White Points - Millet Grains

superficial surfaces filled with keratin, with a semi-solid consistency and a rounded and golden appearance. millet grains for their striking resemblance to the tiny seeds of this grass.

Fortunately harmless, whiteheads are however not well accepted by those who suffer from them, above all because they tend to grow on the nose, around the eyes or on the cheeks, therefore precisely in those areas most exposed to the gaze of others. For this reason, many men and women tormented by this imperfection turn to the dermatologist to proceed with the removal of white spots.

Please note
In common parlance, the term "white spots" can refer to two different ailments: millet grains and closed comedones. Although apparently similar, the two types of whiteheads differ in their triggering causes and treatment. In this article we will focus exclusively on millet grains.

of the fleece hairs (short, soft and so fine hairs to go unnoticed).
Millet grains are not characteristic of a particular age group (as is the case for acne, a typical disorder of puberty): these white spots can in fact appear during the neonatal period, in infancy or in adulthood.

they are not precise and unambiguous. However, experts have postulated many hypotheses about the origin of these imperfections.
In the first place, the formation of white spots seems to be favored both by a lack of / inadequate cleaning of the face, and by the repeated application of make-up cosmetics unsuitable for one's skin type (too aggressive or excessively occlusive). , even an incorrect cleansing of the face with irritating or strongly degreasing cleansers can alter and impoverish the hydrolipidic film that covers the epidermis, to the point of favoring the appearance of these imperfections.
A certain correlation was also observed between the origin of millet grains and an incomplete or non-development of the sebaceous glands.
Even the presence of burns, abrasions, dermabrasions or scars (in particular those left by "acne) on the skin can favor the formation and development of millet grains. Again, these imperfections can be a consequence of an" exaggerated and continuous exposure to rays UV rays from the sun or tanning lamps, especially in the absence of adequate sun protection.
In the adult, the birth of millet grains can be somehow connected with more serious dermatological pathologies, first of all lichen planus *, porphyria * and epidermolysis bullosa *.

In still other cases, however, millet grains can be a side effect of a pharmacological treatment based on corticosteroid creams or radiotherapy: while in the first case the white spots tend to appear in areas of skin atrophy (caused precisely by pharmacological treatment ), in the second circumstance millet grains sprout following the destruction of the skin and skin appendages caused by the radiological treatment.

Glossary

• Lichen planus: chronic inflammatory immunological dermatosis that affects the skin, mucous membranes and nails.
• Porphyria: clinical syndrome affecting the skin and nervous system. A typical sign of porphyria is the emission of very dark red urine (very similar to wine).
• Epidermolysis bullosa: genetic disease that affects some skin proteins, such as in particular collagen, keratin and other protein compounds with adhesive properties. It manifests itself with vesicles, bubbles and detachment of the skin and mucous membranes following microtraumas.

Millet grains in infants

Young children can also be affected by these whiteheads, but the underlying causes are different from those listed above for adults and adolescents. Probably, the explanation of the development of millet grains in newborns lies in a transient keratinization stimulated by hormonal influences not yet fully clarified from the scientific point of view. Whiteheads that grow during neonatal age - unlike those of adulthood - constitute a completely reversible condition.

(although, as we know, the habit of exploding pimples is still not a recommended practice, since the infection could spread to nearby locations).

White spots can be evacuated by simply making a micro cut on the epidermal dome of the cyst, followed by squeezing the material contained in it. Alternatively, millet grains can be removed with the CO2 laser, after local anesthesia with lidocaine-based creams.
To support the treatment, we recommend the regular application of creams with an exfoliating action (keratolytic): creams with glycolic and salicylic acid are particularly suitable.

(max.a couple of times a week) is a good habit to keep these small imperfections at bay.
It is also recommended to always use quality make-up products and not excessively occluding; on the other hand, soaps that are too degreasing and irritating should be avoided.

Therefore, the cosmetics used must be specific for your skin type (dry, sensitive, normal, combination, oily, etc.). In case of doubts about it, it is always useful to make a specialist visit to the dermatologist who will be able to give exhaustive indications on which products are best suited to each patient.

Cheeks

Chin

MAIN CAUSES

• Failure / incorrect facial cleansing
• Cleansing with excessively degreasing or aggressive soaps
• Incomplete development of the sebaceous glands
• Skin disorders (lichen planus, porphyria, epidermolysis bullosa)
• Treatment with cortisone creams
• Radiotherapy
• Burns, bruises, dermabrasions or acne scars
• Transient keratinization in the newborn, linked to hormonal alterations

TREATMENTS

• White spots in the newborn: no type of treatment is necessary because they regress spontaneously
• Millet grains in adults: require surgical removal with a laser or incision of the cysts with the tip of a scalpel or a sterile needle (the "intervention must" be performed by an expert, and always in a sterile environment)
• Treatment to prevent white spots: chemical exfoliation and application of exfoliating creams