Ear milia: what to know

Milia often look like tiny white or pearly bumps just beneath the surface of the skin. They are not the same as acne whiteheads, which form in a pore, and they may occur on the outer ear, behind the ear, or near the ear canal opening. Several small skin bumps can look alike, especially if the area is irritated, so a changing, painful, or unusual lesion should be checked rather than diagnosed from appearance alone.

Clean the outer ear gently and avoid picking, scraping, or using a pin. Keep hair and skincare products from repeatedly rubbing the area, and do not put creams or drops into the ear canal unless they were recommended for that purpose. If the bump persists or bothers you, a clinician may remove it with a sterile technique such as curettage and cautery. In selected cases, topical retinoids may be discussed, but treatment must account for the delicate skin around the ear.

Seek medical advice for increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, hearing changes, or a bump that bleeds or grows. Arrange a review if the lesion is close to the ear canal, keeps returning, or has not been clearly identified. Urgent care is appropriate for severe pain, sudden hearing loss, or rapidly spreading swelling.

Ask whether the bump is milia or another skin lesion, whether it is safe to observe, which removal method suits its location, and how to protect the ear afterward.