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What should you know about dark milia?

How the structures involved in Milia differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Milia differ from normal

Short answer

Dark milia may be a small keratin cyst with surrounding pigment, but a dark bump should be examined if its identity is uncertain.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Usual milia appearance
Firm, smooth, pale or skin-coloured small cysts
Avoid
Squeezing or piercing a bump, especially near the eye

Why a tiny bump may look dark

Classic milia are firm, smooth, and often white or skin-coloured because keratin is trapped beneath the surface. A darker appearance may reflect nearby pigment, older inflammation, a small scab, or a lesion that is not milia. They are often found around the eyelids and cheeks and do not behave like open pores. [Milia](/conditions/milia/) explains the condition, while [Skin Bumps](/symptoms/skin-bumps/) and [Whiteheads](/symptoms/whiteheads/) cover similar-looking concerns.

What you can do

Do not squeeze, pierce, or scrape a dark bump near the eye; this can introduce infection or leave a mark. Use gentle cleansing and non-comedogenic moisturiser, and pause products that sting. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis and may recommend observation, a carefully selected [Topical Retinoids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-retinoids/) plan, or in-office [Curettage And Cautery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/curettage-and-cautery/). Retinoids need particular caution near the eyes and during pregnancy, so follow medical instructions.

When to seek care

Arrange a skin examination when a bump is genuinely dark, new, changing, bleeding, crusting, tender, or unlike your other spots. Seek prompt care for rapid growth, spreading redness, pus, or significant swelling around the eye. A stable, tiny, painless bump can usually be assessed routinely, but its colour makes confirmation worthwhile before removal.

Questions for your doctor

Does this look like milia on examination? Could it be a pigmented lesion or an inflamed cyst instead? Is treatment needed, and which removal method is safest for its location and my skin?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Are dark milia common?

Milia are usually pale, so a distinctly dark bump deserves an examination rather than an assumption.

Can I remove milia at home?

Home extraction can cause infection and scarring; professional removal is safer when removal is appropriate.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.