What should you know about chest milia?

Milia develop when keratin becomes trapped just beneath the skin surface. On the chest they usually appear as pearly white or skin-coloured, dome-shaped bumps that feel firm rather than soft. They are different from whiteheads because they are not ordinary clogged pores, and they are not contagious. Irritation, skin injury, heavy products, or a burn can sometimes precede them, though a clinician may need to inspect the bumps to confirm the diagnosis.

Keep the area clean with a mild cleanser and choose non-comedogenic, lightweight skin products. Do not pierce, scrape, or squeeze chest milia: these actions can cause infection, scarring, or prolonged redness. If treatment is wanted, a dermatologist can remove selected lesions with a sterile technique. Depending on the pattern and underlying skin, they may also consider topical retinoids or curettage and cautery. Protect irritated skin from friction while it heals and follow the aftercare instructions provided.

Book an assessment if bumps multiply quickly, become painful, red, warm, itchy, or draining, or do not resemble typical milia. Seek prompt care for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, fever, or rapidly spreading blistering. A review is especially useful when a new chest eruption could instead be acne, folliculitis, or contact irritation.

Are these bumps milia or whiteheads? What may have triggered them on my chest? Should I stop any heavy cream or oil? Would a topical retinoid help, and what removal method would minimise irritation or pigment change for my skin?