What should you know about curettage milia?

Milia are small, firm, often white or skin-coloured cysts containing trapped keratin. They are not the same as acne whiteheads, even though both can look like pale bumps. A clinician may use a sterile instrument to make a small opening and gently curette the material. This is different from squeezing at home, which can injure surrounding skin and leave a mark. Milia around the eyes need particular care because the skin is delicate and the diagnosis should be clear before removal.

Do not lance, squeeze, or scrape a bump yourself. Tell the clinician about medicines that affect bleeding, a tendency to form prominent scars, and any active eye or skin infection. After treatment, follow the cleansing instructions, avoid rubbing the area, and keep cosmetics away from an open site until advised. Some people with recurring milia may be offered topical retinoids or a review of skincare habits, but these products can irritate and should be used only as directed.

Have a bump assessed if it changes quickly, bleeds, becomes painful, or does not resemble your usual milia. Contact the clinic for increasing redness, swelling, pus, worsening pain, or a wound that remains open. Seek prompt eye care for vision change, severe eye pain, or swelling that affects the eye itself. A recurring cluster may need a different diagnosis or treatment plan.

Are these definitely milia, and is curettage suitable for their location? Will you use local numbing? How should I clean the site, and when may I resume skincare or makeup? What can help prevent new lesions?