Over-the-counter milia treatment

Milia are small, firm, usually white or skin-coloured cysts formed from trapped keratin beneath the surface. They commonly appear around the eyes and cheeks and are different from acne whiteheads, although both can look like tiny white bumps. They are usually not painful or dangerous.

Because milia sit under a thin layer of skin, squeezing them rarely releases the contents cleanly. Pressure, needles, or home extraction tools can cause a wound, infection, or a lasting mark. A changing, bleeding, tender, or unusual bump deserves an examination rather than repeated self-treatment.

Wash with a mild cleanser, moisturise with a non-irritating product, and use broad-spectrum sun protection on exposed skin. Avoid heavy products that seem to trigger new bumps, but do not scrub the area aggressively. A clinician may sometimes recommend a topical retinoid, though these can irritate the eyelids and are not suitable for everyone.

If a bump remains bothersome, a trained professional can confirm that it is milia and remove it with an appropriate technique such as curettage and cautery. Do not attempt this around the eye at home.

Book an assessment if the diagnosis is uncertain, the bumps are multiplying quickly, or the skin becomes red, swollen, painful, or draining. Seek urgent help for eye pain, vision changes, or significant swelling around the eye. Review is also sensible when a bump persists despite gentle care or keeps recurring.

Ask whether the bumps are milia or another type of skin bump, whether a topical retinoid fits your skin and pregnancy plans, and which removal method is safest for the location.