What Should You Know About Milia Dermatology?

Milia are small, firm, pearl-like cysts containing trapped keratin, and dermatology can confirm the diagnosis and remove them safely when needed. They often appear as white or skin-coloured bumps on the eyelids, cheeks, nose, or other parts of the face. Milia are not the same as acne, and squeezing them at home can injure the skin without releasing the cyst.

A milium is a tiny cyst just beneath the skin surface. It forms when keratin, a protein found in the outer skin layer, becomes enclosed instead of shedding normally. Milia can develop without an obvious trigger. They may also follow skin irritation, an injury, a burn, or the healing of another skin problem. Some babies have milia from birth, while children and adults can develop them later.

A dermatologist can usually recognise milia by their appearance and feel. A bump that is inflamed, painful, rapidly changing, bleeding, or associated with a rash may need a different assessment because not every white facial bump is a milium.

Use a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing, picking, needles, or home extraction tools. Choose skincare that does not sting or leave the area irritated, and protect exposed skin from sunlight while it heals. Review thick creams, ointments, or makeup with a clinician if bumps began after a product change; a product may be contributing to blocked shedding even when it is not the only cause.

If milia persist or bother you, a dermatologist may open and remove the cyst with a sterile technique. Depending on the number, location, skin type, and previous irritation, options can include a prescribed topical retinoid or a procedure such as curettage and cautery. Treatment around the eyes requires particular care. Do not apply prescription products close to the eyelids unless a clinician has given clear instructions.

Arrange a dermatology appointment if the bumps are persistent, spreading, recurring after removal, or difficult to distinguish from acne or another rash. Seek prompt medical advice if an area becomes very red, warm, swollen, painful, or starts draining, or if a bump changes quickly or affects vision. A clinician can also check milia that developed after a burn, injury, or significant skin inflammation and help reduce the chance of scarring from self-treatment.

Ask whether the bumps are milia or another condition, whether any current skincare could be aggravating them, and which removal option fits their location. If a topical retinoid is suggested, ask where to apply it, how often to use it, and what to do if the skin becomes dry or irritated. For a procedure, ask about expected healing, aftercare, and signs of infection.