Milia deep under the skin: what to know

A milium is enclosed beneath the outer layer rather than sitting in an open pore. This can make it feel like a bead or grain under otherwise normal skin. Common sites include the eyelids, cheekbones, and forehead. A deep, firm bump is not automatically milia: a dermatologist may also consider acne-related lesions, blocked pores, or another cyst, particularly if there is redness, tenderness, or growth.

Keep the area clean with a mild cleanser and leave the surface intact. Avoid repeated rubbing, strong exfoliation, or trying to open the bump with a pin. A clinician may recommend observation, a topical retinoid for selected cases, or controlled extraction with curettage and cautery. Treatment near the eye needs particular care, and the safest choice depends on the bump's depth, size, and exact position.

Book an appointment if the bump persists and bothers you, feels fixed, becomes sore, or is difficult to distinguish from another lesion. Prompt assessment is sensible for bleeding, ulceration, marked swelling, sudden change, or any effect on eyesight. A photo or examination can help track a subtle change without repeated touching.

Does the depth and texture fit milia? Could another kind of skin bump look similar? Would monitoring, a topical medicine, or a procedure suit this location? How should I care for the area afterward, and what colour change should prompt a review?