What should you know about lash line milia?

Milia are firm, pearly white or skin-coloured bumps formed when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface. Near the lash line they can resemble a whitehead or another type of skin bump. They are different from an inflamed stye, which is often tender and swollen, and from lesions that grow, bleed, or change colour. An eye-area examination is useful when the appearance is uncertain or the bump is close to the eyelid margin.

Do not pierce, scrape, or squeeze a lash-line bump; this can injure delicate skin, introduce infection, or affect the eye. Use gentle cleansing and avoid abrasive scrubs or heavy products that irritate the area. A clinician can remove a suitable lesion with a sterile technique. For recurring or widespread milia, topical retinoids may sometimes be discussed, but products near the eyes require specific instructions. Curettage and cautery is another clinician-led option for selected lesions.

Arrange assessment if the bump is painful, red, rapidly enlarging, associated with discharge, or affecting vision. Seek prompt care after any attempted home removal if there is bleeding that continues, marked swelling, eye pain, or worsening redness. A persistent or changing eyelid lesion should be examined rather than repeatedly treated as milia.

Ask whether the bump is milia, whether its exact position makes removal risky, which technique is appropriate, and how to care for the area afterward. Ask which eye-area products to avoid and when a recurring lesion needs further review.