How is milia treated?

Milia are tiny, firm, usually white or skin-coloured cysts formed from trapped keratin beneath the surface. They commonly appear around the eyelids, cheeks, or nose and differ from whiteheads, which involve a blocked pore. Some settle; others remain and cause cosmetic concern.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or scrape milia at home, especially near the eyes; this can cause infection, scarring, or injury. Use gentle cleansing and a non-comedogenic moisturiser. A clinician may recommend a topical retinoid for selected cases, considering sensitivity and pregnancy. Professional extraction, or curettage and cautery, can remove a persistent cyst when appropriate.

Arrange an examination if a bump is painful, red, draining, rapidly changing, or not clearly milia. Seek care for swelling around the eye, vision changes, or signs of infection. Assessment helps when many bumps follow skin injury or treatment.

Is this milia or another skin bump? Should it be left alone? Would extraction or a retinoid suit this location? What aftercare reduces irritation or marking?