minocycline, which is a medication, all these procedures can potentially cause scarring although they only last for a short span of time. Long-term scarring or other serious side effects are very rare.
Having milia isn’t necessarily harmful to your health, but you’re certainly not alone if you’re concerned about them appearing on your skin. The experts at Pine Belt Dermatology are here for you. Ask us about any concerns you may have or learn more about this issue. Get in touch with our dermatologist for more information.
Let’s look at some of the common questions about birthmarks and debunk some myths associated with them.
Birthmarks are something so common that we often don’t give them a second thought. We consider them as vital identification marks, unique to every individual.
Science is still not sure about what causes birthmarks to appear and what purpose do they serve. But there are a number of myths surrounding the cause, nature, and purpose of birthmarks.
What is a Birthmark?
A birthmark is a colored mark or a blemish under the skin which usually appears at the time of birth. While some birthmarks might fade with age, others might stay and get bigger and darker.
Birthmarks are usually harmless until they start growing abnormally. It might feel like millions of cells growing over an area and rupturing the skin. Such abnormalities not only hamper one’s physical appearance but if neglected, can lead to huge tumors which might turn malignant.
These lumps and irregular growths leave dark patches on the skin. Such lumps form a type of malformation.
What is a Malformation?
A malformation is a soft, lumpy, blue mark on the skin caused by abnormal veins. It starts when the blood vessel’s muscle layer slows down blood flow, leading to clot formation.
These anomalies are also known as birthmarks, birth defects, congenital disorders, or congenital malformations.
Vascular malformations can occur in any part of the body, most common being the legs, arms, and faces.
Common Myths Associated with Birthmarks
- Birthmarks Are a Sign of Maternal Impression: This myth suggests that if a woman experiences a strong emotion during her pregnancy and touches a specific part of her body, then the baby is born with a birthmark on that part of the body. This is an absolute myth and there’s no scientific evidence to prove it.
- Birthmarks Signify Prosperity: It is a myth that birthmarks can predict future prosperity or underline some special personality traits of the newborn. They are merely colored marks under the skin with no link to a person’s personality or prosperity.
- Birthmarks Are Caused By Solar Eclipse: This is one of the most common myths that pregnant women who witness the eclipse might end up causing their babies to have some form of deformity or birthmarks. Another myth is that birthmarks are caused due to any condition or disease in either of the parents because of something they might have eaten. None of these so-called facts have any basis in science.
NOT a Myth: Birthmarks can enlarge
Yes, birthmarks can enlarge and start growing abnormally. When a birthmark is too close to the skin, there are high chances of injury which might cause the blood vessels to rupture and cause torrential bleeding. They can also clot up and cause extreme pain. It is advisable to seek immediate medical help in such cases.
When To See a Dermatologist?
A simple test to know whether your birthmark is a cause for worry or not is to close your eyes and feel your birthmark. If you can feel any type of lump or irregularity, then you must get an MRI scan done to know how deep or superficial your birthmark is. Based on the test results, your dermatologist can suggest further treatment.
Birthmarks usually grow proportionately with the growth of the body. So a smaller birthmark as a child might grow in size as you grow up. But when the growth is abnormal or disproportionate, you must immediately consult a doctor and get it tested.
The phrase “skin lesion” covers a wide range of color changes, lumps and bumps, patches, rashes, and other things on or under the skin. Freckles, moles, areas of itchy, dry skin, and many other marks all qualify as skin lesions. Many are normal, but a few can be deadly.
1. Not all the brown spots on your skin are moles.
- Moles are collections of melanocytes—a type of pigment-producing cell. They can be flat or elevated, brown, black, or pink, and they often appear early in life. Moles generally stop appearing after age 40. Over time, they have the potential to develop into skin cancer.
- But not all dark spots on your skin are moles. They can also be harmless freckles or sun spots—which are flat spots that occur in sun-exposed areas due to UV exposure. Brown spots that occur after age 40 are often seborrheic keratosis, also known as wisdom or age spots. They are elevated brown bumps that can have a waxy or crusty texture. Though their appearance may be concerning, they are not made up of melanocytes, so they do not carry a risk of skin cancer.
2. Scar tissue can also appear as a brown spot or bump on the skin.
A dermatofibroma is a flat or slightly elevated bump with a white to purple scar tissue center surrounded by a brown rim. Dermatofibromas are benign.
3. Rashes are skin lesions, too. And the most common rash culprit may surprise you.
A rash is composed of skin lesions that may cover a small or large area of skin. Rashes can happen for lots of reasons, but one of the most common causes is a reaction to personal care products like creams, lotions, soaps, and shampoos. The fragrances and other substances in these products can often irritate the skin, Fiessinger said. Clothing-related products like detergents and fabric softeners also fall into this category. Even though these products are not applied directly to the skin, the chemicals contained in them can linger in the clothing that you wear.
If you think a personal care product may be causing a rash, Fiessinger recommends switching from your current product to a gentler, fragrance-free version. People can develop sensitivities to products at any time, even if you have been using the same product for years without experiencing any negative effects. In addition, companies are always changing ingredients and formulations of their products, so there may be a new substance in your go-to product that you’re reacting to.
If you switch products and the rash doesn’t go away, then it’s time to visit a dermatologist to determine the cause.
4. How often should you get a skin exam? It depends.
There aren’t one-size-fits-all guidelines for when people should follow up with a dermatologist. In general, it’s smart to go in for an appointment any time you see something on your skin that concerns you. At that initial appointment, the dermatologist will talk with you about your family history and assess your skin cancer risk. This will help your doctor determine when you should come back for your next screening appointment. There’s no substitute for a dermatologist’s trained eye, and catching problems early can make all the difference.
