Warning to people who have small white spots that appear all over body as doctor explains how to get rid of them
You could end up doing yourself some damage
We've all probably woken up to a new spot right before a big interview or first date but sometimes the method of getting rid of them simply isn't worth it.
While red spots and blackheads can safely be dealt with at home, even if it means you have to take drastic action.
However, dermatologists have issued a health warning when it comes to treating small white spots, which have been known to pop up all over the body, whether it be your face or your downstairs region.
The white spots, which are also known as milia or milk spots, occur when dead cells become trapped under the surface of the skin, and while that might sound alarming, the spots are actually completely harmless.
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Cleveland Clinic also suggests that sun exposure, steroid creams and autoimmune responses can also lead to a person developing milia, but while you might be desperate to get rid of them, you can actually do yourself a lot of harm by attempting to remove them at home.
Since the spots are under the skin's surface, it's pretty tricky to get rid of them, and you're likely to cause scarring on your skin by trying to dig them out.
Speaking to Women's Health, doctor Marnie Nussbaum explained how milia are different from whiteheads, and why you're best off speaking to a dermatologist before doing anything yourself.
She said: "Milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts on the surface of the skin. They are often confused with whiteheads or acne breakouts. However, these bumps are filled with hard balls of keratin, as opposed to liquid sebum and bacteria. "And they cannot be extracted easily."
Instead of trying to squeeze it out, which won't work, the doctor instead suggested using a cleanser or exfoliator, which helps get rid of dead skin cells on your face, while Retinol is also an option.
She said: "Retinols are extremely helpful in preventing and treating milia, as they increase skin-cell turnover and therefore help bring cells to the surface to prevent their formation."
If you're wanting a quicker fix then it's a trip to a dermatologist, who will extract the keratin with a sterile needle.
Dr Nussbaum also shared some advice on how to keep your skin feeling fresh and therefore less likely to develop milia.
She concluded: "It is essential to properly cleanse the skin twice daily to remove dead skin cells, extra sebum, and product."
So lads, please put any fragile masculinity you might have to the side and make sure you've got yourself a healthy nighttime skincare routine, otherwise you might end up paying the price in the long term.
Topics: Health
James Moorhouse