What should you know about stubborn milia?

Milia are firm, pearly white or skin-coloured bumps caused by trapped keratin beneath the surface. They often occur on the eyelids, under-eye skin, cheeks, or forehead and usually do not behave like inflamed acne. Similar-looking whiteheads and other skin bumps can need different care, so location, firmness, and duration help with diagnosis. Rubbing, heavy products, or skin injury may contribute in some cases.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or scrape milia at home, especially near the eye. Cleanse gently, avoid abrasive exfoliation, and review rich or irritating products with a clinician. If removal is wanted, a trained professional can open and extract the cyst using a controlled technique. Topical retinoids may be considered for selected cases, while curettage and cautery are options a dermatologist may discuss after confirming the diagnosis.

Arrange a review if a bump grows, bleeds, becomes painful or inflamed, clusters unusually, affects vision, or does not resemble your previous milia. Seek prompt attention for marked eyelid swelling, eye pain, or changes in sight. A new persistent white bump deserves diagnosis before treatment.

Ask whether the bump is milia, a whitehead, or another lesion; whether your eye-area products may contribute; and which removal method suits its location. Ask how to care for the skin afterwards and how to recognise infection or irritation.