What should you know about brown milia on face?

Milia form when keratin becomes trapped just beneath the skin surface. They often feel firm, have a smooth dome and do not behave like typical acne. On deeper or recently irritated skin, the surface can appear tan or brown rather than pearly white. Similar-looking lesions include whiteheads, blocked pores, small moles and other skin bumps, so colour and location are not enough for a reliable diagnosis. New clusters can follow skin injury or a strong inflammatory rash.

Use a gentle cleanser, avoid picking and protect the area from sun exposure, which can make leftover darkening more noticeable. Heavy occlusive products may aggravate some people, so introduce facial products one at a time. A dermatologist can release an individual cyst with a sterile technique. For persistent or numerous lesions, treatment may include topical retinoids or curettage and cautery, selected for the location and your skin’s tendency to mark. Read more about Milia, Topical Retinoids and Curettage And Cautery.

Book a review if a bump is rapidly enlarging, bleeding, painful, inflamed, very dark, or unlike the others. Arrange assessment when a lesion sits close to the eyelid and repeatedly catches or affects vision. Prompt review is also useful when home squeezing has caused redness, swelling or discharge, because infection or a different diagnosis may need treatment.

Ask whether the lesion is truly milia, whether a skin examination is enough, and which removal method is safest for its position. Discuss the chance of temporary redness or pigment change, aftercare, and whether a retinoid is suitable if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant.