What should you know about keratin milia?

Keratin milia are tiny surface cysts that often look like firm white bumps and should not be squeezed at home. They commonly occur around the eyes, cheeks, or eyelids and may cause no discomfort. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis when the bumps persist or their appearance is atypical.

Milia form when keratin becomes trapped in a small pocket just below the skin surface. They are different from whiteheads, which involve a blocked pore and may have other acne features. Milia can appear after skin irritation or injury, or without an obvious trigger. Their firm texture means ordinary squeezing rarely clears them and may cause redness, infection, or a mark. Milia are not the same as every white or skin-coloured bump.

Use gentle cleansing and avoid heavy rubbing around the eyes. Do not pierce milia with a home tool. If they are persistent or bothersome, a professional may release them carefully, use curettage and cautery, or consider a topical retinoid when appropriate. Retinoids can irritate sensitive skin and should be selected with attention to the treatment area, pregnancy status, and other medicines. Introduce no new active product near the eyes without advice.

Arrange a review if a bump is painful, rapidly changing, inflamed, bleeding, crusted, or affecting vision. Seek prompt care for marked eyelid swelling, spreading redness, or eye pain. A cluster of bumps that does not match typical milia, or one that repeatedly returns in the same place, deserves confirmation rather than repeated home treatment.

Ask whether the bumps are milia or whiteheads, whether treatment is needed, and which option is safest near the eyes. Discuss irritation, pigment changes, aftercare, and whether a retinoid fits your skin and health history.