What should you know about traumatic milia?

Milia form when keratin, a protein found in the outer skin, becomes trapped in a tiny cyst near the surface. After trauma, healing skin can shed cells unevenly and create this blockage. The bumps often have a smooth, pearly appearance and may occur where the skin was scratched, inflamed, or treated. They are different from acne because they do not contain typical oily material, so squeezing usually does not empty them and may injure the surrounding skin.

A clinician may identify milia by examining their colour, firmness, location, and history. A bump that changes, bleeds, becomes painful, or does not resemble a typical milium may need a closer assessment.

Avoid picking, piercing, or scraping the cyst. Use gentle cleansing, avoid harsh exfoliation over the area, and protect healing skin from further friction. If the bump remains or bothers you, a dermatologist can open and release it with a sterile technique. Depending on the number and location of lesions, treatment may include carefully selected topical retinoids or a minor procedure such as curettage and cautery. Treatment choice should account for skin sensitivity and the possibility of temporary redness or colour change.

Arrange a skin assessment if a bump is rapidly changing, persistently irritated, bleeding, crusting, painful, or surrounded by spreading redness. Seek prompt medical care for warmth, increasing swelling, pus, fever, or worsening pain after an injury or procedure, as these can indicate infection rather than an uncomplicated milium.

Ask whether the lesion has the typical appearance of milia, whether the earlier injury could have triggered it, and which removal method fits its location. You can also ask how to care for the area afterward and how to reduce irritation during healing.