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What should you know about skin milia causes?

How the structures involved in Milia differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Milia differ from normal

Short answer

Milia are small keratin-filled cysts that form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin surface.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Typical feel
Firm and smooth rather than soft or fluid-filled
Common areas
Eyelids, cheeks, nose, and forehead

Why these bumps appear

Milia often look like firm, pearly white or yellow bumps, commonly around the eyelids, cheeks, nose, or forehead. They are not the same as acne whiteheads, because the material sits in a small cyst rather than an open or blocked pore. Primary milia can appear without an obvious trigger. Secondary milia may follow skin irritation, an injury, a burn, or a condition that affects the surface barrier. A photograph or examination may be needed when the appearance is unusual.

Safe next steps

Wash gently, avoid rough scrubs, and do not pierce or squeeze the bumps at home, especially near the eyes. Heavy products or repeated irritation may make the area harder to assess. If milia persist or bother you, a dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss options such as Topical Retinoids or Curettage And Cautery. Treatment choice depends on location, number of bumps, skin sensitivity, and the risk of temporary marks.

When to arrange a review

Arrange a skin review if a bump grows quickly, bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, turns inflamed, or does not resemble your other bumps. Seek prompt care for marked swelling around the eye, vision changes, or signs of infection. A clinician can also help when several new bumps follow an injury or irritating procedure.

Questions to ask

Ask whether the bumps are Milia, Skin Bumps, or Whiteheads; whether a recent product or injury could have contributed; and which treatment is suitable for your skin and their location.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Are milia caused by poor hygiene?

No. Milia result from trapped keratin and are not simply a sign that skin is unclean.

Should milia be squeezed?

No. Squeezing can injure the skin and increase irritation or scarring, particularly near the eyes.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.