Should you pop milia?

Milia are closed pockets of keratin beneath the surface, rather than soft material sitting in an open pore. They often feel like tiny, hard grains and may be found on the eyelids, under the eyes, cheeks, or forehead. A [Whiteheads](/symptoms/whiteheads/) page can help explain a similar-looking pore blockage, but a clinician may need to inspect the bump to tell the difference.

Pressure can break the skin without releasing the cyst. The resulting irritation may cause a scab, dark or light mark, or infection. Repeated attempts are especially risky near the eyes and on skin that scars easily.

Leave the bump alone, cleanse gently, and avoid abrasive scrubs or sharp tools. If you want it removed, arrange an appointment with a dermatologist or appropriately trained clinician. They can confirm the diagnosis and select a controlled method, such as an in-clinic opening and extraction; another procedure may be considered for selected lesions. Ask about aftercare and sun protection so the treated area can settle without unnecessary irritation.

Contact a clinician if a bumped or punctured area becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, painful, or starts draining. Seek urgent care for significant swelling around the eye, vision changes, or severe pain. A changing, bleeding, or unusual lesion should be assessed rather than repeatedly treated as [Skin Bumps](/symptoms/skin-bumps/).

Ask: Is this definitely milia? Would removal help? Which technique suits this location? How should I clean the area afterward? What symptoms suggest infection?